wxxyz

its a 1990 4runer with a 22-re....it was blowing sweet white smoke, so I pulled the head and replaced the head gasket.....it was obviously blown into cylinder #3.

I just finished getting it all back together today...run it to test it, and it still blows white smoke and bogs the engine!

I pulled the plugs and there doesn't seem to be any eveidence of moisture etc. on the plugs or in the cylinders in the little bit I can see through the plug holes.

Any ideas? Should the plugs show if it was still leaking?

THanks in advance..

sgirt

It sounds like it is still burning antifreeze. Since you replaced the head gasket, it may be the timing chain cover. On the 22REs the chain cover water pump area the chain can wear a small hole at the water pump area. I had a hard time finding my problem and found it to be this.
Good Luck!

wxxyz

thanks...thats great info....


but how do I search for that problem? I realy have no idea....you can't really see past the timing chain.cam pulley very well.

wxxyz

well, it turns out there must've been coolant pooled in the muffler or something. after the initial test, i popped the plugs, peered in and all 4 cylinders seemed to be completely dry. so i ran it for about 10 minutes, and the problem cleared up. It's been working great ever since!

DupermanDave

Old thread, I know.

Does anyone know if radiator stop leak would fix the problem? Something that stops leaks in the radiator and cooling system? I know these leaks stoppers aren't a good permanent fix, but I just need to hold out for another 2 months until I can buy a new radiator and timing cover.

Ron Helmuth

I am not sure what you are asking exactly. No- radiator stop leak will not fix a head gasket problem. Will it temporarily fix a radiator leak-maybe-depends on the size and the length of the drive.

Sure can't recommend it. Just get it fixed. This is why credit cards were invented, to take care of a problem you lack immediate cash for.

Get one of those zero percent for a year cards, so you don't pay interest on it. Lots of shops even offer financing.

Don't make your problem worse waiting for the money. The analogy/example I use all the time is the folks you see driving around with plastic sheeting duct taped to cover up a broken window. So now they get water in and invite thieves to browse their vehicle interior. All for a $100 window or $200 or whatever it costs. Most of us are poor working people but sometimes you gots to bite the bullet and git r done.

97ltd4x4

If its a headgasket thats blown,stop leak will not do anything,too much pressure.......Slight seap from radiator tank,pin hole in radiator core maybe...and not for very long......And then you get a chance of clogging heater core,damaging waterpump bearing,clogging engine coolant passages,.......Its for getting you to the repair shop.

ozziesironmanoffroad

ive heard good luck with those stop leak things, but it clogs the coolant lines, so CAVEAT EMPTOR

DupermanDave

Sounds like I shouldnt make it worse. I was just wondering if it would repair the crack/hole in the timing cover (if I do have a hole).I just did a head job and replaced the head gasket and my truck is still shooting smoke on startup.