3.0 Head Gasket Best Pratices?

[tyrell2004]

Just got the head tore off my 95 3.0 and am using a factory head gasket set. I have gotten some recommendations to use Permatex spray on and brush on Copper Gasket adhesive.
Any thoughts? Experience?
Also best technique for preping cleaning the top of the block?
Thanks and Happy New Year.

 

[drmorbius]

The first thing I would do is make sure the head surfaces are flat. Take the head to a reputable machine shop and have them check it, you may have to get them milled 10 thousands to get them flat. Ask them how to clean the block surface. Maybe you could ask Toyota what they recommend putting on the head gasket. When you get to assembly be sure to use the proper tightening pattern and torque wrench values. Those are the basics. Any way good luck and Happy New Year.

 

[n2o302]

I've got a complete 3.0 headgasket and upper manifold rebuild set that I bought for my 4 runner and I ended up just getting a remanufactured motor so it's sitting in my garage I'll sell it to you for what I have in it! LMK!

 

[tyrell2004]

Typo in original post; "heads" are off after less than 30 k from a supposed Remanufactured, engine but I am finding lots of short cuts done by ex mechanic.
N20: Already bought the factory Head gasket kit but thanks.

 

[drmorbius]

Typo in original post; "heads" are off after less than 30 k from a supposed Remanufactured, engine but I am finding lots of short cuts done by ex mechanic.
N20: Already bought the factory Head gasket kit but thanks.

Yeah I thought it was a V6. What "other stuff" have you found. For one thing I have always put head gaskets on dry unless the manufacturer( Toyota ) recommends differently.

 

[tyrell2004]

No thermostat, most bolts under torqued, most small gaskets missing and goop uses instead, timing belt craked after only 30 K, (probably used belt), non red coolant, paid for new radiator, was a repainted one. erg valve probe was never cleaned, he broke my cruise control connector to the throttle. Needless to say not very happy, and it leaked twice after he replaced the engine. I think he pulled the thermo to keep temp and pressure down to try and hide the leak and then after at least five to six attempts over the course of a year, I gave up could not handle the frustration and anger of dealing with his lies and shoddy wormanship.
I started doing repairs and trying the fixes my self until the head gasket blew again. No money this time for shop. so........ off I went
However the lower end seems to be in pretty good shape, or at least I am hoping so.
As far as Copper or not Copper lots of back yard mechs say they will never do any head gasket with out it. Toyota manual does not mention any gasket seeler for the heads. There was not a Copper type of brush or spray seeler on when I pulled the heads

 

[drmorbius]

Sounds like the previous mechanic was a PITA and inept to boot. It also sounds like you know what you are doing and have judged the other guys goofs (probably intended) correctly. Is the block cast iron on these engines? If so I use a steel blade scraper about 11/2 inches wide to clean the block surface. The blade even has a sharp edge. Be careful not to dig in. Did you ask Toyota what they would do as far as coatings? I know I'd be interested in their advice. Just my 2cents. My thought on this is that whatever you put on, it should be an even coating with no lumps or raised spots. I have seen people use Permatex (the thick black stuff in a tube!) to fix a head gasket leak and it usually lasts long enough to sell the car, then BLOOEY. This is why I recommend that a machine shop check them for flatness and mill them if necessary and the tightening procedeure.