Things to do to prolong the life of your engine??

[jarnld]

I know the obvious..oil change, filters, valve adjustment etc etc...

Im really referring to the HG issue on 4runners. From what I understand the problem with the HG is caused by the exhaust manifold. Is there some kind of aftermarket exhaust system or manifold to put on that will lessen the heat on the cylinders??

 

[RonMAIDEN]

The only 4Runners I've heard about having HG issues were 2nd gens and some of the early run 3rd gens.

What Runner do you have?

 

[jarnld]

92 3.0. And I suppose my next question would be since it had the V06 recall repair done at 77K miles, is it safe to assume that they used the right type of headgasket?

 

[Stevec717]

I'm partial (used to work for Federal-Mogul) but quality and design of a head gasket is key. MLS (Multi Layer Steel) gaskets are usually best for newer, aluminum, hi stress applications.

This is one of the few places where OEM is not always best. The surface finish, conditions, prep, cleanliness etc. of a new engine assembly facility is far superior to what a shop will be working with when trying to reseal a head (even if it has been resurfaced). Quality aftermarket gaskets are often slightly thicker (to compensate for milling) and may have a surface coating which helps seal less than perfect surface finishes. Bottom line - this is a 90% labor, 10% part job - don't skimp on the part.

Quality brands include Fel-Pro, and Cor-Tec.

ps - If you have a manual trans, head gasket is also stressed by lugging (causes high cyliner pressures). Be sure to use the right gear and don't "lug".

S

 

[jarnld]

could you define "lugging"? Is that shifting too soon? Like shifting at around 2K rpm and you start to hear the engine firing like you put the wrong kind of gas in it?

 

[Uneek]

We had a 1990 Toyota truck with the 3.0 V6. The head gasket was replaced by Toyota under a service campaign when we had about 75k, sold the truck when it had 95k. The block was sent out to a machine shop to resurface the top. I don't remember if the heads were done.

Anyhow, the head gasket problem will always reappear because the engine has a cast iron block with aluminum heads. Cast iron and aluminum expands at different rates causing head gasket problems.

 

[Stevec717]

1 - Yes, lugging would be shifting "too soon" and putting a heavy load on at low RPM.

2 - The comment about dissimilar metyals is spot on and is the reason MLS head gaskets were developed. They have virtually solved the problem when applied correctly. These gaskets have multiple layers of thin stell sandwiched together which allow for movement between the 2 surfaces without losing the sealing ability. The explansion/contraction movement takes place between the layers of the gasket, not between the gasket and the head or block.

there's lots of info out there - here's one propaganda site

http://www.federalmogul.com/en/Afte...Repair/PerformanceHeadGaskets/PermatorqueMLS/