92 toyota pickup 4cyl (22re) 5speed 2wd with 160k mi

I start with i keep losing water in the reservoir and i've been blowing radiator hoses many times (different one) from upper hose,middle one (90deegre shape by alternator bracket,small U-shape close to intake and last the thermostat bypass hose.i thought i just had leaks so i keep add water.

Yesterday my idle was surging from 1000-2000 like crazy and i checked for any vacuum leaks and replace some of dry vacuum hoses but still surging I AM getting scared

Checked radiator opened the cap there was bubbling every once while BUT there wasnt any oil at all just water kinda rusty yellow but no oil

Opened the oil cap no smoke or any sign of water around the cap.

My air filter housing was cracked And about 6 months ago i replaced spark plugs, wires,distributor cap but 2weeks ago the plug on cylinder1 was alot of buildup carbon while 2,3 and 4 was okay so idk if that buildup comes from the dirty air from filter or headgasket leak

Im assuming my truck has HG leaks which im screwd,is there any other way to see why i keep losing coolant water?
Or with that symptom that i mentioned im positive got blown HG?

 

Blowing rad hoses is a pretty dead give-away that you're pressurizing the coolant system from the cylinders.

If you want to know where else your coolant could be going, check the oil. If it looks like a chocolate milkshake, you have a problem.

 

The oil doesnt look like choco milk shake
What u mean by im pressurizing coolant system from the cylinder?

 

You say you're blowing rad hoses. This is happening because your cooling system is under extreme pressure. If you have a blown head gasket or a cracked head, in the right circumstances the cylinders can be compressing air/fuel INTO the coolant system, pressurizing it up. The bubbles in it tell you that too.

You can confirm this with a leakdown test on the cylinders if you have access to a leakdown tester.


In all honesty, a blown head gasket isn't that big of a deal. You can fix it yourself with 100 bucks worth of parts, and a weekend of your time.

 

Yeah i dont have leakdown test im maybe gonna get one
I have not done any HG so im gonna search more from now

 

try to find a local parts store that will rent one to you. It'll be cheaper than buying one


I bought one, I seem to remember it being like 75 bucks.

 

Didnt have time to chevk the compression test and still curious about high surging idle

 

A high surging idle is an uncontrolled air leak into the intake manifold. The ECU will cut fuel if it sees the throttle in the closed (idle) position, but the RPMs are increasing above a certain point (I think 1800rpm). Try pinching off the PCV hose to the intake manifold and see if that helps.

 

Good info Rob.

Just curious, when you say $100 in parts are you referring to the gasket and new head bolts - anything else?

I may need to replace mine soon too, but I don't want to thread jack - was just curious what parts you'd consider a must have for the job.

 

So i've been searching and my symptom more like i hv TC cover leaks to water passage (i dont see water/milkshake in my oil cap and no oil either in my coolant) am i right??
but i have not tried to do compression test or open the valve cover
And my radiator bubbling too just no oil

 

Correct, when I say 100 bucks in parts, I'm referring to a complete gasket set, and head bolts, which is $96 at engnbldr. Get the complete set, that way you can do the valve cover gaskets, exhaust gaskets, etc too. Those I would consider a must have.

Optional parts, a new timing chain kit (with metal backed guides), and maybe a performance cam. There's no additional labor to swap these out if you're already doing the head gasket. It's another $50 for the chain, and $120 for the cam. If you have the money, I suggest doing it especially the chain. It will have to be replaced at some point anyways, might as well save yourself the headache down the road.

 

Timing cover leaks WILL have a milkshake-like oil, but no oil in coolant. In fact, if your timing cover is leaking, you will likely have NO coolant at all.

 

Thanks Rob.

I'm not sure about Westly, but I replaced the timing chain, cover, guides, valve cover gasket, etc all within the last ten thousand miles. I only need to address teh HG leak at this point...hopefully that's all.

Westly, did you take off your valve cover and look at the timing cover to see if the chain is wearing holes in it (and possibly leaks)?