So today I drive my 4runner home from work (maybe 5 miles) and notice a few things. First off, the idle is very high, usually 800-1200, but closer to 2000 today. Also shifting very roughly, almost seeming like its about to die. Finally about 3 miles into my trip I look down and Im almost in the red. I pulled over for a few minutes then managed to get her home, without overheating.
This is a '94 3.0 runner, so with 2 new headgaskets under her belt already I'm afraid she might need a third. Pretty much the same thing happened to me on the last one, just praying its something else. Any ideas? Whats a good way to diagnose a blown headgasket?

Also, is the VIN number on the engine itself. The engine was replaced and I can't find the VIN of the 4runner it came out of to B!tch to Toyota about.

 

you could check under the oil cap should be milky and oil in the coolant

 

Let the truck sit, start it up and see alot of white smoke (steam) from the exhaust.
Hook up a coolant pressure gauge to the filler neck on the radiator, start the truck, and when it reaches operating temp. the pressure gauge will climb rapidly.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.