Head Gasket Replacement

mudbog · 01-23-2006, 12:15 PM

I found the source of my O2 sensor malfunction…head gasket was leaking and the coolant fumes caused the sensor to burn out. It wasn't a bad mix in the oil, but definitely noticeable). I've never actually replaced the gaskets before, and when I did some searching on this site, I didn't see any write-ups on it. Is there a link that someone has on a good "how to" for this task? I have a couple of good manuals, but I always like hearing from people first hand who have worked on something before. Any tips? How difficult of a job is this? While I'm in there, is there anything else that I should be replacing? Appreciate the help here guys, thanks!

Brian

My truck:
1997 Tacoma 4x4
2.4, 4 cyl

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mudbog · 01-24-2006, 11:32 AM

In my research for why Toyota uses Red coolant, and if I can replace with US green/gold when I do the flush following my gasket replacement, I came across this article in Popular Mechanics. Thought it was an interesting read for those wondering about the Toyota Red coolant and any comparable US or cheaper subsitute.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...tml?page=1&c=y

Radyota · 01-24-2006, 11:50 AM

Avoid the Felpro gaskets, they're junk. Assuming you have the 3vze 3.0 V6, do a search on it and you'll find everything you need to know. Use factory Toyota headgaskets, Victor Nitroseal head gaskets (found @ Car Quest or Checker? 1 of those 2) or get Enginebuilder's kit with his new head bolts. You have to replace the factory head bolts because they're one time use only! Also, replace water pump, timing belt, noisy belt pulleys, and the knock sensor wire. Make sure your heads aren't warped, valves in good condition, and reset the valve clearances. Better yet, get them rebuilt with a 3 angle valve job for $200-$250. Make sure you have a lot of valve clearance on the exhaust valves, as those burn up quickly with the stock exhaust manifolds/crossover pipe. Get Downey headers if you can afford it. Good luck!

MTL_4runner · 01-24-2006, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radyota

Avoid the Felpro gaskets, they're junk. Assuming you have the 3vze 3.0 V6, do a search on it and you'll find everything you need to know. Use factory Toyota headgaskets, Victor Nitroseal head gaskets (found @ Car Quest or Checker? 1 of those 2) or get Enginebuilder's kit with his new head bolts. You have to replace the factory head bolts because they're one time use only! Also, replace water pump, timing belt, noisy belt pulleys, and the knock sensor wire. Make sure your heads aren't warped, valves in good condition, and reset the valve clearances. Better yet, get them rebuilt with a 3 angle valve job for $200-$250. Make sure you have a lot of valve clearance on the exhaust valves, as those burn up quickly with the stock exhaust manifolds/crossover pipe. Get Downey headers if you can afford it. Good luck!

His engine was a 4cyl....

Quote:

My truck:
1997 Tacoma 4x4
2.4, 4 cyl

Shouldn't be nearly as bad for doing a HG on a 4cyl than on a V6.

Radyota · 01-24-2006, 12:19 PM

Ooops! Sorry, I was just a little too anxious to help I guess! Some of it might apply, though. It should be TONS easier than a V6! Good luck!

mudbog · 01-25-2006, 05:36 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to tackle it this weekend, it doesn't seem too bad.

01-24-2006, 11:32 AM	#2 (permalink)
mudbog Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 11	Head Gasket Replacement In my research for why Toyota uses Red coolant, and if I can replace with US green/gold when I do the flush following my gasket replacement, I came across this article in Popular Mechanics. Thought it was an interesting read for those wondering about the Toyota Red coolant and any comparable US or cheaper subsitute. http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...tml?page=1&c=y

01-24-2006, 11:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
Radyota Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: St. Cloud, MN Posts: 210	Avoid the Felpro gaskets, they're junk. Assuming you have the 3vze 3.0 V6, do a search on it and you'll find everything you need to know. Use factory Toyota headgaskets, Victor Nitroseal head gaskets (found @ Car Quest or Checker? 1 of those 2) or get Enginebuilder's kit with his new head bolts. You have to replace the factory head bolts because they're one time use only! Also, replace water pump, timing belt, noisy belt pulleys, and the knock sensor wire. Make sure your heads aren't warped, valves in good condition, and reset the valve clearances. Better yet, get them rebuilt with a 3 angle valve job for $200-$250. Make sure you have a lot of valve clearance on the exhaust valves, as those burn up quickly with the stock exhaust manifolds/crossover pipe. Get Downey headers if you can afford it. Good luck! __________________ '92 toyota Xtracab 4x4 pickup-3.0 v6,5 speed, 235/75 15" tires, intake "Y" hose and associated vacuum boxes eliminated,186,000 mi., engine almost together,Engnbldr's grade 10.9 head bolts, clutch now replaced w/Centerforce dual friction clutch. '84 toyota Supra P-type 5MGE inline 6, 5 speed, 179,000 miles, RWD Ltd. slip, Pacesetter header, 5 slot mags and NO muffler.

01-24-2006, 12:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
Radyota Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: St. Cloud, MN Posts: 210	Ooops! Sorry, I was just a little too anxious to help I guess! Some of it might apply, though. It should be TONS easier than a V6! Good luck! __________________ '92 toyota Xtracab 4x4 pickup-3.0 v6,5 speed, 235/75 15" tires, intake "Y" hose and associated vacuum boxes eliminated,186,000 mi., engine almost together,Engnbldr's grade 10.9 head bolts, clutch now replaced w/Centerforce dual friction clutch. '84 toyota Supra P-type 5MGE inline 6, 5 speed, 179,000 miles, RWD Ltd. slip, Pacesetter header, 5 slot mags and NO muffler.

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01-25-2006, 05:36 AM	#6 (permalink)
mudbog Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 11	Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to tackle it this weekend, it doesn't seem too bad.