2004 limited
4.0
155k
number 6
4x4

bummed..

Brad

It seems like it's most often cyl #6 that has this failure. Any reason for that?

My 2004 LTD V6 has 139K miles on it, and has none of the noted symptoms at all. It's all highway miles, no offroad or towing. The truck runs GREAT, which is why I've kept it this long. I am constantly amazed at the pickup it has. But hearing about these kinds of issues concerns me. I wonder if it's getting time to trade her in. But, dang, the new ones are exPENsive.

Yes, like this.


Mine passed the gas in radiator test. We positively confirmed it based on others experience here, symptoms and a borescope.

I would not worry about it too much. I did and kind of regret it. I was worried about my 2004 v6 with 160k miles on it. I did all the maintenance on it and was still worried about a head gasket issue... I ended up selling it to my father in law who wanted to buy it off me... He is still driving it today with no issues whatsoever... I gave him a really good deal on it and he loves it... hes up to over 200k now... still runs perfectly. Dont sweat it. Just do the maintenance and keep driving it. I did do a full drain and fill of the coolant to prevent corrosion...

Great pic, I didn't have any of my actual gasket.

04 4Runner v6
120,000
Cylinder 6 leak

Weighing my options now. Dealer quotes around 3k give or take. Vehicle is paid off and like someone else said, it's "mine" and I love it. So I may bite the bullet and have it done. It just blows knowing this is an issue with so many people but yota won't issue a recall.

Sorry to hear. Did you report this to Toyota? I reported my failed head gasket last year, and they claimed they had not heard of any issues.

They created a case number for me in case there is any customer service campaign in the future. I've heard nothing from Toyota since I reported the problem.

I hope others are reporting this issue to Toyota so that they realize that it's a problem.

Have you check an indy shop? I would replace the water pump, thermostat, any pulley bearings that need and any gaskets you can while you have it apart. I took my heads to a machine shop and they checked them and milled them flat and put valve seals in. We also "adjusted" the valves.

Yes I reported it and they told me the same thing as well.... Doesn't seem to be an issue because they haven't had many problems with them. Which is BS, I referred them to this site and the other couple dozen people on this site alone with the problem, but they didn't seem to care much. The mechanic at the dealership said he's noticed a few of them, but I t would take a lot more for a recall to even be considered.

Yes I would love and much rather have a local shop do the job, mainly for the sake of money, but I don't really have a known trust worthy shop that I trust. I do have a guy that does all the other minor work on my vehicles, but he's more of a off the books, doesn't advertise, doesn't have an actual "business" kinda guy. He works in a shop that's in the back of a junk yard around me. He's a great guy and definitely knows his shit, but in kinda nervous considering thisnis a bigger and harder job. He would definitely give me the best price and I'm sure his work would be fine, but GOD FORBID something goes wrong and it's not technically warrantied or something. I trust him, but when money comes into play, who knows. So unfortunately im probably going to go through the stealership. And yes even tho id hate to keep racking up the price, I will definitely have them replace anything else they can while its apart.

This really blows, but considering its paid off, low miles, and iv put a lot of blood and sweat into my baby, I think 3-4k to fix a KNOWN great vehicle is better than trying to find something else worthy in that price range. I've considered just trading it in, because honestly the symptoms are still very unnoticeable, but I love this truck and if I were to get a new truck it would be the same gen 4Runner.... So might as well just fix what I got!

2005 2wd 4runner v6
175,000 miles
misfire #6
rough idle and P0360 code thrown

no additional or typical head gasket leak symptoms. no loss of coolant, no overheating, no white smoke from tail pipe, etc.

confirmed head gasket leak via leak down test and visual confirmation of bubbles in coolant while running from cold start

Repair cost for both heads, machine shop, replacement of water pump, serpentine belt, spark plugs, thermostat, new oil, filter, and coolant: $3294

Pretty pissed off at toyota right now.

I can relate man. I'm sorry that the head gasket bug bit you too.

Good evening everyone.

I recently purchased a 2006 Toyota 4runner Limited. After the purchase I read about the head gasket issues of the V6 from T4R.org. (prior to the purchase I didn't know they had head gasket issues).

I went back to the toyota dealer and had them test the oil to ensure the there were no exhaust mixed in with it. This passed.

I also performed a compression test on all cylinders when I changed the spark plugs out and all cylinders were at the correct compression.

Anyways, when I was at the dealer, I asked the parts department to provide me head gasket part numbers for a 2005 and a 2006 V6 4Runner. They were different!

2005 4.0 V6:
Back - 11115-31030
Front - 11116-31010

2006 4.0 V6:
Back - 11115-31031
Front - 11116-31011

So they changed the part numbers between 2005 and 2006 build years (in November 2005 to be exact)

When I asked the general manager about the difference, he said that it was probably just a numbering in their system and not necessarily due to a product change. I told him that manufacturers don't just change part numbers out of the blue. they would keep the same part number through-out their product line unless a chance was performed which would dictate a product number revision.

The manager disagreed with me but I'm standing firm that this is proof Toyota knew of the issue in late 2005 and in Nov 2005 they corrected the head gasket issue and released a revised gasket with the new part number to go with them.

Sorry this post got lengthy. I hope it helps fellow 4Runner owners that are wondering about their gaskets.

That is interesting, especially the bit about the Nov 2005 shift to a new part number and design. I always had read that '06 trucks built in '06 got the new HG, but it's cool to finally have some part numbers and dates to see that change did take effect. Mine was built in 02/2006 according to the build tag, so I'm hoping I don't run into this issue down the road.

Does anyone know when in late '05 Toyota started building '06 model year trucks? I always assumed it was around July or August, but I'm not sure. Just curious I guess.

here's how she sits now. Will take a picture of the head gasket in a few days. It is the same as everyone else's...a small amount of the black removed between #4 and #6...

Attached Images

 

Head gasket

Total amount for repair was $3491. Would've been a little less but Machine shop charge was $180 and they replaced a timing chain tensioner which was another $100. They did good work though. Quality Automotive near Raleigh, NC if anyone is curious.

Attached Images