buckz6319

I have decided to replace the head gaskets on my 3vze,I know it's a chore to say the least....

I would like to know once I pull the heads off, how can I visually see where the breach is on the gasket other than the obvious liquid in the cylinder

does any one have pics of what a blown head gasket looks like? so I will know where she blew

I will be replacing both gaskets but a visual of where the breach occurred will help me and others

I appreciate any help in advanced

DupermanDave

When my head gasket was going on my 22re (going, didn't completely blow) the holes for the water pipes on the gasket looked like it was turning into a pear shape. I think that's how you'll be able to tell.

Unless yours is more severe.

Tubbyfatty

Look at the top of the pistons, sometimes one of them will be clean because of the coolant burning.

I think I will be going the same route as you, just replace the HG and some other things then send the heads out, just so I can get my truck back up.

1990yota-pickup

it will quite easy to see where the problem is coming from..

buckz6319

Well I started the major job yesterday, and got to the cam sprockets and did not have a special SST to remove them what a PITA this engine is to work on.I had to come up with some idea on how to loosen those bolts without the tool, so I thought I would use a chain that I used to remove the crank pulley bolt and here is how I unloosen those bolts.It works for both sides...*********.Just how I did it my SST********

1990yota-pickup

good idea, i hope you dont tempt other's to try and use dog chain.. for this... lol..

bugs1961

Make a tool to hold the cams and the job becomes very easy. Some folks have cut holes into a 2x4 that allows the socket to go through the center and two long bolts sticking out on either side that go through the sprocket openings.

I made one from steel bar stock that has worked dozens of times over the last 10 years. See mine here: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...l-tool-186081/

You'll spend less time making a good tool than you'll spend trying to find another way!

1990yota-pickup

thats a nice tool you made there, you even had a detailed drawing on how to make it..

buckz6319

thanks..........it really is a 750lbs pull 3/8" diameter links if I remember correctly....It was the perfict size links to snake through the openings of that sproket.....I'm not recommending this, but it will get the job done

buckz6319

that was a nice tool and I think you emailed that drawing to me a while back but I never made it. I was in a pinch yesterday scratching my head wondering how I was going to remove those bolts without that tool, so I made my own

Now how to remove the cross over pipe? any suggestions?

bugs1961

I was able to get to the bolts from below and behind using a combination of extensions and a u-joint adapter for the socket. Removing the rear transmission mount and lowering the engine a little gives a little more room to get to the bolts. I unbolted the crossover and slid it off the studs and just left it behind the engine, against the firewall until the heads were removed. Be sure to preposition it again before you put the heads into place.

buckz6319

just a general question.....what brand of head gaskets and bolts are recommended other than Toyota OEM parts.The Toyota gaskets aren't a really bad price $65.00 each, but the head bolts are $14.00 each...totla about $250.00

I have seen kits with all gaskets and bolts for $124 plus shipping from several vender's, some with a 60 day warranty and some with a 12,000 mile warranty other than the difference in warranty's which would be the best bang for a budget buck?

any suggestions would be appreciated

cgeorge

I just bought a complete kit from engnbldr.com. He's got good prices and the parts are highly recommended by most everyone here.

Shoot him an email and see what he can do for you... he may have a holiday special going on (free shipping, etc.).

buckz6319

update.....today I finally got the heads off as a whole, with cross over pipe still attached nearly killed me trying to lift something heavy and awkward up and out of that engine bay with no help from my girls...I'm getting old ...GOSH!! this engine is a Japanese puzzle....#6 had coolant in the cylinder as suspected

I have a question:....what to use to clean the mating surfaces?

I have done head gasket replacements in the past with both mating surfaces being cast iron, but not like this 3vze with cast and aluminum surfaces...what were they thinking??

Brad.

Hey just saying good luck on the job, it's a big project.

buckz6319

thanks for the good luck....I had some idea about the project, but really didn't know how involved it is and hope that I can get it put all back together correctly

buckz6319

here are a few pics of my 3vze block after 187,000 miles, note the #6 cylinder where the head gasket blew out, but over all the pistons look quite good and the piston walls still have the factory honing marks....what do you think?...head gasket got kinda mess up pulling both heads at once

1990yota-pickup

looks dirty...

cgeorge

nice... keep progressing! You'll get that motor back together and it will be good for another 100k!

1990yota-pickup

your more than half way done.. keep up the great work