4runningyota

Thanks for all the replies and advice.

I had the truck looked at by a mechanic and he did a leak down test and pressurized the coolant system - I'm not 100% sure I know what that all involves but he was very confident that it is a small HG leak. I'm losing coolant, 5th plug needs to be changed frequently, it runs like crap every morning and with white smoke. Bars leak is useless.

I think I will get the HG changed as it seems that rest of the motor should hold up for a bit yet. I've heard that they will last up to 500,000 miles in some cases.

Only alternative that is more cost effective is thermagasket but there seems to be a lack information regarding the long term effectiveness... any idea why?

Thanks again, this forum is great.

btw, I live in BC Canada for those that offered help.

4runningyota

oh yea, I checked into the recall. Toyota researched my VIN and according to them the HG was replaced in 1997. they will not replace it again under that recall. They went on to say that I cant expect the HG to last forever in a motor that has high mileage - "it is the weakest link" so they say

hairbear65

You're doing the correct thing in having the gaskets redone. I've never seen an additive work and they are bandaids anyway...I don't think you want that in the back of your head...just waiting for it to fail.

I didn't realize the TB and Wpump were done the first time...I read right over it.

Two head gaskets and new head bolts...you can more than likely reuse your intake gaskets...although for around $60 I'd personally change them while it's apart. It should be less than $250/$300 in parts...each head gasket costs around $51 each and the head bolts are around $35 for each head.

Good luck

#1Grunt

hey guys check in to some stuff called blue demon sales for 60 bucks at your local O'riellys auto parts store. My brother in law dumped a bottle in to his 93 runner even after hearing my hour long lecture I'll be DAMNED!!! He had one hell of a leak and with in 40 minutes it was gone. A quick tune up, and a new thermostat was all it needed. That was 37,000 miles ago Lucky Bastard.... I hate that guy

bugs1961

You are making a mistake not to get head work done while you're at it. The exhaust valves are very likely burned, the guides worn, the seals leaking and brittle, seats pitted, etc. The heads should also be milled to ensure that the new HGs will hold up long term. This is a big job and will cost a minimum of $600 to do properly. $200 for a gasket kit (you will need a dozen different gaskets, injector o-rings, cam seals, etc. On my truck I had the heads rebuilt with new exhaust valves, guides, seats, and the intakes all reground. The heads were milled and the shop adjusted the valves with the proper thickness shims. Cost was $200/head. Figure another $50 for shop supplies (shop towels, parts cleaner, etc.)

You will really regret going cheap on this project. The engine will likely run poorly and not last very long before another HG failure.

You have a nice truck. Spend the money to make it reliable for another 200,000 miles.

#1Grunt

My thought exactly bugs1961, couldn't of said it better,