Yesterday at 197k the head gasket on my 3.0 seems to have finally gone. Mine has never had the repair done, so I contacted Toyota about the Special Service Campaign. Ill keep you posted. I expressed to them how I have had it serviced at the dealer since owning it. They may tell me to pound sand but its free to try. If not I guess my Toyota will be down for a while.

 

Toyota told me I was not covered under the SSC.

So I believe I caught this issue as it was beginning. I found a small amount of build up under the oil lid. The white smoke on start up and the smell is what caused me to investigate into it further. I parked it to avoid any further issues. If I have to leave it parked for 4-6 months is there anything I should do to avoid any further problems. Im debating tackling this job myself, but I am hesitant to start with such a big job.

 

I don't have any info about doing the HG on a 3VZE, but I am curious about why they said you're not covered under the SSC? Does it need to fall within a certain number of miles/kms to qualify? Could be useful info for other 3VZE owners that run into the same problem.

 

You know what good question ... he said it had a recall for a steering link which was done when I first got the truck. But I’m wondering if the young guy just looked under recalls. This was not a recall. I will call back and report.

 

There is a cut-off date in 3vz manufacture where the engines were factory built with the supposedly improved head gaskets from the get go.

They told me that my '95 was not covered in the service campaign for this reason.

I've only got 140 thousand, and still running excellent.

 

Mine is a 94 and made it to 199k. I only put about 3k a year on it. I feel like it was treated like poo it’s whole life. Then I got it. Took care of it and it exploded. Ha

 

If there is any significant moisture in the engine, I would change the oil before letting it sit. That way, you don't come home to a rusty engine block.

If the oil on the dipstick looks fine, you should be good to go to park the truck for a while.

 

I am really torn on it I should rebuild it or buy a crate from Denny’s auto w the mls headgaskets and up graded head bolts. If i rebuild I would do it the same way.

not really interested in the swap. For an engine at 200k what else should I be replacing while I’m in there

 

Glad I called. They basically said it’s over. Butttt they did see I have spent a large sum of money on this vehicle at the dealership since I have owned it. Originally the guy that answered the phone at Toyota corporate advised me that the recall is no longer active. On his own he told me to please hold for a senior analyst. She advised me to take the vehicle in to Toyota to have the repair done. She then requested a copy of the repair bill and advised that I would be reimbursed a portion of the cost. How much... she didn’t clarify... So those of you looking to get your head gasket replaced under the special service campaign... Don’t count on it. It took a lot of talking on my part to even get this much.

 

Well, I have been investigating the head gasket repair. I thought right off the back that I would go with ARP HEAD STUDS AND MLS STEEL GASKETS. But after searching around the sight it appears that this is only a good idea if you are going to deck the block as well. The current setup got me to 200K so I am going to go with new head bolts from LC Engineering and OEM Gaskets. The OEM Part number for Gaskets came up as Part No.:11115-65031 . They are 50.00 on Toyota Parts Deal and McGeorge Toyota. Can someone tell me if this is for the pair or is this the cost for a single gasket ?

I am guessing this is the time to hit the Knock Sensor Wire. Not to bad for 12.00 bucks on the same sites. But the Sensor itself is almost 200 bucks ! I have never had the code 52 on this engine. Is the sensor often replaced or is the wire the normal culprit when it comes to replacing these items ?

With 200k should I be considering doing the Rings and Pistons ? LC Engineering has them priced pretty good for the set.