93 SR5 V6 - Head Gasket

[mac9161112]

Hello, I'm a neebee to this forum so my apologies up front.
I'm retiring my old FORD and entering into the wonderful world of Toyota. I bought a 95 SR5 V6 - (auto..i know, i know). The point of the truck is for yard work, light trailer hauling and a third car as needed.
The engine sounds great and the truck is very clean with about 120K miles on it, but the head gasket is spent and that is why I bought it. I plan on doing the head gasket and since I will be in there, do the timing belt and water pump. When I pull the heads I am planning to take them over and have them and the valves checked- - reworked as needed.
??My question is the following?? Does anyone know a great site for Toyota parts, both OEM and aftermarket? I also don't know what parts to use, what works best for the 2nd gen. I've read "HKS metal gasket and ARP studs”...but I'd really appreciate speaking to someone that knows.....
((BTW: Toyota did the head gasket recall work on it a decade ago….))
Many thanks!! Mac in PA

 

[ChoochCharlie]

I'm in Chester County PA too. Just did the head gasket on my new to me '95.
I used all OEM parts from the dealer, Limerick Toyota. Did not machine the heads though. I just said a prayer and scraped the gaskets. Has always worked in the past for me on other machines.

 

[90toytruck.]

congrats on the new truck engbilder.com great place for parts

 

[TThomas]

Just by oem stuff, imo you are watsing your money on a HKS gasket and ARP studs..

Its not a race car so save some bills and believe me you will get many years out of it...

Ive been a mechanic for 15 years and in that time Ive built several Toyota motors (in my spare time) that some triple the stock horse power and used mostly stock stuff.. Toyota oem, imo is way better compared to others oem components (in my experience)

 

[kona.mtb]

OEM toyota all day everyday....

 

[fourwd1]

X2 on engnbldr.com

Great part, prices, and service.

If Toyota OEM parts are that good, you wouldn't being replacing the HG for a second time, you'd still be on the original.

 

[kona.mtb]

Ok so maybe when it comes to the head gasket you have a point!

If Toyota OEM parts are that good, you wouldn't being replacing the HG for a second time, you'd still be on the original.[/QUOTE]

 

[ChoochCharlie]

Some of the original replacements were with non-upgraded designed gaskets. I heard that they are upgraded by now, 15 years later.

 

[Hammer75]

have a 95 that just blew the head gasket. Did you ever get the work done? If so what parts did you use and who did the work? Don't want to reinvent the wheel if someone else has dont this. I am in the Philadelphia area also. Thanks

 

[haus_maus]

X2 on engnbldr.com

Great part, prices, and service.

If Toyota OEM parts are that good, you wouldn't being replacing the HG for a second time, you'd still be on the original.

Holy moley that is a perfect site. I am thinking about doing the HG on my 91 soon-ish. Question though: Is it crappy gaskets that are the culprit? From some of the research I have been doing it sounds like the exhaust pipe coming off the manifold is cooking the gaskets to the point of failure.

 

[Diverse4runner]

Holy moley that is a perfect site. I am thinking about doing the HG on my 91 soon-ish. Question though: Is it crappy gaskets that are the culprit? From some of the research I have been doing it sounds like the exhaust pipe coming off the manifold is cooking the gaskets to the point of failure.

Yes over time it can cause the HG to fail prematurely. I wrapped mine in exhaust wrap and I'm going to make a heat shield to put in between the head and the pipe. Also, Its a whole lot easier to wrap it when the head is off. I had to do my HG about a year ago.

 

[haus_maus]

Yes over time it can cause the HG to fail prematurely. I wrapped mine in exhaust wrap and I'm going to make a heat shield to put in between the head and the pipe. Also, Its a whole lot easier to wrap it when the head is off. I had to do my HG about a year ago.

Good to know. I was just sorta putzing around under the hood trying to think of how to re-route the pipes...and the idea of getting a heat shield/pipe wrap situation happening sounds WAY better to me than re-inventing the wheel.

 

[captmarklp]

ME too.. 3VZE head gaskets

White smoke ! I'm interested in knowing what to pay for the HG work OR how many hours might the job take in a DIY mode. I am on the Delmarva peninsual.. not far from PHL. Understood, it could be cracked head, etc. I have not done this kind of job for many, many years but I have basic tools and some pretty good know-how plus a son who wants to learn. I see everyone says "take pix and mark everything". The 4R has, I think, about 135k and was sold to me with "BLUE JUICE" in it to mask the issue. Sick.