i'm having a couple of issues with my 85 runner, (22re).
1. weak start
2. temp guage rises to 3/4 then settles to normal position
3. possible exhaust leak
i stopped by a well recommended mechanic to set up an appt for this friday. when i described my truck's issues he said that most likely my head gasket was blown. he said low compression was probably causing the weak start. he asked if i was losing coolant. NO. any coolant mixing with oil? NO.
idle seems smooth enough and there does not seem to be any loss in power, gas mileage, (24mpg last tank), or oil burning.
any ideas before i return to the mechanic on friday? thanks, dan

 

Can you rent a coolent pressure tester (witht he correct fitting for a 22re) from VatoZone or the like? I have no idea what standard pressure for the 22re is but for a 3.0 it should be around 13-17psi I believe.

If/when you do this pressure check and if the pressure holds then it might not be a Head Gasket.

See our thread here about our diagnostics on this!
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...s-dies-186477/

 

Yeah...there seem to be mechanics who like to think that if it's a Toyota and there's an issue, it must be the head gasket. Exhaust leak has nothing to do with head gasket (unless it's leaking into the coolant...then yes, headgasket), If the temp reads normal when you're warmed up, then the jumping up to 3/4 is either just a sending unit/gauge hiccup, or just the engine getting warm, then the thermostat opening & cooling it down. Weak start...so many things could cause it. FI, plugs, wires, rotor, cap, etc.

There are ways to find out if it's a head gasket and if they show that it's bad, fine, but those symptoms would not make me think headgasket right off the bat.

 

thanks for the responses so far guys. i am skeptical when without even looking at my truck an automatic diagnosis is given.
i did some research and ordered a two stage thermostat toy part # 90916-03070. let's hope this clears up the temp issue.
btw, the excessive temp rise occurs within a few minutes of start then once the engine fully warms it settles down to normal level.

 

Problem #2 sounds like a thermostat issue. Easy fix......a little advice....PB Blaster the bolts for a day prior to removing. I broke one of those bolts because I was impatient and had to drill it out and helicoil it. Take your time.

Problem #1 and #3, to me sound not related to #2.

Do some diagnostics like as suggested in above potings to get peace of mind about the headgasket. Beware of a knee-jerk diagnosis of headgasket failure.

 

yeah, I would try a new thermostat, coolant, and maybe even a battery if it hasn't been replaced recently

if it's not losing coolant or power and isn't mixing with oil, it doesn't sound anything like a head gasket to me.

 

Does it have a winning or kind of grinding noise in the front of the motor? Possible water pump? You sure the coolant is all the way full and topped off? Maybe your gauge is tripping out from age. It happens mine sits at dead cold for about 10 mins until warmed up but my gauge has a wire prob in the cluster though. Your coolant temp sensor might be dirty or rusty, try cleaning it may help. Hows the oil? Is it low on oil? Make sure its at the proper level. There has been times to where very loe oil level can contribute to overheating do too lack of lubrication. But usually not. Hard starting can be a whole list of things. Tune-up? Does not sound like a head gasket to me either. Did they even check the compression? You should just for reference.

 

Update?