I've had my 4runner for a couple of years now, the previous owner got the HG changed at around 90K, currently at 167###. Just making sure I have a HG leak.

My signs right now:

- Bubbles in radiator when cap is taken off.
- White smoke from tail, but can't really say it smells (sweet)
- Coolant reservoir is full to the rim
- Engine temp goes up pretty high
- Hot (A/C/ Heating) only blows when truck is moving


No coolant in oil, oil still looks like oil not milky as some have said.
Also, I do have a couple of pin hole cracks on top of my radiator that I just noticed. It doesn't feel underpowered or anything. Idles just fine


thanks

 

Sounds like it. Do a compression test to confirm. 28 years of 4runner production, what year and engine is yours?

 

1994 3VZE engine

 

I also have an issue that I was thinking could be a bad head gasket.
1993 4runner w/ 22re
Losing coolant, and a loping idle?
I have cleaned the throttle body as far as I could get w/ rag and cleaner.
Replaced the PVC valve, checked for vac. leaks best that I could.
Pulled plugs, looked good.
Set idle to 750rpms.
The loping idle will go away after warm, loss of coolant is about 1-2 qts. every 3-4 days??
Some whitish smoke from ex.
Please help.

 

SWINGKAT420, sorry for barging in on your post (new here)
What is with the bubbles in radiator?
What will I be looking for on a compression test?

 

Bubbles in the radiator is exhaust gas leaking into the cooling system. Coolant will leak into the combustion chamber if there's a HG leak and also the opposite - exhaust gasses leak into the cooling system. You are measuring cylinder compression during a compression test - that is at what psi does the piston compress the air/gas in the cylinder. If all your cylinders have say 170 psi, except one has only 80 then you know you have a HG leak around that cylinder.

 

I have been told to smell the radiator overflow tank for a spray paint smell?
After a few days of this issue I have noticed the tank has become dark/oily??? and it smells like spray paint. Is this ex? leaking into cooling system?
I can check compression in the morning, should I check with all pulgs out? or 1 at a time?
Thank you so much for the info?
I do have a garage to change head gasket if needed, not sure if I am capable of doing the job. I have an older Chilton manual if it will help?
Thanks again,
Kurt

 

If there's oil in your coolant along with your other symptoms, then you almost certainly have a blown HG. Don't waste your time or money on a comp. test (akdawg). Check your dipstick and if it looks like chocolate milkshake, it's confirmed you either have a blown HG, a cracked head, or a cracked block.

 

Ok so I have already performed a comp. test and all 4 holes show175
Could it be a egr valve???
Oil is ok, I changed 1 week ago, and looked ok not milky.
Any other ideas?

 

Sounds like the head gasket to me, for both of you.

Just because compression is within spec (really higher, but okay) doesnt mean its NOT the HG. My '95 4runner 22re had almost no symptoms of a HG besides occasional overheating and it was going through lots of coolant with the exhaust thick white before it finally gave away totally. It still had good compression in all 4 cyls until THE DAY that it really went.

AKDawg, if you are in Fairbanks/NP/FOX/ area I would be glad to come help you. I have done two 22re HGs in the last 5 years. One just earlier this year.
I caught mine fairly early so all I had to do was change the HG and head bolts. Both mating surfaces were well within spec for warpage. Cost me a total of about $230, including fast shipping for the head bolts and a new torque wrench.

 

thanks for your opinions. Now just need to get it fixed.

 

New guy here.. I hope you don't mind me jumping in here as well.

I have a 92 3VZE with a suspected bad head gasket (blows white smoke, milky residue on oil cap and the dipsitck shows a full on milkshake). I noticed this problem earlier this summer and the truck has been parked for about 3 months with the milkshake in it.. I've started it to jockey it around the driveway here and there, so this mess has been circulated throughout the engine.

I'm going to have to fork out the cash to have a shop fix it, but before I do that I'm wondering what the probability is that the milkshake has damaged the bearings in the engine. I know there are alot of what ifs, but does the coolant/oil mixture typically damage bearings? Any way to tell if they are damaged.. other than tearing into it? I appreciate any thoughts on this.

 

Thanks to all for the help, I have priced a gasket set w/ bolts on EBAY they have several to choose from. I will order soon.
Toyota4x4907, yes I am in Fairbanks if you PM me I will give you contact info.
I will try this on my next week off.
Thanks,
Kurt

 

Everything there screams head gasket. It can potentially damage bearings. Was this truck ran a lot with it like that? Just sitting it shouldnt harm them but you might as well have your shop check them by dropping the oil pan.

 

I wouldn't say it was run alot.. It's been started maybe a dozen times. Total run time in this condition is probably only 15 minutes or so. I'll have it checked at the shop.

 

I just bought a 95 4runner in December and after driving it less than 400 miles I blew a hole in the radiator. I have replaced that. However it is still overheating, bubbles in the radiator, white smoke coming out of exhaust, I believe I have to replace the head gaskett, anyone in or near Monterey, CA that would like to help me replace it. Obviously I would compensate for your time and experience. Thanks.