Ok, I got this 94 3.0 Toyota pickup.. I got it in a no start condition.. the guy said it run hot so I'm thinking head gasket but should run.. I do the usual checks drain tank replace fuel filter. When I got to the plugs I found my problem.. there is a picture of what they look like attached.. they smell like coolant.. old rusted up coolant. Head gasket right? This guy said it was steaming but I bet it was billowing smoke!

 

Anybody have an idea if it's more than likely my head gasket?

 

What are those?

Did you check compression?

Before I did that, I might leave the plugs out (which you should do for a complete compression test) and crank. If water sprays out of any of the cylinders, you either have a blowm head gasket or cracked head/block. And you'll only know about the head and block after you remove the head anyway.

 

That stuff didn't just lay in there for a few days. I expect you'll find the cylinder walls rust pitted.

 

I agree with Millball that sucker sat awhile . and about the cylinder too , people just dont know to drain coolant ,and pull plugs ,and put some light oil in if its gonna sit ... then turn it by hand once in awhile .

 

That's the funny thing, it only sat a month.. I know the truck. It was up and running at the most 2 months ago..

 

Running but how well? Is it possible that one cylinder hasnt fired in a while? Do all the plugs look like this?

 

Yes they all look like this..

 

I put new plugs in and still won't start.. getting gas, the plugs are firing but may be weak.. it won't hit off starting fluid either.. it try to hit a little but never fires up. No codes.. distributor?

 

Even a "weak" spark will fire a compressed gasoline-air mixture. But if not compressed, not enough combustion to run.

 

With that much gunk in the plug, your head gaskets have got to be shot. Maybe low compression like scope says?

 

I'll check compression tomorrow after work.. then if that's bad I guess it's teardown time.. yay.. I've just never seen a head gasket being blown keep the vehicle from starting..

 

I mean I know it's possible but me personally most of the time it still cranks.. but I guess it's which way it blows and how bad. I could probably take my radiator cap off and see if I got air coming out while I'm turning it over..

 

All plugs look like that???

If I was a bettin' man, I'd bet that that engine will give no more service without complete overhaul, top end and bottom. Good luck!!

 

Yep.. that's what I'm thinking.. idk how it would've happened.. it run hot i know that.. . It turns over seemingly normally .. not fast or anything.. maybe the block is cracked?

Think I should take oil pan off and inspect?

Well I got to check compression first..