Down2TheC

My T4R supposedly got the recall work done (but they wouldn't tell me when or what mileage) and here it is blowing the left HG at 140k. Pretty freaking sad.

I actually got to watch it happen. I got a tiny dip in idle RPM at a stop light so I was checking the gauges when I got going. In the span of 1/4 mile the temp creeped from normal op temp to pegged. The failure was letting exhaust into the cooling system.

Of course you know the rest of the story... Once she cooled down, then the coolant flows into the cylinder and you're cooked. It must be tiny because it would start for the next couple hours but after a tow and a night at rest, the cylinder was full. (shop pulled the plug and cranked it an it shot antifreeze all over.)

Truck's worth $2700 running so a HG job or engine swap is out. And I don't have the time or patience to do it myself. So it's time to strip what I can and get her to the scrap heap. Didn't want to dump cash right now but I was sick of the crappy tranny and the body was starting to rust like a GM. So I'm off to look for a nice gently used 2003 or better.

MaK92-4RnR

scary... my 4runner is at 140k on the original head gasket ( my rig still has the recall code to use ) good thing im taking it easy on her.

Sorry that happened. dont give up on the truck though! swap it out! no 4runner should going to the scrap heap...

Down2TheC

I'd agree, but I think the trans was about to do something bad and despite being garage kept the rear fenders and the back bumper have rusted away. So time to call TOD I think.

5yrs and about 35k miles, all winter daily driving. So she was treated well on my watch. Must have had a hard life w/ the original owner. But hey... I got my $$$ worth.

If anyone wants a 4 month old muffler, let me know. (free to whoever brings a hacksaw.)

Down2TheC

So I just verified that it was the #6 cylinder just like all the recall hg failures. (I know, it's not a recall)

When I bought the truck I checked to see if she had the recall and the dealer that sold it to me said yes.

Now I check with my local dealer (just to be sure) and they said my VIN was never included. Anyone think it's worth a call to the company line to break the tie? Maybe I'll get a third answer and they'll replace it for me.

buckz6319

I feel your pain!!..I have a 95 4runner 3.crap!!..my head gasket blew last month.The vin was not included in the recall either, I did call Toyota National Customer Relations Department to confirm what I all ready new.They said that " we can't do any thing for you, and besides the recall has expired".

Down2TheC

Apparently it's a pretty common story at 100k - 140k. I just got my truck there late.
Check out this page.

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/toy...5660/comments/

The moral is... I'll look really hard at the history before buying the next one. Hopefully the 2003 T4R doesn't have any huge failings like this.

buckz6319

I agree with ya on the moral of the story!!....and that is a interesting link

Ilovemountains

You can buy a remanned engine with heads for under $1500 with a 3yer 36k warranty, thats what I WISH I would have done this time last year when I dropped almost $1800 into my 88 for a headgasket job at the stealership, live and learn I guess I should have researched options before having the work done on the old engine...

pruney81

Just buy a truck with a 22re and you'll be good to go when it comes to Toyota's of this vintage. I haven't had any luck with the 3.0, and I've owned 3 in my years. Every 22re I've had has been solid and was way older and had more mileage than the 3VZE's. A 2003 4Runner would probably be a good move too.

dfarr67

But alas.....vvveeerrrryyyyy slow

pruney81

I'll give you that one.

Down2TheC

I'm adding one last Hail Mary before donating the truck. I'll run some leakfix gunk and see if I can keep her running until Spring. Plan is to run it with #6 open so the gunk gets into the pinhole and plugs things up.

Doubt it will do much if anything, but it's only a $15 gamble. That stuff saved a Camry I had once but not with a coolant to cylinder leak. So longshot.

If it fails, I can sell my 4 month old muffler to break even before donating.

countryboy88

is this recall for the headgasket still active, i have to check to see if the truck already had it done, but im hoping not it would be cool if i could get it replaced for free. anyone with solid info it would be good thanks. its 91 toyota 4x4 with 3.0

buckz6319

I don't think so...I got that answer from Toyota Customer relations Department...there is a phone number in that recall info, do you have the Head Gasket Recall info?....if not then pm me your email address and I will send you a copy

Down2TheC

Oh by the way... This stuff worked.


My HG failure was #6 from cyl to cooling system making instant overheat, vaporizing coolant in the rad, and poor compression causing a bit of a stumble.

So I had to idle it on 5 cyls for 30 min. with the spark for #6 removed. But she's been running for a month and so far, so good. If she lasts 1k miles, I'll get the needed tranny work done on her so I can go over 50 again. (separate issue)

Better than donating! I shopped replacements and just don't like any later models. I'd miss my tailgate and my head hits the overhead on the last two gens.

Matt16

I'd drive it til it dies. I'm incredibly curious to see how long that block/hg sealant lasts.

Down2TheC

You and me both brother! I spoke with one guy who said he got 2 years out of it on a '92 T4R. And should it give out, there's nothing stopping me from spending another $15 and going again.