I have a 1995 Toyota single-cab standard pick-up with close to 110k miles. It is the 22RE model. Now I'm thinking that maybe my head gasket is blown and needs replacing. For the past 1-2 years I've been having to periodically add coolant. It doesn't appear to leak really, sometimes I notice that coolant is blown right into the reservoir (while driving and just after im done driving it) and fills it up. Other times, it just seems to use extra coolant. I can tell when it is low because the temperature gauge on the dash will spike but it does this very unusual thing where the needle will jump back and forth (reads hot, then drops back to normal temp- does this back and forth) and the trucks idle will jump and drop too, sounds like I'm revving it but my foot is off the gas. However recently (past month or so), I've been having problems with my truck stuttering on acceleration, primarily in 3rd and 4th gear. It doesn't happen all the time, just mostly when the coolant appears to be a little low. Does this sound like a blown head gasket or what could be the problem? How much would it cost to get the head gasket replaced? And if that needed to be replaced, would it be a good idea to grind the head too? I don't have time to work on it on my own and lack the knowledge, so I would be bringing it into a shop. Thanks!

 

Well, as you may know, head gasket problems with the 22re are not unheard of. You should be able to find a shop with a "block tester" and for about 25 bucks they will use it to detect any combustion gas in your cooling system. This is the definitive way to diagnose head gasket problems...it will pick up minor leaks which other methods might miss.

Once you know you have a head gasket problem you'll need to find a knowledgeable and trustworthy shop...only after they get it apart will they be able to recommend exactly how far to go. I would guess, with only 110k, if you have not over-heated the head, the head and block will be fine.

If you have the head off, you will also want to consider doing the timing chain job.

Roy

 

X2 on this for my 94'. I live in Nor Cal, where it's fairly cool during the day, and if I'm not putting the truck under heavy load or turning the heat on... it stays pretty cool... but, climbing HWY 17 it'll get fairly hot, and it's only a 2000ft' elevation change...

I got the same advice, check the block. But, I've not gotten to it yet because I try to drive as little as possible.

Seems like we're in the same boat.