What are some of the exteral signs of a bad 3.0.
I have a 3.0 in my 92 4runner, and I noticed that the area on the head where #6 cylinder is, is black. when I wipe it it comes off and seems to be like an oily carbon substance. The exhaust looks ok, and it has never been messed with. I may look into doing a compression test. I am not sure if the motor ever had head gaskets replaced. It might be nothing.
I know all the issues with the v6 which is why I am semi alarmed about this. When I get my digi cam back on tues Ill take a pic.

just thought id get a second opinion.

 

A phone call to the Toyota case line #(800) 331-4331 will tell you if the head gasket recall was done on your truck. The most usual signs of a bad HG are oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil or coolant (white smoke) out the tail pipe. A few have had external leaking HGs with coolant leaking on the out side of the engine (more common with the early 3.4 engine though)

 

Some have also had exhaust pressurize the radiator, shows up as bubbling in the overflow tank.

 

Thanks, I just know how problematic #6 can be and as I look at the engine the whole thing looks the same (brown with mud) except for the area above the exhaust manifold on #6. However, the truck runs great, weak but no weaker than normal. I may pressure test it but its so hard to get at #6's plug.
Again I may be paranoid, but I figured Id ask.
Ill post some pics in a couple days

 

Quit trying to find a problem with your 3.0 just so that you have an excuse to swap in a 3.4

 

I'd say you are just being paranoid. The issue with the #6 cylinder is burning a valve. You can't tell that from outside the engine. And the other is the HG which you also can't tell outside the engine unless it's an external leak and that's rare on the 3.0.

It's most likely just oil from your valve covers...a typical minor problem.

If it's running fine I'm sure it's ok.

 

Im still not convinced ummmm...........yeah..........I need LC to build me a 3.4.