Another Head Gasket Thread

BlackCat914 said:
I'm going to throw my .02 in here and say I HIGHLY doubt it's a head gasket. You're willing to just dive into doing the work without even properly diagnosis? Good luck!
Click to expand...


OP, I have to agree with BlackCat914 here. Going just off what you mentioned so far you haven't done a proper diagnosis. We see other trucks with smoke that isn't the head.

Lets see:

Intermittent Smoke: Yes (was it during startup or consistent)
Codes: No
Runs ruff / misfire: No
Coolant in the CYL: No
Confirmed compression problem: No
Oil in radiator coolant: No

// I just saw your comment about experience. I don't doubt you can do it but it might not be the heads.

The parts you use, gaskets and such will be inferior to Toyota's gaskets and if the original gaskets aren't actually leaking then ...

It could be a cracked head but if it is a simple compression test at a local mechanic will tell you that for 30 mins labor.
Also if you are burning coolant than when you pull your plugs, one or more of the CYL should show coolant in it and possibly have no carbon because it was burned off. This can be done without removing the heads.

There is a good chance if you drive it around town you may see the above symptoms so it may be a good idea to do a bit more test driving. Put 100 miles on it and see what happens. Also try driving for 30 minutes and see if the smoke is there, perhaps it was just startup smoke.

:cheers:
 
Last edited:
BrianSD_42 said:
OP, I have to agree with BlackCat914 here. Going just off what you mentioned so far you haven't done a proper diagnosis. We see other trucks with smoke that isn't the head.

Lets see:

Intermittent Smoke: Yes (was it during startup or consistent)
Codes: No
Runs ruff / misfire: No
Coolant in the CYL: No
Confirmed compression problem: No
Oil in radiator coolant: No

// I just saw your comment about experience. I don't doubt you can do it but it might not be the heads.

The parts you use, gaskets and such will be inferior to Toyota's gaskets and if the original gaskets aren't actually leaking then ...

It could be a cracked head but if it is a simple compression test at a local mechanic will tell you that for 30 mins labor.
Also if you are burning coolant than when you pull your plugs, one or more of the CYL should show coolant in it and possibly have no carbon because it was burned off. This can be done without removing the heads.

There is a good chance if you drive it around town you may see the above symptoms so it may be a good idea to do a bit more test driving. Put 100 miles on it and see what happens. Also try driving for 30 minutes and see if the smoke is there, perhaps it was just startup smoke.

:cheers:
Click to expand...

I mean, even after sitting 6 months, a bit of white smoke from the exhaust would be pretty normal. Valve guides dry out from sitting and take a bit of lubrication to swell back up.
 
BrianSD_42 said:
OP, I have to agree with BlackCat914 here. Going just off what you mentioned so far you haven't done a proper diagnosis. We see other trucks with smoke that isn't the head.

Lets see:

Intermittent Smoke: Yes (was it during startup or consistent)
Codes: No
Runs ruff / misfire: No
Coolant in the CYL: No
Confirmed compression problem: No
Oil in radiator coolant: No

// I just saw your comment about experience. I don't doubt you can do it but it might not be the heads.

The parts you use, gaskets and such will be inferior to Toyota's gaskets and if the original gaskets aren't actually leaking then ...

It could be a cracked head but if it is a simple compression test at a local mechanic will tell you that for 30 mins labor.
Also if you are burning coolant than when you pull your plugs, one or more of the CYL should show coolant in it and possibly have no carbon because it was burned off. This can be done without removing the heads.

There is a good chance if you drive it around town you may see the above symptoms so it may be a good idea to do a bit more test driving. Put 100 miles on it and see what happens. Also try driving for 30 minutes and see if the smoke is there, perhaps it was just startup smoke.

:cheers:
Click to expand...

I think all of you are right here.
I am only going to do the valve cover gasket now.
I just have to wait until the 3rd is put back on now.
 
I thought I was going to have to do mine as well. I was just out in the garage and I got at least 2 full turns on each bolt for the valve covers, that could explain my seepage. They are torqued to spec now. Hopefully that'll eliminate the burning oil smell after it all burns off.

Good luck

Gary
 
similar question

I have a question related to yours if you don't mind me adding to your thread.

I too had to tighten down my valve covers almost full 2 turns and spec them, but I think it didn't completely fix the problem and probably should replace them.

but when I go in to replace them, would replacing the head gasket on a 96 4runner be worth doing at that time even if I don't think it needs it? more while I have everything torn up what's going down a little further to replace that.

From what I read, it seems with the 3.4L V6 they have a new design that sounds like it works better, so more of a preventative maintenance thing rather than as a need.

if i did that, do I still need to have the heads surfaced and hot tanked, etc or am I ok just replacing it and checking them?
 
MountainMike11 said:
I have a question related to yours if you don't mind me adding to your thread.

I too had to tighten down my valve covers almost full 2 turns and spec them, but I think it didn't completely fix the problem and probably should replace them.

but when I go in to replace them, would replacing the head gasket on a 96 4runner be worth doing at that time even if I don't think it needs it? more while I have everything torn up what's going down a little further to replace that.

From what I read, it seems with the 3.4L V6 they have a new design that sounds like it works better, so more of a preventative maintenance thing rather than as a need.

if i did that, do I still need to have the heads surfaced and hot tanked, etc or am I ok just replacing it and checking them?
Click to expand...

absolutely, 100% NO. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
 
swapped all the fluids last night and ran it for 20 minutes. it smoked (lightly) for about 15 of those minutes. finally subsided.

im still contimplating a valve cover gasket job. I can replace the water pump and timing belt whilein there. clean up the engine bay a bit and swap out all the the plugs and wires.
 
Id hold off. Unless you really just want to replace the head gaskets anyway. I would personally do this:
1) Check the coolant, if it needs a head gasket your going to have some coolant/sludge/residue/oil under the radiator cap. 2nd loosen (only loosen! very slightly--DO NOT remove the oil pan drain plug. Trick is loosen it just a little tiny bit just enough for coolant or oil to leak out. If there is coolant in the it will sink to the bottom of the oil pan and the coolant will come out first (oil will float on water) if you crack the drain plug ever so slightly watch for the coolant to seep out. if nothing happens and eventually a little oil comes out your probably ok.:)
2) Clean the entire area that is "smoking" Get some cans of BrakeKleen and spray away. Make sure its clean and dry...
3) Fire it up or have someone fire it up for you and watch the area and actually see where the oil is getting onto the exhaust. Sounds more like a valve cover gasket to me since it still runs well. If oil is coming out that fast id suspect a plugged PCV valve and you have too much crankcase pressure.

Just my 02. :) good luck, id fix what needs to be fixed and drive it!!
 
Francis said:
Id hold off. Unless you really just want to replace the head gaskets anyway. I would personally do this:
1) Check the coolant, if it needs a head gasket your going to have some coolant/sludge/residue/oil under the radiator cap. 2nd loosen (only loosen! very slightly--DO NOT remove the oil pan drain plug. Trick is loosen it just a little tiny bit just enough for coolant or oil to leak out. If there is coolant in the it will sink to the bottom of the oil pan and the coolant will come out first (oil will float on water) if you crack the drain plug ever so slightly watch for the coolant to seep out. if nothing happens and eventually a little oil comes out your probably ok.:)
2) Clean the entire area that is "smoking" Get some cans of BrakeKleen and spray away. Make sure its clean and dry...
3) Fire it up or have someone fire it up for you and watch the area and actually see where the oil is getting onto the exhaust. Sounds more like a valve cover gasket to me since it still runs well. If oil is coming out that fast id suspect a plugged PCV valve and you have too much crankcase pressure.

Just my 02. :) good luck, id fix what needs to be fixed and drive it!!
Click to expand...

while you're correct in theory, head gaskets can also leak externally ONLY. The truck could have a bad head gasket and not consume any coolant or have any mixing issues.
 
Francis said:
Id hold off. Unless you really just want to replace the head gaskets anyway. I would personally do this:
1) Check the coolant, if it needs a head gasket your going to have some coolant/sludge/residue/oil under the radiator cap. 2nd loosen (only loosen! very slightly--DO NOT remove the oil pan drain plug. Trick is loosen it just a little tiny bit just enough for coolant or oil to leak out. If there is coolant in the it will sink to the bottom of the oil pan and the coolant will come out first (oil will float on water) if you crack the drain plug ever so slightly watch for the coolant to seep out. if nothing happens and eventually a little oil comes out your probably ok.:)
2) Clean the entire area that is "smoking" Get some cans of BrakeKleen and spray away. Make sure its clean and dry...
3) Fire it up or have someone fire it up for you and watch the area and actually see where the oil is getting onto the exhaust. Sounds more like a valve cover gasket to me since it still runs well. If oil is coming out that fast id suspect a plugged PCV valve and you have too much crankcase pressure.

Just my 02. :) good luck, id fix what needs to be fixed and drive it!!
Click to expand...

I took video last night, i want to upload but I need wi-fi to upload a higher res video.
I will upload this afternoon to my youtube page then share the link. I am not sure it will help anyone, but maybe you guys may see something i dont. My eyes are "untrained" in this area of mechanics.
 
So you have white smoke filling the engine bay and smoke volume increases or decreases with RPMs.

This is a bit different than traditional valve cover gasket oil leakage onto the outside of the engine block. In case of most valve cover gaskets oil seeks down the side of the engine and when it gets really hot some smoke happens as the oil smokes. Also oil leaks out the exhaust.

You video implies different.

I really can't stress enough that you should just go get a compression test for peace of mind. Any local Japanese auto place should be able to do it for $75 and change the plugs while you are at it (still use OEM)... Be sure to write down the #s for each CYL. While you are there you can get a diagnosis as well, usually at no charge. Bring the results back and post them.

Diagnosing things like this via the internet is just :bash: ... well difficult to say the least.
 
BrianSD_42 said:
So you have white smoke filling the engine bay and smoke volume increases or decreases with RPMs.

This is a bit different than traditional valve cover gasket oil leakage onto the outside of the engine block. In case of most valve cover gaskets oil seeks down the side of the engine and when it gets really hot some smoke happens as the oil smokes. Also oil leaks out the exhaust.

You video implies different.

I really can't stress enough that you should just go get a compression test for peace of mind. Any local Japanese auto place should be able to do it for $75 and change the plugs while you are at it (still use OEM)... Be sure to write down the #s for each CYL. While you are there you can get a diagnosis as well, usually at no charge. Bring the results back and post them.

Diagnosing things like this via the internet is just :bash: ... well difficult to say the least.
Click to expand...

Once she is road ready, I will do just that.
I will revisit this thread then and be sure to grab your attention.

Thanks for the help and info. sincerely appreciate it.
 
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