Wondering about 4.0 V6 and Head Gasket @#6 "issue" - Page 2 - Toyota 4Runner Forum

sonerick · 06-09-2015, 10:44 AM

I've got about 190k on my '05 V6. I've had a few rough starts here and there, but no codes thrown yet.

I changed my spark plugs at about 80k w/ NGK iridiums and they looked fine at the time. I'm probably overdue for another spark plug change now.

Calimander · 06-09-2015, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badbasser98

so I have noticed that my 4Runner will drain the coolant over flow tank in about 3k miles. I have only had it for 6k miles, but it has been fairly consistent since I first noticed the coolant was low and discovered that the V6 may be prone to this issue. I have checked all around and have not been able to find any external leaks. It does idle at times where it will shake the truck shortly after start up but it does not sound rough. Also the oil has never looked milky. Is this worth having my mechanic check it out?

It looks like you have a bad head gasket. Those are the classic symptoms. If you have any doubts let it sit overnight then pull the plugs and scope out the cylinders for coolant seepage. This is usually in #6. Best of luck to you.

iBison · 06-09-2015, 10:48 PM

I just got the parts in to do my head gaskets. FYI, I searched for deals and this is where I got mine.

Engine overhaul gasket kit on ebay from royalsouthtoyota of Bloomington Indiana. I bought the part someone on another forum bought but when I called to pay they said that that number was not for a 4Runner. I bought Toyota Tacoma Tundra 4.0L 1GRFE V6 Head Gasket Set Genuine OEM OE (Electronics, Cars, Fashion, Collectibles, Coupons and More | eBay /itm/301330964641), but they said it was different than the 4R. price was 229.78 with shipping.

I bought a Asin water pump $79.79, a Stant thermostat $29.79 and fel-pro head bolts $40.99. I may measure the old bolts and see if they need to be replaced. Total $152.14 with 5% discount and shipping.

I ordered the head bolt tool from autopart.com Part Number: 9295 2 Pc. Toyota / Lexus Head Bolt Wrench Set $21.97 with shipping. Just over $400 for this stuff and I still need antifreeze and machine shop work.

The gasket set wasn't in stock, but everything got here quickly.

Advance auto has a $3 per rebate on the spark plugs so after discount code they will be almost nothing.

I forgot to order a crank bolt so I'll get that and the antifreeze at the stealer. I hate to give them a dime, but I guess there isn't an alternative.

Hope this helps someone.

edit: Machine shop is going to be 130 (inspect and pressure test)-380 (rebuild) depending on what needs to be done.

jbriggsnh · 07-06-2016, 09:20 PM

I just got my 1grfe head pulled off tonight and the #6 piston had a handful of water in it. I can't figure out how to upload pics or I would. Looking at the gasket I can't see an obvious reason why. I hope its not a cracked head.

buckeye4runner08 · 07-07-2016, 07:25 AM

I went through the stickied head gasket thread one night reading everything about it. based on the trend in the thread, and one member's discovery of a part number change in late '05 (if I remember correctly), my '08 "should" be ok. (knock on lots of wood). It seems that the gasket was changed after the 05 model year, as an overwhelming majority of the problems identified in that thread were 03-05.

Still, I went and put a mark on the overflow tank, and I check it periodically.

earthrealm · 07-07-2016, 05:14 PM

WHAT OF OBSERVING THE RESERVOIR COOLANT TANK?
mine drops abt 1.5'' below the full mark when cold, and rises to the full mark when driven for a while...
is this normal?
i have not observed any stumbling or rough running at cold start ups

sonerick · 07-08-2016, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earthrealm

WHAT OF OBSERVING THE RESERVOIR COOLANT TANK?
mine drops abt 1.5'' below the full mark when cold, and rises to the full mark when driven for a while...
is this normal?
i have not observed any stumbling or rough running at cold start ups

I think the fluctuation you are seeing is likely due to the thermal expansion/contraction of the fluid.

I'd suggest you make a mark at the cold level and another at the hot level and monitor from there.

97hb · 07-08-2016, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackmax

So the real question is- how many drivers have over 175,000 miles on their 4.0 and have not seen the CEL come on, and find out it's P0306?

I double that mileage no issues or cel.

go_saints · 10-26-2016, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackmax

sorry for kinda long.....

So, P0306.....it seems to be something of a "known issue" for the 4.0 liter engine. with higher miles. However, it's also true that reading a forum can make things look more prevalent than they really are. If 8 people all come on and say "Yea, me too"...it sounds epidemic. But maybe it's just 8 out of 300,000. Or maybe it really is a problem and needs to be considered.

Anyway,it seems that quite a few people have complained that they got the dreaded P0306 code (misfire in #6). Many then took it to the dealership who promptly nailed them for a "tune up" including plugs and a coil....only to eventually get to the real problem- "your head gasket failed at #6; and it's leaking coolant into the cylinder. You're F'd." It seems as if ALL of these people were at 120,000 - 160,000, with the majority seeming to be right at 150,000 miles.

Symptoms beside the code would be rough (as if missing a cylinder) at startup, especially after sitting for while.

I'm wondering if most or perhaps ALL V6s over 100k miles have this leak, but it's so small that it simply isn't noticed (yet); plus, it seals back up very quickly after startup, due to the intense combustion temps? After reading all the post on this subject, I'm convinced that mine has had this small leak for 100k miles now. It must just be soooooo small, that it hasn't become (and perhaps never will) a major issue. Why do I think I have a small leak, and have for long time? Here's what I've experienced-

1- maybe 10 times since I bought my truck (10 years ago) it shuddered for 5 seconds after startup....but later smooth out.
2- a couple times in summer, while climbing a hill, I could see white smoke in my rear-view mirror. Why it's only happened 3 times (that I know of)....I can't say. But I know it did happen.
3- And this is the big one for me: I pulled all the plugs. They ALL look exactly the same......except #6! It had significantly more deposits on it (not black).

Now, like I said, I'm wondering if perhaps most 4.0 engines have some leakage at #6 (seems it's an admitted design flaw, and Toyota has changed the HG design, as I understand it), but since the leak is so small, the owner is just unaware. So the real question is- how many drivers have over 175,000 miles on their 4.0 and have not seen the CEL come on, and find out it's P0306?

Sorry for the length....but this could be a serious issue for people wanting to get high-miles out of their 4Runner, like me. I wonder if:

1- everyone with over 100k miles on their truck pulled the #6 plug plus any other plug....if they'd see an obvious difference with lots more deposits on #6? or,
2- not that many would, and the real truth is that though HGs will fail on our engine, just like any engine, it's just that when it does n ours, it happens at #6.

Again, sorry for the length.

I'm at 175k+ on my 2006 Tacoma and have never had the CEL come on at all.

It's the same 4.0 animal. I have experienced the white smoke you mentioned from time to time, and also the shudder when starting. About four times I thought the engine was going to die instead of start, but it rumbled for about a second and then straightened right back up.
My main issue is that if I am sitting in gear at idle, it feels like it starts to run rough / shake the whole truck. If I put it in Netural, it straightens out. Maybe it's just a low idle, but who knows.

I thought it might be my MAF getting gunked up from running an oiled filter, but now I'm not so sure. I should probably check my coolant level at some point, but I don't remember it being an issue when I changed my plugs.

Qlaloo · 10-27-2016, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97hb

I double that mileage no issues or cel.

I think it's safe to say that I should've bought an 03

Jimmythecat · 10-31-2016, 09:13 PM

I have a 2013 4Runner with 140000 kms and has been puffing white smoke at start up and now dealer says it needs head gaskets. I would say it's a v6 plague for Toyota. This is my forth Toyota and it's why I went to Toyota because they were more reliable than the others. If they are no longer reliable I might as well go with something that at least gets better mileage.

mgson · 11-02-2016, 09:55 AM

I have a 2005 sr5 with 180xxx miles. Head gasket is leaking with all the obvious codes and signs. My question is has anyone tried to temporarily resolve the issue with headgasket sealer?

ZebRuaj · 11-02-2016, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgson

I have a 2005 sr5 with 180xxx miles. Head gasket is leaking with all the obvious codes and signs. My question is has anyone tried to temporarily resolve the issue with headgasket dealer?

Headgasket Sealer?

Those do more harm than good from my readings .. but it's your truck. Go nuts!