86T4R

First post, Love the forums.
This past week my 86 4Runner, 22RE, started blowing coolant steam out the exhaust. Got coolant in the oil, all that crap. So I'm tearing it down today I take the upper intake, or plenum, off and theres a puddle of coolant in the #2 intake port of the lower intake. I removed the lower intake to try to inspect, but the removal demolished the gasket too much for inspection. My question is, would a blown head gasket or a worn timing chain cover deposit coolant into the intake? Cheers!

85TurboRunner

Did it overheat? Could even be a cracked head. Either way sounds like the head needs to be removed and the gasket at least replaced.

86T4R

Never had a chance to overheat. This 4Runner runs particularly cool, even living in phoenix. The trip that I noticed the steam was to the cornerstore and back. Ive got the head gasket, and was planning a head gasket change, but that is still alot more digging and Id hate to fix it if it doesn't need it. This was a good amount of coolant, in one port, some fell out when I removed the plenum. I dont think that much water can flow back through the valves in the case of a head gasket. And Im not sure what a worn timing cover does to distribute coolant in the engine. I doubt the head is warped or cracked, this truck has been almost to hell and back. Shes enjoying her golden years now, taking it easy. Any ideas, opinions?

85TurboRunner

I suppose it could be the lower plenum to head gasket, I know there are water jackets through there.

86T4R

Yeah the thermostat mount to the lower intake and there are passages around that port. I guess I was hoping it was more of a common problem cause Im baffled. I think Ill try just the intake gasket. The most Ill lose is a few more hours and one more oil/filter change. Thanks for the reply TurboRunner. Ill post the outcome. Cheers.

86T4R

It was the intake to head gasket. Finished yesterday, but it was still blowing a little steam. Not as much steam. Drove it today to see if the coolant would burn out, been there on other head gasket jobs. After about 10 miles and steam cleared completely. I recommend dismantling your intake side first when changing a bad head gasket. Saved me some headaches this time.

85TurboRunner

Good to hear it wasn't the head gasket.