2004 Limited Edition 4Runner 4X4 - Head Gasket

[JB.]

Any algorithm that attempted to measure poster credibility would, unfortunately, have to deduct points for very low post count.

This is especially true of this issue as a long suffered troll on this forum had/has a life mission of touting the V8 and discrediting the V6.

My apologies to any legitimate, low post members but it should be kept in mind that a percentage of low count posters are no doubt trolls.

 

[4RChappy]

This isn't the Toyota feeling that i'm looking for. Toyota needs to stand behind these issues or I'm going to start looking at their competition.[/QUOTE]

I had a failed transfer case in my Runner a few months after I bought it. I picked up an 02 Honda CRV a couple of years ago. After I bought it I discovered what CRV owners call the black death. The AC condenser blows and takes out the entire system. What comes out of the lines is black sludge, hence the label black death. I was not having issues but wanted to know what my chances were. I called Honda corporate and asked what their failure rate was. I was told that they kept no such statistics. I talked to the local Honda dealer service manager. He suggested that AC system failures were a non issue. Later Honda issued a recall and paid some owners for their failures. It's roll of the dice. I've got a CRV, Fit and T4R and I believe by those choices I have increased the odds. They all have failure issues. Good luck!

 

[TLC/T4R]

Misfire saga

Called Toyota Care today to report the issue with the misfire code. They were very courteous but after checking their database ( for 10 minutes) "could not find any other similar issues". They suggested that I take it to the dealer for diagnosis which I did tonight. The service manager thought that this was likely a blown head gasket (they have "replaced a few lately", but he would do the diagnostic test to rule out other issues.....

 

[jimithing]

Any algorithm that attempted to measure poster credibility would, unfortunately, have to deduct points for very low post count.

This is especially true of this issue as a long suffered troll on this forum had/has a life mission of touting the V8 and discrediting the V6.

My apologies to any legitimate, low post members but it should be kept in mind that a percentage of low count posters are no doubt trolls.

I hate to say it but I'm sitting here thinking the same thing. It's amazing all these new posters coming out of the woodwork with head gasket problems. I just don't buy that all of them are legit.

 

[08T4R]

I hate to say it but I'm sitting here thinking the same thing. It's amazing all these new posters coming out of the woodwork with head gasket problems. I just don't buy that all of them are legit.

Hmm..this thought never crossed my mind. Good point. But to their credit, Google is a powerful tool and if it pulls up this forum it may prompt them to register.

 

[Whitebeauty]

This should be stickied.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Rob J.]

Folks,

I understand there are some trolls around spreading lies about 4Runners or 1GR-FE engine head gaskets, etc.

If you come to the conclusion that I'm not legit, that's fine by me.

I love Toyotas and in fact, Toyota bought back my '97 Taco in the rust recall thing, and they gave me a chunk of change for what was basically a sh#t-box 4WD.

My real reason for signing in here and posting was not so much to bellyache about my 4Runner troubles (even though the repair will cost around $2,500 :sobbing: ) but instead to offer this advice, which I received from the stealership service manager over the phone:

If your truck's at or above 100K miles, get the recommended coolant system flush.

The Toyota Long Life Coolant can apparently break down and begin turning acidic.

If this happens, it could possibly eat away at stuff like head gaskets.

I don't know if spent, acidic coolant is the cause of the gasket failures that we're hearing about, but consider it good cheap insurance to flush the system and get new coolant at 100K.

I didn't do that. So maybe I have only myself to blame.

But don't take my word for it... call your indie mechanic or if you trust your dealer call them.

Also, even though there's apparently not a recall on 1GR-FE head gaskets, if you have this problem, call the Toyota 800 number so they can document your complaint.

I did, they gave me case #.

I would believe that if there is a critical mass of people with legit complaints, it may lead Toyota to issue a TSB and/or recall.

OK, thanks for hearing me out, sorry to go on so long.

Rob J.

 

[YotaDriver]

Folks,

I understand there are some trolls around spreading lies about 4Runners or 1GR-FE engine head gaskets, etc.

I think attributing what are most likely actual complaints of real head gasket failures to trolls is counterproductive. I drive a Runner with the 1GR-FE engine and I'm definitely concerned about this issue, so I would people aren't being dissuaded from posting here for fear they'll be labeled a troll.

With that being said, I did a coolant flush and replacement at around 90,000 miles so I'm hoping I'm good in that respect. However, when I changed my plugs at the 92,000 mile mark I did notice that the threads on the #6 plug were darker and had the appearance of some oil on them, although there wasn't any actual oil that could be wiped off. I'm hoping it was just some seepage through the valve cover gasket, but even that would be a little disheartening.

I've got 106,000 on my rig now and thankfully it's still running strong, but most of the stories I've read on this forum indicate that there's really not much in the way of warning before the head gasket fails. I keep a close eye on my coolant levels and do all the scheduled maintenance required so hopefully I'm in the clear, but time will tell.

Sorry yours failed, but glad to see you've accepted some measure of responsibility for not having the coolant changed on time. Good luck with the repairs.

 

[galactic_04]

If your truck's at or above 100K miles, get the recommended coolant system flush.
The Toyota Long Life Coolant can apparently break down and begin turning acidic.
If this happens, it could possibly eat away at stuff like head gaskets.

^^ What he said. I had mine flushed (with ALL other fluids at 90k and have been fine with 125k on her now and running like new. Another thing to watch for is the water pump. If it starts to go, it'll leak fluid through the bearing. When you're low on fluid it'll run hot and warp the head/block on the aluminum engines. The V8 is more resistant to this since it's an iron block, but it's also heavier and older technology... the reason no toyota engines run iron blocks any more.

 

[Calimander]

Trolls?

I joined this forum because of my troubles , not to make trouble. I have owned 6 Toyotas, including 3 4runners and a 02 Sequoia. My two 95's both had their head gaskets replaced, one twice. Toyota stood behind them. Now they act like this isn't an issue. A well maintained vehicle shouldn't need major engine work at 93k. You guys that haven't had trouble yet should sell out or move up out of the bad model years while you still can. I wish I did.----Dave

 

[JB.]

I drive a Runner with the 1GR-FE engine and I'm definitely concerned about this issue, so I would hope people aren't being dissuaded from posting here for fear they'll be labeled a troll.

It's just the unfortunate nature of message boards. New posters have a higher bar to clear for credibility. Putting a little time into good posts and follow-ups, as some have done, helps a lot.

There are other things that can be done. Pics, vids, copies of work orders, receipts, etc. I've been here forever and I would applaud someone asking me for that type of thing (though they wouldn't have to), as I would consider it a win for higher information standards.

The value of the thread can't be any higher than the quality of its information.

 

[Whitebeauty]

Well looks I fell victim to this as well. Mine is cylinder number three combined with coolant bejng pushed out of the radiator and into the overflow. Called and was given a case number. I even asked for some assistance in getting the repairs done. NOPE they said.

 

[Carl_G]

I'm looking at the number of new members posting on this thread and find it quite unusual. Something smells fishy here! If I had the V6 I would just do the recommended maintenance and not lose any sleep over it.

JB your advice is great about the new posters adding some photos of their documentation to add weight to their information.

 

[vicrc]

I'm looking at the number of new members posting on this thread and find it quite unusual. What are the odds of a large number of people all of a sudden having the head gasket issues AND posting to this forum? Something smells fishy here.

I would have never thought of registering here just because I have 4runner, maybe you might think I am fishy, but google sent me here and only registered to post my experience. Wait until more and more v6s approach the 150k miles which is not an easy task. If you look at 4 sale 4runner 2003-2004 they are not even close to having 150k miles.

 

[Carl_G]

I would have never thought of registering here just because I have 4runner, maybe you might think I am fishy, but google sent me here and only registered to post my experience. Wait until more and more v6s approach the 150k miles which is not an easy task. If you look at 4 sale 4runner 2003-2004 they are not even close to having 150k miles.

I never said you were but now that I go back and read your posts they are quite "alarmist" in nature, whereas most posters would take a more neutral stance if something like this actually happened to their engine. Maybe just post some photos of your documentation from the dealership and i will eat my words

 

[TLC/T4R]

Confirmed Blown Head Gasket

The dealership pressurized the coolant system and borescoped the No. 6 cylinder. Cooalnt was visibly leaking into the cylinder. Tear down in process.

Not sure why anyone would make this stuff up to discredit the V6. I only joined this forum because I see this as a generic problem. Seems to me that the reason why more people are reporting this is that more vehicle are reaching the milage mark where this occurs.

I own a '97 Landcruiser and purchased this '05 4Runner because I have had such good reliability with the TLC; I was expecting the same with the T4R.

 

[Carl_G]

Yes the "high mileage mark".

You and "vicrc" have done a fantastic job of pointing this out. Thank you!

 

[jimithing]

Yes the "high mileage mark".

You and "vicrc" have done a fantastic job of pointing this out. Thank you!

He even throws in a comment about how much better his Land Cruiser is. It just smells too much like eskimochaos, eskim0chaos, prepareyouranus, v8 brah, clockwork, lexus lx, 2UZ and whatever his other alias' were/are. Those are just the ones I know are/were for sure him. There's bound to be more.

 

[Carl_G]

*** VICRC and TLC/T4R ***

all I ask is that you please prove me wrong and post photos of your estimates / repair bills. Just cover up any personal information.

 

[YotaDriver]

He even throws in a comment about how much better his Land Cruiser is. It just smells too much like eskimochaos, eskim0chaos, prepareyouranus, v8 brah, clockwork, lexus lx, 2UZ and whatever his other alias' were/are. Those are just the ones I know are/were for sure him. There's bound to be more.

Hmmmmm....very interesting. Why someone would choose to troll a 4runner message board of all places is beyond me, but I guess it takes all kinds.