So I have had two 1993 4runners, been through several head gaskets. I bought my first truck in highschool for 1900 with a blown hg so i had it fixed and kept it for a few years then got rid of it. I regret letting that one go.

Well i bought another three years ago and it also needed a head gasket. At this point i decided to do a full long block and paid a cheap mechanic to pull the motor and then it was sent to a engine shop. Now i think it was rebuilt using cheap gaskets and the mechanic that put it back in damaged a few things. I am not using him anymore.

Well 40 thousand miles later and its time for another head gasket. This time i have my own garage and am doing it myself. My father and uncle are both certified mechanics and my uncle is a foreman master tech for kia so i think i have it under control.

It took me two days to get it apart but then a week waiting for parts after carefully picking out everything i would need.

Here are the pictures i took



Pictures of before





Something off





Intake off





Cam Gears off, (Hint: open valve covers and use a crescent wrench on the flat spot on the cam. It was much easier then holding the gear.)





Right head off





Both heads off





cleaned up





As you can see, cylinder 6, back right, was steam cleaned i wish i would have video taped me draining the oil. I filled almost 7 quarts because of the coolant in the pan

 

You and I are in the exact same boat right now. Good luck this time around!

 

My only problem is since I waited for parts so long I forgot where some of the stuff goes so now it takes longer to put it back

 

I recommend paint pens and plastic sandwich baggies with copious amounts of labeling!