Are my head gaskets almost done?

[Pj Benn]

 

[2TH4IST]

Never seen that before. I'd probably just prepare for the hg job soon.

 

[JohnMc]

I wasn't sure what I'd see clicking on this thread, but that wasn't it. Yeah, I'd have to agree with 2th4ist, that doesn't look good. Maybe not leaking into the combustion chamber (if you weren't having any symptoms), maybe not mixing oil and water (the forbidden chocolate milkshake), but yeah, just seeping to the outside. I'd go ahead and take the heads off and see what it looks like. And regardless of what year your 4Runner has, replace with the latest version HG (for 01-02 years), they kept tinkering with the headgaskets through 4 revisions (at least) before settling on the all metal MLS style gasket. No point in putting an earlier style hybrid gasket on one IMO.

 

[brillo_76]

Yes heads are starting to seep. How often was the antifreeze changed? Antifreeze in time goes acidic and eats head gaskets. This is why its important to change it in at the proper intervals. I agree with the other members the head gaskets are not in good shape. :-(

 

[Pyral]

That doesn't look coolant colored to me. If you didn't notice this until you had it far apart how much of a problem is it? Keep an eye on the coolant level and oil just in case. I'd start setting aside the money to do it though.

 

[Pj Benn]

Yes heads are starting to seep. How often was the antifreeze changed? Antifreeze in time goes acidic and eats head gaskets. This is why its important to change it in at the proper intervals. I agree with the other members the head gaskets are not in good shape. :-(

The previous owner had done thermostat/radiator somewhat recently before I bought it in Jan 2020. Switched from green to red when the knock sensors and harness was changed last week when this pic was taken. Old coolant smelled terrible needed 2 flushes. Smelled like sewage and fish. Idk if previous owner had put some additives in.

 

[Pj Benn]

Would additives help it last longer?

 

[Pyral]

Would additives help it last longer?

No. The additives for head gaskets are for internal leaks, and they are suppose to solidify when the reach the combustion chamber (in theory). Yours is external so it wont work. The additives cant undo corrosion.

I wouldn't recommend additives unless you had no intension of fixing it or weren't planning to fix it for a long time. That's because there are risks of it blocking up passages and causing more harm.

As long as coolant isn't getting into the oil or the cylinder you can drive it as long as you want. Keep it topped up.

Clean the spot and see if it reappears. That doesn't look like dried red coolant

 

[brillo_76]

That looks more like green or yellow coolant. Which doesn't have the same formation as the red or pink. Best to just clean it up and see..Maybe with luck the Previous owner just spilled the a lot of old coolant and your not seeping at al... Also keep an eye on your coolant level as well as that can be telling as if it leaking or not..