Where to begin? My 96 4runner Limited 4x4 that I bought maybe a month ago overheated. I pulled over immediately and checked the reservoir and radiator. No fluid. Refilled the radiator with a handy dandy can of water I keep stashed in all my vehicles. I cranked her back up and the engine is runnin' real rough. Crap. I Limped the truck back home watching the engine temperature closely, pulling over for as much as an hour at a time to let her cool down enough to drive. I hooked up the ODBII and it tells me "Cylinder 5 misfire". The spark plug for said cylinder was splattered with oil. So I'm figuring maybe a blown head gasket with a blown piston ring to boot?
I'm seeing all the cash my wife and I had saved to spend on suspension goodies and tires go out the window. Plus some. Argh!

Ryan

 

that sucks ... im wondering where all the coolant went was there any smoke

 

See if its covered under warranty if its the HG, it may still be. Did ya check the oil, does it look thick like a milkshake?

 

I got no clue really. She was usin' oil cuz I could see the exhaust lookin' a little smoky. Not bad. Just looked like a little bit of ring wear. One thing I did not mention in my original post was that the reservoir cap popped and steamed like crazy fer a minute or three. I see no visible exterior leaks.
As a matter of fact the oil did look a bit milkshake-like.
Thanks
Ryan

 

well thats good could be a bad t-stat and the timeing may have jumped a little ?

 

This truck had been really abused by its former owner. Somebody had obviously taken it into some rough country. The frame is scarred with rock gashes, the muffler crushed, and a couple of brackets I dont know the name of were cracked. Previous owner had the water pump, and right front CV replaced prior to me buying it. Its a great 4runner with little body damage and the interior is in great shape.

 

Usually indicative of a blown HG.

 

x2....

 

There's a recall on your year/engine. You MAY be eligible. Call Toyota with you VIN.

 

I was wheelin after my skidplate came off i had to get back off the trail, and i pulled the bottom hose off of mine and overheated it.

 

How many 3rd Gens are eligible for this...
When the stealership put my vin in he said it didn't need to be done...
But I happen to have the worst luck with head gaskets and cooling systems in my cars...
(every car I have driven has in some way shape or form had a colling issue except the lexus and stepdads Runner...)
Just curious if I should go and get another opinion or soemthing...

 

It's only a very select few 96's and early 97's.

 

Thank you...
I just worry alot since for some reason I have a major history with headgasket issues...
Or any issues witha cooling system in a car or suv or truck....

 

Just found the number and called. No head gasket recall but the representative did say there was a recall for a rear suspension issue.
looks like I'm stuck. I'll keep pullin' apart the engine in my spare time and hope fer the best. Anybody know a good shop in the Sacramento area?
Ryan

 

i know mine had it done. my prev owner was anal about keeping reciepts to stuff. i would check with another dealer just to be safe. i called one about a recall notice that i recieved in the mail and they had no idea what it was and didnt know if i needed it or not. it was also already done (the rear bumpstop recall...)