Recent content by thegipper

I've used an Ultra gauge with my 97 for many years without any issues. There are several other 3rd gen owners on here using them as well. I've never read/seen any issues caused by an Ultra gage (on any vehicle for that matter). Good luck

As Timmy said, do a leak down test. A leak down test was the only way I was able to 100% confirm my head gasket was blown. Good luck

I had a similiar issue with my LTFT being -11% or so and it ended up being a bad o2 sensor and/or a crack in the exhaust right before the o2 sensor. Here is my post I made. https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/288173-down-power-after-car-wash-p0172-2.html?highlight=died Post 24 is...

I swapped a 99 engine into a 97 truck. All I had to do was swap the wiring harness and everything (minus the PS idle up thing charlie is talking about) plugged right in. If I remember correctly, I just swapped over the PS pump from the 99 truck. The hardest part of the entire swap was...

Congratulations on the new house and property. It definitely looks like an upgrade from your place in Cali. Have you given any thought to filming some of the upgrades you plan on doing to the property/shop? It may provide some pretty cool content and folks who are into turning wrenches usually...

I tried aftermarket ones from Napa and Amazon, both leaked within 6 months. I eventually found an OEM one on partsouq for less than half of what the dealer wanted. Hasn't leaked a drop in many years.

I agree, they don't look like they are hitting anything but are being melted.

That doesn't sound good for sure. Did it run fine when it was parked? Pull the dipstick and use a flashlight to see if there is any sparkles in the oil. It kind of sounded like the major knocking occurred on the decel, could be a rod bearing(s) going bad. You could also drain the oil and cut...

Sounds like you have two problems going on. 1. Your spark plug(s) were loose and one of them blew out of the head and destroyed the coil. That would also explain the "lifter" noise you were hearing prior to the spark plug ejection. 2. As Tim mentioned, your spark plug tube seals are toast...

^^ That's where I would start.

Another excellent video Tim. I had a leak on one of those hoses at the rear of the engine and was able to replace it without removing the upper/lower plenum but it was a nightmare. If I ever had to do it again, I would remove the plenums.

I use an AC condenser cleaner that is sold at my local Menards. Any home improvement or hardware store should sell cans of it. It's usually found in the HVAC area. Something like this.

Peform a leak down test. That is by far the most reliable way to know if it's a bad head gasket or not. I had the same thing going on with my 97, once I pressurized cylinder #3, I had air bubbles coming out of the radiator. On face value, it does sound like you have a cracked head and/or bad...

Long story short, I had a suspected bad head gasket. I did all of the tests you did (exhaust test with the dye, compression test, bore scope etc) and nothing was conclusive. I eventually did a leak down test as suggested by others on here. Once I pressurized cyclinder number 3, I had air...

Were the cylinder heads inspected/tested for cracks when the head gaskets were replaced? I would also check the oil to see if there are any signs of coolant in it. I'm guessing you either still have air in the system or something was missed during your headgasket repair. Good luck and let us...