3VZ-E Heads inspection

[kc15842]

3VZ-E Heads inspection/ valve adjustment

Just removed the heads and it looks like I caught it before the HG let go. Whats odd is the head has a few points where it appears to be bulging at the area of the water jacket. Is that possible? I had 150 PSI across all cylinders and only planned to have them resurfaced and I'll clean up the valves and put on new seals. I was wondering if a have a potential problem that will really show up once I have the heads resurfaced. Anyone see this before?
You can see it between the cylinders.

 

[robertd33]

the head is bulging? how/where?

 

[kc15842]

In the picture between the cylinders to the right or in this picture just below the elongated water port. That brownish area is actually the bulge.

 

[kc15842]

It was a build up of stuff. It scrapped off....

 

[CentCalKid]

Glad it scrapped off.

Thanks for the dramatic let-down!

 

[kc15842]

I could only think of $$$. I'm hoping for a reasonable build. So far only 1 head needs a bit of welding and the first exhaust valve I looked at is pretty pitted. I read on one of the toyota sites a guy paid $600 for a valve job which scared the crap out of me.

 

[kc15842]

I visited a machine shop to get an idea on cost to weld,resurface and valve & seat grind. I was surprised when he said he would also grind the valve stem instead of playing with different size shims. On one hand I like the idea as I wont need to buy several shims and the time involved. On the other hand I'll now have a set of unique valves. I would appreciate your feedback.
Thanks

 

[HanginInUtah]

How many miles on the engine? I'm surprised... I've done a couple 3.0 head gaskets now (both heads were re-gasketed both times... heads cleaned, checked, surfaced) and no problems. The latest was .005 taken off the heads. No issues with valves or anything. I spent about $175 to get both heads done (both times, same shop).
First engine was at 235K miles, second is at 194K miles.

 

[kc15842]

It got 247K. This guy has a good reputation and it seems reasonable. He's also going to tank and hone the block and resurface the flywheel.

 

[NebulousQ]

Hi! I am new to this forum and 4runners in general.

I have been finding conflicting information on head gasket problems in the 3L engine and the 2.4L engine.

Is the 3L engine more prone to head gasket failure? Or is it just something that can happen in an older engine regardless if it is the 3L VZ-E or the 2.7L 22R-E?

 

[kc15842]

The 3,0 V6 had an issue with head gaskets and an actual toyota recall. In my opinion from the few that I have worked on is the need to have a good engine ground (both block & top end) and maintaining the coolant. The aluminum heads tend to experience corrosion around the water ports of the head which if not caught in time will lead to head gasket failure.

 

[HanginInUtah]

The 3,0 V6 had an issue with head gaskets and an actual toyota recall. In my opinion from the few that I have worked on is the need to have a good engine ground (both block & top end) and maintaining the coolant. The aluminum heads tend to experience corrosion around the water ports of the head which if not caught in time will lead to head gasket failure.

...and a few cents more: anything to maintain the cooling, is essential. Any chance of overheating will lead to failure. If you're maintaining your cooling system and keeping it clean, you'll benefit greatly. I won't go so far as to guarantee it, but you'll buy yourself some serious life on the heads.