Please tell me I'm paranoid. - head gasket?

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bgibbs11

New member
I noticed a loss of power and drop in fuel economy in my 04 V6. Decided to change the plugs because it had 107000 miles and I'm 99% sure they were original plugs. ChAnged them tonight and it runs fine again. My concern is that the drivers side plug, closest to the cabin was damp. Could this be an early sign of head gasket failure? I've heard so much about it happening which has me worried. It is the really dark plug in the picture.

I've had no CEL and no rough idle or anything like that. I'd like to know that I'm just paranoid and there is nothing to worry about for now.
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Probably not a big deal since they have 110,000 miles on them, but if you're really paranoid check them at 500 1,500 and 3,000 miles. Probably nothing.
 
Your mileage meter isn't accurate, but, if you do the same driving and know what the numbers was showing before, it will tell.
 
bgibbs11 said:
It's really easy! You start out like this:
flipping-off.gif
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You seem to check your mileage the same way I wave to other drivers...

When I changed my plugs out at around 90,000 miles I had the same situation: the #6 plug appeared to be damp on the threads and was noticeably darker than the other five plugs.

I haven't done a compression check or anything, but when I posted here I'm pretty sure I was told that it was most likely the valve cover gasket starting to leak on that side.
 
YotaDriver said:
You seem to check your mileage the same way I wave to other drivers...

When I changed my plugs out at around 90,000 miles I had the same situation: the #6 plug appeared to be damp on the threads and was noticeably darker than the other five plugs.

I haven't done a compression check or anything, but when I posted here I'm pretty sure I was told that it was most likely the valve cover gasket starting to leak on that side.
Click to expand...

Have you done anything about it or plan to? How long ago did you change them? Any issues since?
 
bgibbs11 said:
Have you done anything about it or plan to? How long ago did you change them? Any issues since?
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I keep an eye on it and regularly check the coolant level in the reservoir, but not much else. I've got about 121k on mine now, so it's been more than 30k since I changed the plugs and I haven't had a problem with it yet.

I think what I'll do at some point when I've got it in a garage is just pull that #6 plug to check its condition. If it turns out it's got oil on the threads still - which I fully expect it will - then I'll consider changing the valve cover gaskets. Hopefully I won't have to do that until next spring/summer.
 
My plugs looked much worse than that when I replaced them. Don't forget our plugs (V6) have to be replaced every 30K miles. Nothing fancy, factory calls for copper plugs (cheap).

Anyway, when you first start in the morning, is the idle "fluttery"? (idle go and down somewhat swiftly?). Dumb question: low on coolant? If you are concerned, get a compression test and put yourself at ease.

I'm at 103K miles now. Occasional "fluttery" cold idle, have plenty of coolant, but I'm mentally preparing myself IF the gasket goes. Still trying to sweet talk my mechanic friend to tackle the job. I know the dealer will do a good job, but I'd rather not pay $2-3K.

Mental note: IF, and I hope your heads are ok, Keep in mind that Toyota redesigned the gasket so it may be the LAST time you EVER do it.

Keep us posted!
 
CookieRoe said:
My plugs looked much worse than that when I replaced them. Don't forget our plugs (V6) have to be replaced every 30K miles. Nothing fancy, factory calls for copper plugs (cheap).

Anyway, when you first start in the morning, is the idle "fluttery"? (idle go and down somewhat swiftly?). Dumb question: low on coolant? If you are concerned, get a compression test and put yourself at ease.

I'm at 103K miles now. Occasional "fluttery" cold idle, have plenty of coolant, but I'm mentally preparing myself IF the gasket goes. Still trying to sweet talk my mechanic friend to tackle the job. I know the dealer will do a good job, but I'd rather not pay $2-3K.

Mental note: IF, and I hope your heads are ok, Keep in mind that Toyota redesigned the gasket so it may be the LAST time you EVER do it.

Keep us posted!
Click to expand...

No fluttery idle or CEL or anything like that..knock on wood. Coolant was flushed at 96k when I bought it and it still looks bright pink and full. I just got a bit freaked out when I noticed the plug wasn't dry, given the prevalence of the HG issue on these pre-06 V6s. Hopefully I'm fine. If not, my T4R and checkbook are about to get into a fight of epic proportions.
 
If your valve cover gasket is leaking oil, creating the problem you should be able to see the leak running down the side of the head. That is if your motor is leak free and clean. If not, pressure wash the motor, and then you can see if it has a leak after a couple of trips to the store, ect.

Mine is clean and would be able to see if I have a oil leak.
 
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