Forgive me if this has been asked on here before but I could not find any thread that matched my problem, after a good bit of searching.

I have a 1988 4 runner, 22re that is experiencing loss of coolant very rapidly. In about 1 hour it will lose most of its coolant. I have not yet overheated it, but it has been running unusually hot. It appears to me as if the coolant is going into the oil as I keep seeing the oil rising...not sure how else to tell. When I fill the coolant I do notice some oil in the radiator.

Is this a head gasket? Truck is running fine otherwise. I was told by someone that is could be the timing guide that cut through to something near the water pump. Does that sound right?

Please forgive my ignorance. I know this is going to be a big pain but I would appreciate any advice or links to relevant threads/info.

thanks,

Josh

 

Yes, certainly a distinct possibility.

 

Sound like a head gasket or timing cover. Either way if you do one you should probably do the other. Check out engnbldr in Portland for his timing cover kits. You will only need the cover if yours is toast. Other than that just new chain with steal guides, water pump, and oil pump. Buy a head gasket from Toyota if you can they seem to be worth it. Don't have the head milled unless you absolutely have to. This can cause more problems than it's worth. Also while you at it might as well look in to a cam as well.

If the head needs to be milled then look at a new head from Ted @ engnbldr. Great product usually free shipping and unbelievable customer support.