[4runnerkucool]

Hi, recently I have a problem with my 4runner. It showed an overheating while I was driving on highway but it was NOT at idle. It shows normal temp at idle (engine on but at idle). My mech said it is possibly the head gasket ($ 800) or maybe the radiator problem. Any help please? I replaced the thermostat but still same.
Any help please? Thanks...

[turboSR5]

You never mentioned year/engine so here is some general thoughts.
If you aren't burning coolant, or mixing coolant with oil I am not sure why your head gasket would be responsible. Have the mechanic do a leak down test to be sure before he just goes tearing into the head. I would guess that your radiator is having problems keeping up, could be plugged somewhat. Do you still have all of your shrouding around the fan? Coolant level is topped off? Water pump checks out? Fan clutch seems unlikely since you are running hot at speed, but would be worth looking at none the less.

[buckz6319]

Originally Posted by 4runnerkucool

Hi, recently I have a problem with my 4runner. It showed an overheating while I was driving on highway but it was NOT at idle. It shows normal temp at idle (engine on but at idle). My mech said it is possibly the head gasket ($ 800) or maybe the radiator problem. Any help please? I replaced the thermostat but still same.
Any help please? Thanks...

Well the signs of my failing head gasket95 4runner 3.0) were: loosing coolant slowly having to top off each week, and no visible exterior leaks, tempature rising toward the RED when driven some distance, until the thermostat opened up and allowed the cooled fluid in the radiator to circulate thus bringing down the temp.Turning the heat on with blower on high would help also.

The 4runner did get worse over a few weeks, started to blow White smoke out the exhaust and missing on a drive home from work 25 miles and I made it home

My vin number ddin't qualify for the massave recall, and I had 187,000 miles on the clock at the time she blew.If I were you I would go rent a pressure tester, warm up the engine to operating temp then remove the plugs and do the test.I would bet your problem is in the #6 cylinder

you could also pull your plugs and read them, they can tell you a lot about your combuation

I have a link to my head gasket repair if you need it, if that's your problem

here is a video of what my exhaust when the head gasket blew, hope this helps..btw this was in the summer so that is humid white smoke out the exhaust
YouTube - Blown Head Gasket Humid White Smoke 001.AVI

[4runnerkucool]

thanks for replies; There was no white smoke at all, no bubble in the radiator when it was hot (about 10 minutes idle). Also, with radiator cap opened, I see there was a "wave" when I pull the accelerator cable ( I think the water pump good) therefore, today I sent to a different mechanic then he said the fun cluth is not good, he said it is $ 230 total labor and part.

[4runnerkucool]

Originally Posted by 4runnerkucool

Hi, recently I have a problem with my 4runner. It showed an overheating while I was driving on highway but it was NOT at idle. It shows normal temp at idle (engine on but at idle). My mech said it is possibly the head gasket ($ 800) or maybe the radiator problem. Any help please? I replaced the thermostat but still same.
Any help please? Thanks...

it is 93 v6 4runner with 70k

[90toytruck.]

get a exh checker that reads from your rad pretty simple test and easier than pullin the plugs !!!

[4runnerkucool]

What is "exh checker "? Today, the mechanic fix the fan clutch but it is ZERO. It is the same. The crazy thing (or maybe it is the hint for a particular problem), when the car was overheating, I turned on the heater all the way up and the fan to the max then THE TEMP WENT DOWN TO ALMOST NORMAL. Also, I got the email from the Toyota dealer that this car has a head gasket done in 1998.
For me, I dont get it at all somebody help please???

[fishrod]

Originally Posted by buckz6319

I would bet your problem is in the #6 cylinder

Thats funny mine was Cylinder # 6 as well. But mine was blowing about 10 times as much white smoke by the time it made it to the shop!!

[fishrod]

Originally Posted by 4runnerkucool

What is "exh checker "? Today, the mechanic fix the fan clutch but it is ZERO. It is the same. The crazy thing (or maybe it is the hint for a particular problem), when the car was overheating, I turned on the heater all the way up and the fan to the max then THE TEMP WENT DOWN TO ALMOST NORMAL. Also, I got the email from the Toyota dealer that this car has a head gasket done in 1998.
For me, I dont get it at all somebody help please???

I love it when mechanics think they know the problem, fix it and then it stays the same. 230 bucks later. Awesome.

[buckz6319]

Originally Posted by fishrod

Thats funny mine was Cylinder # 6 as well. But mine was blowing about 10 times as much white smoke by the time it made it to the shop!!

yea that dreaded #6....what was Toyota thinking when they mated Iron with Aluminum?...and that dang crossover pipe

[4runnerkucool]

Would you more specific please? What's that mean cylinder #6? The sparkplug? the cylinder itself?

[90toytruck.]

Originally Posted by 4runnerkucool

What is "exh checker "? Today, the mechanic fix the fan clutch but it is ZERO. It is the same. The crazy thing (or maybe it is the hint for a particular problem), when the car was overheating, I turned on the heater all the way up and the fan to the max then THE TEMP WENT DOWN TO ALMOST NORMAL. Also, I got the email from the Toyota dealer that this car has a head gasket done in 1998.
For me, I dont get it at all somebody help please???

it measure the exh gases that could be coming back thru the radiator the tester fits over the rad cap hole with a fluid in it if the fluid changes color the you are getting exh in the coolant and you have a bad head gasket 3 min test

[4runnerkucool]

how do I get that tool? Do i need to buy it or rent?
Now, Iam getting very nervous. I paid s$230 for nothing, then..it seem i have the bad head gasket. What can I do now...?
I cant believe it, it was replaced already how can it broken again?? Do they(toyota dealer) has no warranty on their job? How much the cost to replace it?

[90toytruck.]

Originally Posted by 4runnerkucool

how do I get that tool? Do i need to buy it or rent?
Now, Iam getting very nervous. I paid s$230 for nothing, then..it seem i have the bad head gasket. What can I do now...?
I cant believe it, it was replaced already how can it broken again?? Do they(toyota dealer) has no warranty on their job? How much the cost to replace it?

ck your local auto zone or kragen auto you should be able to rent it if not i know napa auto parts sells them no sure how much shouldnt be that expensive

[90toytruck.]

if you do the job yourself about 350 shop 800 maybe more