'04 4runner rough idle & check engine light

[fable]

MAIN CONCERN: My mechanic is an hour away. You think it's okay to drive that far with an issue like this?

Details:
’04 4runner V6, sport 4WD, 115K, rough idle at start up (30-60 seconds then runs smooth), put fuel injector cleaner, changed oil, coolant just above lo mark. This started a week ago, then today at start up, check engine light blinks twice and VSC TRAC and VSC OFF blink also, all lights go away and engine runs smooth again. I turned it off, afraid to turn on again!

I know this could lead to a head gasket job. I appreciate all advice! Thanks so much.

 

[NJshadow93]

MAIN CONCERN: My mechanic is an hour away. You think it's okay to drive that far with an issue like this?

Details:
’04 4runner V6, sport 4WD, 115K, rough idle at start up (30-60 seconds then runs smooth), put fuel injector cleaner, changed oil, coolant just above lo mark. This started a week ago, then today at start up, check engine light blinks twice and VSC TRAC and VSC OFF blink also, all lights go away and engine runs smooth again. I turned it off, afraid to turn on again!

I know this could lead to a head gasket job. I appreciate all advice! Thanks so much.

Unfortunately, this sounds like it's almost definitely bad head gaskets.

 

[fable]

Unfortunately, this sounds like it's almost definitely bad head gaskets.

Yeeeeah, I am preparing myself for the worst! Think I can get away with driving it to the mechanic? I really dont want to pay for a tow!

EDIT: Thanks for responding so quick bro!

 

[HokieRunner]

Yeeeeah, I am preparing myself for the worst! Think I can get away with driving it to the mechanic? I really dont want to pay for a tow!

EDIT: Thanks for responding so quick bro!

You may be able to make it just fine but if in doubt get a tow? btw..you may know this but some insurance companies will reimburse you for 1 or 2 tows a year. I know state farm does.

 

[fable]

HokieRunner, thanks bro! I'm with state farm! I'll have to keep that in mind!

I had a mechanic friend of mine come over. Used a code reader, it threw a P0304 Cylinder 4 misfire. We stuck a funnel in the radiator and put a little coolant in, after running the engine for about 5 minutes, little bubbles started coming up... my friend said that's the poor man's way of evaluating a bad head gasket. So all signs are pointing towards a HG job.

I guess I will call my pro mechanic for a quote, I don't want to drive over there if I don't have the cash to fix the worst case scenario. It's a sad day.

 

[NJshadow93]

HokieRunner, thanks bro! I'm with state farm! I'll have to keep that in mind!

I had a mechanic friend of mine come over. Used a code reader, it threw a P0304 Cylinder 4 misfire. We stuck a funnel in the radiator and put a little coolant in, after running the engine for about 5 minutes, little bubbles started coming up... my friend said that's the poor man's way of evaluating a bad head gasket. So all signs are pointing towards a HG job.

I guess I will call my pro mechanic for a quote, I don't want to drive over there if I don't have the cash to fix the worst case scenario. It's a sad day.

The good news is that it's now an opportunity to get the updated design for the V6 head gaskets and not the defective ones that came in the early 4th gens from the factory. Knowing that it won't happen again has to be worth something right? Good luck and let us know what happens if you can!

 

[fable]

The good news is that it's now an opportunity to get the updated design for the V6 head gaskets and not the defective ones that came in the early 4th gens from the factory. Knowing that it won't happen again has to be worth something right? Good luck and let us know what happens if you can!

Hey Man, yeah, that is actually a very good point. I just can't wait until the repair is done and behind me and I'm cruising again! I was prepared for this to happen because I read a lot about it before buying the truck. I still love it and don't want anything else!