99 4runner head gasket or not?

[994rna]

Hi all - Looking to buy a 99 4runner sr5 but...

The inspection found a bit of oil in the radiator but no coolant in the oil or the transmission. I am a tad mystified and cant work out if it is a deal breaker or not. Is there anything else I can do to check if it is the head gasket? It does have a bit of an oil leak ou thte back but nothing major.

Also found leaking shock and broken sway bar link on the front left. Although it is not noticable when driving.

The car has done just over 300,000kms and has had regular oil and tranny fluid changes.

Thoughts?

Cheers!

 

[Baja Runner]

Did you run a compression test in all the cylinders? That might help you determine if there is a head gasket leak.

I forget, but I think there is another way that the oil can get into the coolant... I remember a long time ago my buddy found about 1/2 quart of oil in his overflow tank, but I don't remember what it was... it was surprisingly (to me) was not a head gasket.

 

[Singtoe]

Is it engine oil or transmission fluid?

 

[994rna]

Thanks for the replies fellas!

It appears to be engine oil.

No compression tests done, might have to look at that if cant figure out other wise.

 

[BrianSD_42]

i say dont buy it. hold out for one that has < 150k miles (US)

based on your question, i assume that if it did have a cracked head you would not be doing the rebuild. It is better to wait and buy a better vehicle.

Fixing a cracked head could cost $2000 - $3500 for a rebuild (non-dealer).

Also, despite what many here believe, many (a lot) 4Runners suffer a cracked head or head gasket fail between 180 - 250K miles.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Yup, if it is even questionable, move on.

 

[Stick Figure]

If the vehicle is questionable, it would probably be better to move on, but if it is too good of a deal to pass up then i would do the following:

Leak down test with radiator cap removed (remember not to lean over the radiator when you do it either! My Supra gave me a bath like that once when i hit cyl 5 and found the problem lol)

I would probably disconnect the trans cooler lines from the radiator and do a pressure test on the coolant system as well to make sure that the "oil" wasn't from the trans.

 

[mark3406e]

Oil in the coolant is caused by a failing oil cooler. Its mounted on the drivers side of the block in the middle. Not that big of a deal.

 

[brian2sun]

Oil in the coolant can be caused by a failing oil cooler. Its mounted on the drivers side of the block in the middle. Not that big of a deal.

Fixed that for you. Telling him it's just an oil cooler could cost him a lot of money. It could be the oil cooler, but it could also be a cracked head, bad HG, or maybe even an old strawberry milkshake that was cleaned up to try to sell it. All of which can cost thousands to fix.

OP, how does the tranny oil look? This sounds like a POS to me. Plus, if the oil leak you saw out the back of the engine is coming from the rear main, there goes another $1000 to fix it. I would pass unless it's priced like a POS.

 

[994rna]

Had comperssion test done all is looking good. It is not even an ounce trans fluid with none in overflow. The radiator was replaced several months ago so am assuming it is from the change out. The ATF is perfect and hasnt changed in the past week I have been looking at it. It is a very solid and well maintained vehicle so think I will make an offer.
Cheers guys, great to have so many willing and helpful contributors. When I start kitting it out, I'll be back!