linkspast

So recently my 4runner has started to compile a list of problems. Sadly It might be a head gasket, but Id like to ask you guys what you think, heres what I got
1995 4runner 4x4 22re 5speed. stock. 230500 miles

Biggest problem bight be its getting hot, the moment it gets hot I let it cool down and feed it more coolant.

There is also an abundance of white smoke coming from the tail pipe, however there is also some coming from the exhaust manifold.. ( I think thats what its called (its where the motor and exhaust meet? ))
Also from the same place oil is leaking through... Id guess this is the cause of the smoke..

And its also idling funny. sometimes it sits as low as 250, and some times it will randomly jump around from 500 to 1500 is short bursts.


Thanks.

Dewbro91

Does the smoke have a sweet smell to it? How much coolant are you going through?

linkspast

Its got a sorta sweet hint to it...
as for coolant a lot.. The once its gets heated up the reserve boils out in a matter of miles..... sad I know..

PismoJoe

I am sad to say it is definitely the head gasket.

My 86 22RE just did the excact same thing

The coolant around the exhaust manifold gasket is from coolant being pushed out of one of the cylinders and out the exhaust valve, leaking at the exhaust manifold.

This is why the white smoke, the coolant is burning off, also with a combination of oil as you describe, probably from another HG leak.

If you are in doubt (i didn't want to believe she blew either!) check all of your heater/radiator connections to ensure that your not just leaking coolant.

Also check under the oil cap to sea if there is a residue, or milkshake color from coolant and oil mixing. Check the oil when it has been sitting to indicate how bad your oil & coolant have mixed, again looking for a foamy tan residue.

I don't know how many miles your truck has on her, but in my case with 239,000 miles, i couldn't just replace the head gasket and call it good. At the minimum have the head shaved and re seat the valves, check the springs, etc, replace breather hoses, complete upper gasket set...

Im planning on tearing her down in the next few weeks and go the overhaul route...Good luck with yours and keep us posted!

linkspast

Sucks..
I know prices vary form place to place, but how much do you figure it be to get it fixed at a shop?...
Also I dont suppose there is some magic chemical, which will help reduce the effects of the blown gasket?

PismoJoe

Well, prices do very from machine shops...my local shop quoted me $250 recondition the head. Personally, I'm going with a brand new head from engnbldr.com. $350 free shipping, 3 year unlimited mileage warranty. Who knows what years of coolant electrolysis has left in my head's coolant passages.

Then you figure in gasket set, somewhere around $120 depending if you go OEM. Personally, when it comes to gaskets, I would stick with Genuine Toyota products. (definitely for the head gasket)

Then you need to replace the exhaust manifold studs, and head bolts, which is somewhere around $50 depending on who makes them.

As for putting something in there to seal her up, it can be done but is not recommended. I don't like the idea of that stuff floating around in my coolant system, but I have heard of some successful goes at this method. If you are doing this, take out your thermostat, run the mixture in your system, flush it out, then reinstall the thermostat and fill with coolant.

Again, I dont recommend it, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to be "mobile" these days...

I would plan for at least a $500 job in the near future to fix what you have, if you do the work yourself.

linkspast

So I started to tear in to it tonight, Got the rocker arm cover off.. and took the head bolts out,
I dont have my camera, so Im taking video.. hopefully it turns out well. .

These are so much easier to work on than the V6

PismoJoe

Good luck, can't wait to see it!

linkspast

So I am still working on this.. However have hit a snag.. I cant remeber what this hooks up to.. Looking from the front of the truck I know where the right side goes but the left is a mystery..


think if you click the link you get a super massive picture
I know it bolts to the back of the head..

PismoJoe

hmmm wish i could help, your 22RE is newer and they changed up some coolant lines. Did you search through the FSM? ncttora.com

shawns88

im pretty shure that bolts up to your exhaust manifold, i will go take a pick in sec

shawns88

it bolts up to this copper looking pipe, and the other end goes under your intake.