New Member with a few Qs

[T4RGrocerygetter]

So after making as many posts that seemed atleast somewhat insightful, here goes,

I am new to the forum. A few months ago, after years of searching I finally pulled the trigger on an 05 Sr5 with 120k.

This December I will be taking 1-2 months to myself to explore the U.S. (and some of British Columbia) with my 4Runner. My goal is to visit as many ski resorts as possible in CO, MT, UT, WA, CA, OR, and British Columbia. All in all, there and back, it will be close to a 10,000 mile trip.

I have done some research and I came to the conclusion that with proper preparation it is possible to do. I will be doing the water pump, serp belt,changing all fluids, new tires, brakes, plugs, and inspecting other components as I near my departure sometime at the end of December.

My one main concern is my head gasket. It hasn't over heated, but the coolant level drops a tad over a period of 2-3 months. There is no rough idle yet but there is the occasional faint white smoke. I pulled the plugs and #6 plug had what appeared to be coolant deposits. There are no signs of external leaking so I am assuming it's a head gasket.

My questions are:

Is it worth getting the job done or do I risk doing the trip with the possibility that it might fail while thousands of miles away from home?

Any ideas on a good tire that'll be okay on the highway and perform well in snow and ice?

Is there anything in particular I should be replacing/checking in order to have a safe and sound vehicle for the trip?

Am I off my rocker thinking I can do this in a vehicle with so many miles?

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[NoLight]

Welcome!!

 

[ColoradoT4R]

Welcome! im new too!

 

[Toy Stomper]

I'm can't talk with a lot of experience but it does sound like a bad head gasket. Can you see anything in your oil?

One thing I can say is I'm a little envious of your ski trip! "Free the heel and ski for real"

 

[T4RGrocerygetter]

Thanks guys! I am definitely partial to snowboarding, but I just bought a pair of dynastars I want to ease into skinning with.

As for the head gasket, I haven't really noticed anything in the oil but will definitely check next time I change it.

 

[spetka]

Also new here!

 

[telecaster]

Last week I stumbled upon a few youtube vids that walk you through a method of diagnosing head gasket failure. Seems simple enough for an amature like myself. Basically you make a couple disconections (fuel pump and something else) remove the radiator cap and crank with one spark plug in at a time. If the bubbling from the radiator cap is minimal perhaps a bottle of gasket goop will do it. But do you want to risk warping expencive parts?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MCo0SLeMEfk

 

[LifeLikeworm]

I have done several cross country trips in my old Isuzu Trooper. It had about 280,000 when i took the last one. I don't think vehicle mileage is an issue as long as it has been maintained.

I think for the kind of trip you are going on an all terrain tire would be nice on the street and still perform decently off road. I have always been partial to the BFG All terrains. There are certainly cheaper tires but these are well worth it IMO.

In regards to the head gasket. If i knew the truck i would run it as is. but I like living dangerously....

 

[courtesyflush]

welcome!

 

[Joeyyk]

I think with the kind of trip you are taking, it would be wise to just take care of the head gasket if you are in doubt. It would really suck to be stuck off road or out in the middle of nowhere with a blow one.

 

[T4RGrocerygetter]

I think I'm going to risk it, keep an eye on the coolant and bring along some coolant and Blue Devil in case it starts to lose significant amounts., it's far too expensive of a repair for a car with so many miles (130k) that I do not intend on keeping.

In regards to the tires, I'd like to think the michelins on it now will hold up, they have a little under 75% tread. If not I'll probably go with snow tires. Thanks for the input everyone and keep it coming!

 

[IL_Fletch]

As long as you're not bringing kids, it sounds worth it even if you brake down. Good luck!

 

[Penelope]

Safe travels!

 

[tsnow200]

Hi

That trip sounds amazing!

 

[T4RGrocerygetter]

Has anyone had any experience using mechanical breakdown insurance? I know it's a pretty novel idea, but I don't mind spending the money knowing that I'd be covered if the headgasket were to fail.

I did hear that they try to deny coverage if you're unable to provide proof of maintenance, but fortunately I have most, if not all of my receipts for the maintenance done.

 

[MikeGSmith]

Pray for Snow

My goal is to visit as many ski resorts as possible in CO, MT, UT, WA, CA, OR, and British Columbia.

Pray for snow. May it be like last season, not the six seasons before that.

 

[Frederick1]

You've got a lot more guts than I. There are places you will be travelling that are a long way from people. If it was summer time, no problem, but there are places say in Mt. that can reach 50 below F. I wouldn't want to spend too much time stuck in that weather.

 

[Unbalanced]

I am inspired! Thanks

 

[boiler13]

Tires

My wife swears by the Michelin LTX AT2's she had on her 4runner. I replaced them with more highway appropriate tires thinking I was making a smart decision on fuel economy and road noise, nope. Her typical winter drive is Michigan 37 between Hastings and Grand Rapids, constant snow and ice on a very curvy country road. Not too hilly though. I know these tires are on the high end but if you're due anyway, may be worth the extra cash.

 

[Tatback]

I don't have any experience with 4Runners (looking to buy one this week) BUT I can only offer what I learned from an experience I had last summer. I bought a 1948 Chrysler Windsor and completely redid or replace EVERYTHING. All gaskets, all brake lines, fuel lines, wires, tires, weather stripping...everything. Only thing I didn't replace was the coil. No idea why I didn't put the new one in (maybe I was breathing too many fumes) but it ran great with the old one....till I was taking a friend on his first ride in it and it didn't. Car just completely shut off in the middle of an intersection. I pushed it to the side of the road, towed it home..replaced the coil and it fired right up. Never had another problem with the car till I sold it. Plus...the peace of mind knowing it had all new parts was worth more than anything. If this is going to be a once in a lifetime trip (which for many of us it would be) why risk it.....I'd say get it replaced so when the time comes to hit the road, you'll never have worry about the gasket.