Nuckaman

I just picked up a clean 95 4Runner, 2WD, Auto, 120K on the ODO.

According to the service records, the latest one stated that there was a coolant leak from the Head Bolt and Water Outlet. Anyone know where these locations are and whats involved with the repair?

I still need to confirm the amount of leak, which I think is pretty small for now.

Thanks!

GSGALLANT

If you've got coolant leaking out at a headbolt, then unfortunately it's leaking past your headgasket to get into the bolt hole. Were the headgaskets ever replaced on your truck? If not, there was a recall several years ago (assuming you have the 3.0L).

Some people have had success in getting Toyota to replace the H.G. even this late in the game if they hadn't been done already. If they've been done once under the recall, you're on your own for the repair, though. It's quite a lengthy job to replace the headgaskets.

The water outlet is an easy fix. It's where the top rad hose connects to the top front of the engine. You just use FIPG (form in place gasket... just in case you don't already know that), to seal that. You'll have to drain the rad (at least down below the level of the water outlet), remove the water outlet, clean both sealing surfaces well, apply new FIPG, then re-assemble it.

I like to use "The Right Stuff" gasket maker by permatex. It's compatible with all the fluids on your vehicle, and you can re-fill your system almost immediately after you re-assemble the components (I usually wait 15 minutes or so just to be sure.)

Nuckaman

Thanks for the response back.

Yeah, I figured it was a head gasket problem. I believe the original gasket was replaced by a indepentant mechanic years ago because it blew on it's own. I'm on my own on this one I believe.

What is my typical borrowed time on a leaking head bolt, providing it's a minor leak? I understand it is something I need to fix as soon as I can.