I did get this for fairly cheap as the PO disclosed there was likely a problem with the headgasket, here are some symptoms and a video that makes it clear.
-Consumes coolant
-Puffs of white smoke on overnight start (see video)
-smoke smells sweetish
Before I start researching parts, is there ANYTHING else that could be causing this?
Sounds and looks like it but I could be wrong as I have never dealt with a bad head gasket. Before you buy or do anything first I would run a compression test on all cylinders to see if theres a leak.
As far as I know, the only operator error that could possibly contribute to this is if they swapped around the TB/IAC hoses, but I don't think the car would start in that case. Still, some food for thought I guess.
Something else that happens with age - the intake manifold gasket starts to break down heavily with age right around the coolant ports, which are pretty close to the adjacent intake ports. If your oil is still good this could possibly be why. It might be worth pop out the spark plugs and take a borescope inside to see where the coolant is going. Look for a noticeably clean chamber (the coolant turns into steam and removes all the carbon)
Usually on cold startup I see alot of smoke, but its all condensation, which is normal. But if you're losing coolant and has that distinct sweet coolant smell, it has to be your head gasket. You can do a compression check and leak down test afterwards if you have a failed numbers to be certain.
As far as I know, the only operator error that could possibly contribute to this is if they swapped around the TB/IAC hoses, but I don't think the car would start in that case. Still, some food for thought I guess.
Something else that happens with age - the intake manifold gasket starts to break down heavily with age right around the coolant ports, which are pretty close to the adjacent intake ports. If your oil is still good this could possibly be why. It might be worth pop out the spark plugs and take a borescope inside to see where the coolant is going. Look for a noticeably clean chamber (the coolant turns into steam and removes all the carbon)
Interesting so if a compression test is good, it could just be an intake manifold gasket?
I suggest also getting an exhaust gas in coolant detection kit (the correct name eludes me). In addition to the above suggestions.
That is what saved me from pissing away $1,500-$2,500 on a head gasket replacement on mine, when mine had not failed, despite many other symptoms making it look like it had.
Things are very often not what they seem.
__________________ '99 SR5 V6 2WD named Jolene / In the T4R 200 Club
I suggest also getting an exhaust gas in coolant detection kit (the correct name eludes me). In addition to the above suggestions.
That is what saved me from pissing away $1,500-$2,500 on a head gasket replacement on mine, when mine had not failed, despite many other symptoms making it look like it had.
No way to know on the video. Was it warm or cold outside when you started it ?
Anyway, you consume coolant on a good rate and see no leak on the ground, and it smells sweet, PLUS the other owner stating so, this is a strong probability something's up with the head.
No way to know if it's a head gasket or cracked head. Could be one, the other or both.
Could open up the radiator cap when cold, then start the truck, if you are lucky, you'll throw enough exhaust in the coolant and see bubbles.
__________________
1998 4runner SR5
Last edited by diverscale; 07-05-2021 at 07:22 PM.
Interesting so if a compression test is good, it could just be an intake manifold gasket?
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Well not necessarily but it would be a good sign. I'm just trying to be optimistic here. As said you should get one of those kits to test for any exhaust in the coolant, they're cheap and can save you a bunch of trouble shooting
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bry n
it's thanks to all the Scotty Kilmer videos i watch while on the toilet that i actually know what this thread is talking about.
No way to know on the video. Was it warm or cold outside when you started it ?
Anyway, you consume coolant on a good rate and see no leak on the ground, and it smells sweet, PLUS the other owner stating so, this is a strong probability something's up with the head.
No way to know if it's a head gasket or cracked head. Could be one, the other or both.
Could open up the radiator cap when cold, then start the truck, if you are lucky, you'll throw enough exhaust in the coolant and see bubbles.
Dead cold, overnight start. I’m having it towed to a friends shop, where we can do a compression/leak down test. As long as it’s contained to one bank, I can get away with one headgasket right?
Dead cold, overnight start. I’m having it towed to a friends shop, where we can do a compression/leak down test. As long as it’s contained to one bank, I can get away with one headgasket right?
yes, as long as it is the head gasket, not a cracked head, obviously. Since you don't know the history of the vehicle, maybe it was overheated by a coolant leak, for example. But most chances are it's a one head gasket job. Have you looked for bubbles in coolant at cold start?