head gasket?

John79 · 03-25-2005, 04:10 PM

I was driving my 89 toyota and noticed alot of steam coming from the exhaust even after it warmed up it. Then it started overheating I was almost home so I just stopped let it cool then drove home before it could get hot again. I checked the oil and it was clean on the dipstick no signs of water but had milky sludge on the oil cap so figured it was a blown head gasket. It has been sitting for a few weeks and I checked it out today and noticed there is now alot of water in the oil so it leaked into the oil just from sitting.
Does this sound like a head gasket or cracked head? I was hoping to just replace the head gasket and get it back on the road. Its a 89 toyota pickup with a 22re and 153k miles. It was using a coolant before this but only being a bit low about every 5000 miles.

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jimbo74 · 03-25-2005, 04:22 PM

sounds liek a head gasket... could be a cracked head though...... the only way to find out is to take it apart..... get the head checked out, if its good have a machine shop do a valve job and resurface the head, then get a new head gasket and your good to go, will also want to replace the head bolts with studs if you have never attempted this kind of thing before, on some engines the head bolts are reuseable, but its best to get a new set

John79 · 03-25-2005, 06:33 PM

Is it really necessary to have the head resurfaced? I was planning on just getting the parts and trying to do the whole thing in a weekend. I guess it would be a good idea to get the best fit. I'll have to pull the head first and make sure its ok.

PirateFins · 03-25-2005, 07:22 PM

I would pull the head and take it to an automotive machine shop. Have them pressure test it and test the flatness. That will find out if it is cracked and if it needs to be machined.

Try and disonnect everything leaving the intake manifold and runner attached. This makes it easier to remove and disassemble on the bench. Carefull of the knock sensor wire (that was a $120 mistake I just made). If the head is cracked look into getting a replacement from engnbldr.com (Ted is a member here andis good people).

netwt12 · 03-26-2005, 06:03 AM

take the head to the machine shop if for no other reason but to determine if it is warped. they can also pressure check it for cracks and clean it up. if you are going to go through the trouble of pulling the head don't skimp and do the job half way.

03-26-2005, 06:03 AM	#5 (permalink)
netwt12 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Auburn,Al Posts: 518	take the head to the machine shop if for no other reason but to determine if it is warped. they can also pressure check it for cracks and clean it up. if you are going to go through the trouble of pulling the head don't skimp and do the job half way. __________________ 1985 X-cab pickup. stock 1988 Trail Truck. SAS, Dual Cases, FROR Twin stick, 30 Spline Longs & IFS Hub Gears, Exoed, Aluminum Trail-Ready Beadlocks, 37" Boggers, and Extreme Rock Rash. 2008 Camry LE.

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03-25-2005, 04:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
jimbo74 Banned Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Nor*Cal Posts: 6,582	sounds liek a head gasket... could be a cracked head though...... the only way to find out is to take it apart..... get the head checked out, if its good have a machine shop do a valve job and resurface the head, then get a new head gasket and your good to go, will also want to replace the head bolts with studs if you have never attempted this kind of thing before, on some engines the head bolts are reuseable, but its best to get a new set

03-25-2005, 06:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
John79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 27	Is it really necessary to have the head resurfaced? I was planning on just getting the parts and trying to do the whole thing in a weekend. I guess it would be a good idea to get the best fit. I'll have to pull the head first and make sure its ok.