Crap! Head Gasket Giving Up the Ghost...

TNRabbit · 02-23-2007, 12:10 AM

Well, after all these years bragging about no HG problems, it looks like I finally got bit. I'm going through coolant like crazy (this stuff is more expensive than OIL!), to the tune of about a gallon per couple tanks of gas, and can find no other reasonable explanation. The problem is, I don't have the telltale sweet burning smell from the exhaust. I guess I'll have to break down & get that compression tester I've wanted for years...

Of course this happens at the WORST possible time; this is my only transportation! $h!t...

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Elton · 02-23-2007, 12:21 AM

that sucks and welcome to the club

Just Learning · 02-23-2007, 01:29 AM

doesnt sound like a good club to belong to

ovrrdrive · 02-23-2007, 03:53 AM

That sucks man...

That isn't an easy, or cheap job from what I've heard.

Sounds like it's time to do an engine swap.

TNRabbit · 02-23-2007, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovrrdrive

That sucks man...

That isn't an easy, or cheap job from what I've heard.

Sounds like it's time to do an engine swap.

I'm not going to that much trouble; I'd sell the truck first. I've had the manifold off once, completely cleaned out the plenum, manifold & throttle body, & cleaned/inspected the injectors. I'll just have to pull it all again.

I have all the tools, knowhow & a place to work; I just need the TIME! Wondering if I should get the head/valves reworked while I have them off. I'l probably replace the timing belt & put a new oil pump on her as well. i dread starting this...

***Corey*** · 02-23-2007, 04:11 AM

Bummer, sorry to hear that.
Will you rebuild or put in a new block if more damage is done to the block or what?

The reason I did not fix up my 4Runner was because it needed a whole new engine, and with labor installing it, it was 1.2x the blue book value of the rig.

Yours might be a lot easier fix than mine was.

TNRabbit · 02-23-2007, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey

Bummer, sorry to hear that.
Will you rebuild or put in a new block if more damage is done to the block or what?

The reason I did not fix up my 4Runner was because it needed a whole new engine, and with labor installing it, it was 1.2x the blue book value of the rig.

Yours might be a lot easier fix than mine was.

No damage that I can tell; I plan to have the heads check for warpage, though. If it gets to be too much, I'll scrap it out and sell off parts here or on ePrey.

Tdubbs05 · 02-23-2007, 08:10 AM

sounds like ur in the same boat i'm in. getting mine checked out on march 5th and hopefully get it back up and running by the end of the week. really hope i didn't ruin anything else and caught this issue early...

Kutter · 02-23-2007, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovrrdrive

That sucks man...

That isn't an easy, or cheap job from what I've heard.

Sounds like it's time to do an engine swap.

Engine swap is a good idea. I did one on my 4x4 and it is sweet. But the head gasket can be replaced for $150-$200 in parts including timing belt. See enginebuilder.com for gaskets and bolts. could be done in 5-8 hours.

**UKMyers** · 02-23-2007, 01:18 PM

Make sure you don't have a coolant leak somewhere first.. I'm sure you thought of this but just double checking. Do you have milkshake oil??

TNRabbit · 02-23-2007, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UKMyers

Make sure you don't have a coolant leak somewhere first.. I'm sure you thought of this but just double checking. Do you have milkshake oil??

Nope, done all the routine checks except for compression test; I'm going to Sears tonight to get a tester.

kmcc78240 · 02-23-2007, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNRabbit

[color=Blue]Well, after all these years bragging about no HG problems, it looks like I finally got bit. I'm going through coolant like crazy (this stuff is more expensive than OIL!), to the tune of about a gallon per couple tanks of gas, and can find no other reasonable explanation. The problem is, I don't have the telltale sweet burning smell from the exhaust. I guess I'll have to break down & get that compression tester I've wanted for years...

Coolant disappeared out of mine for almost a year eventually getting worse. Thy did a compression checked and it passed (mid 150 straight across the board) Eventually they checked for exhaust gas in the coolant that is when I knew the HG was going. Oh well it's all said and done now.

Might as well and check the Knock sensor and wire while you are in there. I got a the heads machined and valve job for I think $450.

Sorry to hear about it, but start planning something.

thook · 02-23-2007, 02:11 PM

Gee TN, sorry to hear about. If I lived anywhere near, I'd help you do the job just because you've been so helpful when I needed it. I guess lets find out if it's indeed the headgasket, first.

TNRabbit · 02-23-2007, 02:18 PM

I'm thinkin' a 215 ci Buick V-8 would fit in the engine bay nicely...! Same engine they put in the Triumph TR-8...

joeynational · 02-23-2007, 07:11 PM

Those blue letters are really screwing with my EYES!!

pruney81 · 02-23-2007, 07:47 PM

I did my headgasket 3 months and 2k miles ago, I just got new bolts, timing belt water pump and did the valve seals. I didn't send the heads out and so far so good. We'll see how long it lasts though. I've 158k on a 95 3.0

pruney81 · 02-23-2007, 07:47 PM

The heads usually don't warp as long as it hasn't overheated or run hot correct?

TNRabbit · 02-24-2007, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pruney81

The heads usually don't warp as long as it hasn't overheated or run hot correct?

Overheated it twice in the past year (DON'T ask)....I think that's why the HG is going south.

Ebin · 02-25-2007, 12:04 AM

My first indication of a blown HG was a bubbling sound like an overheated radiator...but I wasn't overheating or spraying any coolant. Wasn't even blowing white, sweet smoke. Weird, but true.

TNRabbit · 02-25-2007, 07:49 AM

While I've got the truck down, I've been needing to rebuild a sticking caliper. Has anyone purchased these from Marlincrawler?

http://www.marlincrawler.com/htm/brakes/calipers.htm#

I could buy the rebuild kits and pads from the dealer and almost spend the same amount. Combined with MC reputation...how can I go wrong?
__________________

thook · 02-25-2007, 11:10 AM

Which reputation is that? Their quality parts or hit/miss service?...lol!

I jest, but those calipers are undoubtedly excellent...if they're anything like their clutches. The price tag, though! I realize it's not much different than the dealer, but then I'm not one who can usually afford those prices. I got my calipers from O'Reilly for that reason. (Of course, complete with their nifty lifetime warranty!) I've never really has any issues with them, either. I just make it a practice to keep the fluid fresh so they last longer. I guess the only thing was the aftermarket calipers didn't come with new springs and guide pins. That was pain.

Made any decisions on what to do with the motor, yet?

TNRabbit · 02-25-2007, 11:31 AM

thook: I't snowing like a bee-otch here so I haven't done anything yet. I'm toying with only replacing the offending HG, oil pump & timing belt (plus one tensioner) in order to get out of this cheap(ish). It doesn't use much oil at all, has no oil leaks, and runs well otherwise; rings are probably fine. Why tear into more than I have to?? Your thoughts?

TNRabbit · 02-25-2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeynational

Those blue letters are really screwing with my EYES!!

Is THIS blue better?!?

thook · 02-25-2007, 11:39 AM

My thoughts? Well, doing a motor swap....uh, yeah.. that's a lot more work and a lot more money. You know the dilemma I went through with my 3.0! It's finally finished, though. I mostly had the help of a friend to tear it down and rebuild it, but I did quite a bit by myself. If you don't have to anything but the HG's, pump, and belt, I'd say just do that. I'd also say once you've done it, make sure you don't overheat it again. I'm dying to ask, of course. But I won't...lol! The job is basically nuts and bolts. Hopefully you have a trusted machine shop to check the heads and resurface them?

TNRabbit · 02-25-2007, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thook

My thoughts? Well, doing a motor swap....uh, yeah.. that's a lot more work and a lot more money. You know the dilemma I went through with my 3.0! It's finally finished, though. I mostly had the help of a friend to tear it down and rebuild it, but I did quite a bit by myself. If you don't have to anything but the HG's, pump, and belt, I'd say just do that. I'd also say once you've done it, make sure you don't overheat it again. I'm dying to ask, of course. But I won't...lol! The job is basically nuts and bolts. Hopefully you have a trusted machine shop to check the heads and resurface them?

I'm researching machine shops now; someone suggested Ship Point Machine in S. MD.

OK, since you aske so nicely

: the first overheat was result of a blown out hose while driving down the road. I've had a couple of tiny pinhole leaks in the top of my radiator now for the last 100,000+ miles, so it tends to drop the level over a few weeks. Combine that with the hose & OVERHEAT #1!

Overheat #2 was when the water pump died and combination of the pinhole leaks leaving with less than full radiator. I've since fixed the pinhole leaks and keep a closer eye on the level. The funny thing is, the engine NEVER overheats until it is COMPLETELY out of coolant. It can have a couple of quarts in it and still run normal temp; amazing!

02-23-2007, 12:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Siletz,Oregon Posts: 10,644	that sucks and welcome to the club __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto sister 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

02-23-2007, 03:53 AM	#4 (permalink)
ovrrdrive Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,775	That sucks man... That isn't an easy, or cheap job from what I've heard. Sounds like it's time to do an engine swap. __________________ '95 xcab - SOLD '03 4runner V8 SR5 completely stock

02-23-2007, 04:11 AM	#6 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,067	Bummer, sorry to hear that. Will you rebuild or put in a new block if more damage is done to the block or what? The reason I did not fix up my 4Runner was because it needed a whole new engine, and with labor installing it, it was 1.2x the blue book value of the rig. Yours might be a lot easier fix than mine was. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

02-23-2007, 08:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
Tdubbs05 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Altos, CA (Flagstaff, AZ for college) Posts: 338	sounds like ur in the same boat i'm in. getting mine checked out on march 5th and hopefully get it back up and running by the end of the week. really hope i didn't ruin anything else and caught this issue early... __________________ Tim ___________________________________________ 1994 4Runner \| 3.slow Auto \| 265/75/16 Nitto Terra Grappler's \| Bilsteins \| Downey HD Kit \| ARB Bumper \| Warn M8000 \| 2 Lightforce 170's on the ARB \| Roof Rack w/ Checker HID's \|

02-25-2007, 12:04 AM	#19 (permalink)
Ebin Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 99	My first indication of a blown HG was a bubbling sound like an overheated radiator...but I wasn't overheating or spraying any coolant. Wasn't even blowing white, sweet smoke. Weird, but true. __________________ 95 4Runner 4X4 3VZE - All Stock, Original HG Replaced at 242K 87 4X4 Yota Truck Xtra Cab - 187K and No Major Replacements

02-23-2007, 01:29 AM	#3 (permalink)
Just Learning Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Evans Colorado Posts: 682	doesnt sound like a good club to belong to

02-23-2007, 07:11 PM	#15 (permalink)
joeynational Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Phoenix,AZ Posts: 74	Those blue letters are really screwing with my EYES!!

02-23-2007, 07:47 PM	#16 (permalink)
pruney81 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 794	I did my headgasket 3 months and 2k miles ago, I just got new bolts, timing belt water pump and did the valve seals. I didn't send the heads out and so far so good. We'll see how long it lasts though. I've 158k on a 95 3.0

02-23-2007, 07:47 PM	#17 (permalink)
pruney81 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 794	The heads usually don't warp as long as it hasn't overheated or run hot correct?

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