4Runner needs valve job - advice please

My 170,000 mile 1999 4Runner has 80 psi in the number 1 cylinder. All the rest are at 190 psi. The engine (2.7 liter 4 cyl) has had regular oil changes with synthetic oils. However, the idle is very rough and the check engine light has come on. I had a valve adjustment done 15000 miles ago thinking that might solve the problem but it has not. My car-smart friends say that I should just swap the head and keep driving (it's a great vehicle in otherwise good shape). Any suggestions or a source for a quality replacement head with associated gasket set? Sorry if this has been solved already - asking for newbie dispensation!

 

How do you know it's a bad valve causing the low compression? Could be a head gasket, could be piston rings...

 

I say your car-smart friends are spot on but that is just my .02 on the matter. BUT if the lower end is shot and you waste the money on a head that is not the problem that will suck. So really either way the engine will need to be tore apart and really looked at. I would almost see if you can find a low mileage engine and just do a swap. Keep the extra block and head and build them when you have the time and funds.

Blue

 

Thanks. Good feedback. Since the engine uses no oil between changes and is quiet, I think the bottom end and rings are probably ok. Any suggestions for a vendor for a replacement head?

 

http://www.lceperformance.com

 

Late reply but you should do a leak down to narrow down if it's rings, head gasket, valve(s)