Well, after all these years bragging about no HG problems, it looks like I finally got bit. I'm going through coolant like crazy (this stuff is more expensive than OIL!), to the tune of about a gallon per couple tanks of gas, and can find no other reasonable explanation. The problem is, I don't have the telltale sweet burning smell from the exhaust. I guess I'll have to break down & get that compression tester I've wanted for years...

Of course this happens at the WORST possible time; this is my only transportation! $h!t...

 

that sucks and welcome to the club

 

doesnt sound like a good club to belong to

 

That sucks man...

That isn't an easy, or cheap job from what I've heard.

Sounds like it's time to do an engine swap.

 

I'm not going to that much trouble; I'd sell the truck first. I've had the manifold off once, completely cleaned out the plenum, manifold & throttle body, & cleaned/inspected the injectors. I'll just have to pull it all again.

I have all the tools, knowhow & a place to work; I just need the TIME! Wondering if I should get the head/valves reworked while I have them off. I'l probably replace the timing belt & put a new oil pump on her as well. i dread starting this...

 

Bummer, sorry to hear that.
Will you rebuild or put in a new block if more damage is done to the block or what?

The reason I did not fix up my 4Runner was because it needed a whole new engine, and with labor installing it, it was 1.2x the blue book value of the rig.

Yours might be a lot easier fix than mine was.

 

No damage that I can tell; I plan to have the heads check for warpage, though. If it gets to be too much, I'll scrap it out and sell off parts here or on ePrey.

 

sounds like ur in the same boat i'm in. getting mine checked out on march 5th and hopefully get it back up and running by the end of the week. really hope i didn't ruin anything else and caught this issue early...

 

Engine swap is a good idea. I did one on my 4x4 and it is sweet. But the head gasket can be replaced for $150-$200 in parts including timing belt. See enginebuilder.com for gaskets and bolts. could be done in 5-8 hours.

 

Make sure you don't have a coolant leak somewhere first.. I'm sure you thought of this but just double checking. Do you have milkshake oil??

 

Nope, done all the routine checks except for compression test; I'm going to Sears tonight to get a tester.

 

Coolant disappeared out of mine for almost a year eventually getting worse. Thy did a compression checked and it passed (mid 150 straight across the board) Eventually they checked for exhaust gas in the coolant that is when I knew the HG was going. Oh well it's all said and done now.

Might as well and check the Knock sensor and wire while you are in there. I got a the heads machined and valve job for I think $450.

Sorry to hear about it, but start planning something.

 

Gee TN, sorry to hear about. If I lived anywhere near, I'd help you do the job just because you've been so helpful when I needed it. I guess lets find out if it's indeed the headgasket, first.

 

I'm thinkin' a 215 ci Buick V-8 would fit in the engine bay nicely...! Same engine they put in the Triumph TR-8...

 

Those blue letters are really screwing with my EYES!!

 

I did my headgasket 3 months and 2k miles ago, I just got new bolts, timing belt water pump and did the valve seals. I didn't send the heads out and so far so good. We'll see how long it lasts though. I've 158k on a 95 3.0

 

The heads usually don't warp as long as it hasn't overheated or run hot correct?

 

Overheated it twice in the past year (DON'T ask)....I think that's why the HG is going south.

 

My first indication of a blown HG was a bubbling sound like an overheated radiator...but I wasn't overheating or spraying any coolant. Wasn't even blowing white, sweet smoke. Weird, but true.

 

While I've got the truck down, I've been needing to rebuild a sticking caliper. Has anyone purchased these from Marlincrawler?

http://www.marlincrawler.com/htm/brakes/calipers.htm#

I could buy the rebuild kits and pads from the dealer and almost spend the same amount. Combined with MC reputation...how can I go wrong?
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