Recent content by z4r

I don't frequent FJ or Taco forums, but if you do some simple search, plenty discussions (though I have to admit I haven't read them all) came up: Do this in google.com: site:tacomaworld.com 1gr-fe head gasket you can try other variations on this (on other sites too). A general search shows...

Not sure why you would dismiss HG problems reported. I read thru the whole thread (once discovered mine was inflicted), and only see them validated. Obviously more v6 out there without having HG problems, but the incident rate is higher than expected. Saw some posts claiming HG problem at...

I suspect my engine only has a HG breaching point under a particular operating condition (engine temp, load, etc) at the moment. No bubbles in overflow reservoir, oil looks normal. But air/gas fume present in radiator (rad cap changed), so at some point, exhaust gas got into cooling system, but...

Looks like I got a blown head gasket on my 04 V6, 140k miles. Losing coolant, milky stuff under oil cap, no overheating or other symptons if I make sure radiator is full (like checking it couple of times a week). Has Toyota sadly regressed (or on par with the earlier 2nd gen HG problems)?

A pic is worth some serious $. It might be a bit grainy in the pic, but you'll find only 1 dimple on the face of the crank timing gear, more or less around 3 o'clock when the mark on the oil pump cover (12 o'clock) is aligned with the mark on the crank sensor wheel. OK now I did it :bluejump...

Perhaps we're talking about different marks here. I'm NOT referring to marks at 12 o'clock on the back timing covers. I'm talking about marks directly on the cams themselves and the dimple on the front of the crank timing gear (NOT the alignment mark on the oil pump cover either). If you align...

This is exactly what I found mostly on the net on how to do it, and it's kinda fuzzy and has potential to mis-align by a tooth (most likely on the crank). The way I described takes the guessing out of the game, and I believe is the easier way to get it right 100%, every single time. That's why...

This kit is way more than you need. A simpler timing kit, plus water pump will probably do. I just did one on ours last Saturday. Water pump seized and shredded timing belt, destroyed lower timing cover, dented crank sensor. Thank *** for non-interference engine. The tensioner compressing tool...

Don't take it wrong. It might be more palatable if I restated it this way: oil filter is like insurance. Also I believe some manufacturers (Honda?) call for new filter on every other oil change.

Well I'm talking about a well-maintained car to begin with, and after breakin. This is how I see it, basically 3 main sources of contaminants: 1) dirt/junk ingress via air. If you have a properly maintained air filter (run-of-the-mill paper filter will be the best), nothing to worry about 2)...

Yeah, it's whatever you're comfortable with. I'm doing this based on my years of oil changes experience, and examining a lot of used oil filters. Have you ever cut open used oil filters after oil change? I have done it numerous times, and it's quite interesting. Modern engines don't need oil...

Oil/filter change is an interesting subject (can be religion like), but generally is overrated. As long as you follow a sensible interval (very subjective to begin with), you'll be fine, especially for anyone who frequents these boards. I got my 98 with over 150k miles on it and it was...

Got electricity back (I'm in central Jersey). Simple life had its charm too, but I won't miss it that much :hello: Anyway here are some of the pics I took last night (before dark obviously). Pics in order of: 1) axle out 2) new seal in place 3) seal loose 4) seal lifted 5) greased/sealed/put back

I just did my left side last night, and took some pics. I'll upload them later (hopefully my electricity will be back by then). BTW, you'll see grease is mostly washed out by the gear oil.

Rotor life does have much to do with service/duty level, as mine goes thru hell. Most pads I used were pre-scorched (bedding is optional) quality pads, most of them made in Canada, one or two in US. Currently I'm using some AUS PBR/Axxis pads (Deluxe Plus, organic pads), seem to work well...