2003 4Runner V8 know issues?

[93_Runner]

Hello,

I recently purchased a 2003 V8 which already had 236K miles. I figured I'd just fix it as things broke. Yesterday I was told by Mark Miller Toyota in Salt Lake that the head gasket seems to be in need of replacement and that it leaks coolant in that particular area, although it is not leaking in to the cylinders. The service consultant suggested I just keep an eye on the coolant level for now until I get the gasket replaced.

Second issue is the transfer case is leaking, not sure how bad it is leaking yet.

My questions are:

How long could I safely wait until I replace the head gaskets? Is it for certain it will eventually start leaking in to the cylinders?
I was quoted $1500 for both gaskets, is this about right?
Concerning the transfer case: if I keep the fluid level full will I have any issues?

Last question: are there any other known problems typical for this vehicle that I can expect? Particularly, any other major mechanical work I can expect? The timing belt has been replaced recently. And the previous owner took the car in for all scheduled maintenance.

My knowledge of mechanics is fairly basic.
Thanks!

 

[djlandkpl]

CV boots tearing/coming loose are common.

The other big hitter on the V8 is cracked exhaust manifolds. You'll hear a ticking sound at start up if they are cracked. The sound goes away when the manifold heats up and closes the gap. It's about $1800 a side if a dealer does it.

 

[93_Runner]

Thanks for the info. I spoke with a mechanic today who says in some engines the coolant leaks outside the engine and never into the cylinders. Is this the case with this engine? At this point I'm debating trading this car in for something thing else.

 

[V8Man]

Never heard of 4.7 V8 head gasket problem. In all my 40 years of auto fixing, head gaskets fail where the combustion pressure is the greatest relative to the area of the gasket and furthest from the bolts. That is between cylinders. If you are truly seeing a leak, look at the intake gasket, hoses, or the weep hole for the water pump located above the oil filter. Also V8 requires timing belt replacement every 90,000 miles and since you said it was recently, be sure it's not leaking around the thermostat or water pump. They all come off with a t belt change.

 

[93_Runner]

Thanks V8Man, I'm gonna be taking it to a different shop and getting a second opinion. I see no leaks on the ground coming from the car...

 

[Bob J]

Agree with earlier comments on V8 head gaskets leaking.... Not very likely.... With the V6 it's fairly common but not with the V8...

My vote would be the water pump leaking.... Do you have the maintenance history, particularly the last time the timing belt and water pump was changed out.... My son and I did the timing belt maintenance on our 03 V8s and both had small leaks.... Might be worth a check....

 

[93_Runner]

I had the local toyota dealer replace the timing belt roughly 4k miles ago. They inspected the water pump and since it was not leaking at the time they did not replace it. Perhaps it has started leaking now.

 

[93_Runner]

Had a reputable shop in Salt Lake double check the 4Runner. They did not find any coolant leak, only a very small transfer case leak. So all is well thankfully! Must haven been a mistake made by the mechanic at the Toyota dealer.

As with the transfer case, they calculate in a 5K mile interval I will only have lost the equivalent of 2 spoon full worth of fluid due to the leak. So nothing to be too concerned just yet…Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[Bob J]

Had a reputable shop in Salt Lake double check the 4Runner. They did not find any coolant leak, only a very small transfer case leak. So all is well thankfully! Must haven been a mistake made by the mechanic at the Toyota dealer.

As with the transfer case, they calculate in a 5K mile interval I will only have lost the equivalent of 2 spoon full worth of fluid due to the leak. So nothing to be too concerned just yet…Thanks for all the suggestions!

Glad it worked out.....:thumb: