*** V6 Head Gasket Action Request ***

The mythical pictures I was talking about.

Going to try and pull them this week sometime and see what 70k looks like...just for the heck of it.

2 and 4 looked like 1/3/5.
#6 is the dirty one.

Here is what mine looked like at 43k.
 

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I am preparing to have the Head Gasket replaced. I am going to have a shop do the repair but provide the parts to help save on cost and avoid cheap junk. My 4runner has 156,000 miles what should I have them replace while its apart? I was thinking the water pump for sure and maybe the timing chain, tensioners and guides. Is there anything asides the gaskets thats a must replace for this job
 
Ruiandy,

Why would you spend 2k - 4k to change out a head gasket if it didn't yet fail? Sounds like you have way too much time and money on your hands if you change out a head gasket prior to it failing and multiple times within the lifetime of the vehicle.

Why don't you do something productive with your time instead of spamming your nonsense posts on our very helpful forum and leave us in peace.

Thank you.

Metramm
 
Ruiandy,

Why would you spend 2k - 4k to change out a head gasket if it didn't yet fail? Sounds like you have way too much time and money on your hands if you change out a head gasket prior to it failing and multiple times within the lifetime of the vehicle.

Why don't you do something productive with your time instead of spamming your nonsense posts on our very helpful forum and leave us in peace.

Thank you.

Metramm

I was assuming he was talking about changing out his Coolant. But seeing as this person seems to keep coming back with a different user name and stating the same thing, maybe he does change his head gasket every year? Or at least he thinks he is.
 
RE: Head Gasket repair

I am preparing to have the Head Gasket replaced. I am going to have a shop do the repair but provide the parts to help save on cost and avoid cheap junk. My 4runner has 156,000 miles what should I have them replace while its apart? I was thinking the water pump for sure and maybe the timing chain, tensioners and guides. Is there anything asides the gaskets thats a must replace for this job

I just had mine done. Make sure they do both sides and use Toyota OEM gaskets. They came out with a new design in 06. Some guys get their valve guides replaced. A reputable shop will replace what they see needs to be done. What's the quote for labor?
 
I read through all 9 pages but I couldn't find the information on the month/year when Toyota switched head gasket designs. I saw one post that mentioned summer 06 build date, but does anyone know the exact time they switched to the updated design?
 
I read through all 9 pages but I couldn't find the information on the month/year when Toyota switched head gasket designs. I saw one post that mentioned summer 06 build date, but does anyone know the exact time they switched to the updated design?

I know that the Head Gasket Valve Grind Set Part #04112-31720 has the updated head gasket and all other gaskets needed for the job
 
2004
V6 (4.0 1GR-FE)
4x2
163K
Cylinder #6


I just completed fixing mine. It runs like a champ, but I still get P0016/POO18 'pending' errors. The timing is definitely correct. Anyone know how to clear this or what to do?
 
Im hunting for a 06 or newer T4R and would like to be able to diagnose any vehicle problems at the time i test drive or see it for the first time.

I do own a OBDII reader and plan to have it with me but just to clarify.

Should i use the OBDII reader after the 5 minute test drive?

Also what codes would it throw if it is the HG?

Would the coolant level already be low if there was a HG problem?

Thanks.

John

FYI, a rough start and error codes aren't the only way that a head gasket failure presents itself. When mine failed, I could hear coolant running through the heater core for the first couple of seconds after a cold start. It ended up that my head gasket leak was allowing exhaust gasses to build up in the cooling system. After it sat for a while, the air bubble would work it's way to the heater core creating a void that was quickly filled with coolant when the water pump started circulating coolant on a startup.

When you test drive it, make sure that it's sat for quote a while. Start it and listed for a waterfall type sound behind the dash.

Not all head gasket failures present those symptoms but don't assume that because there are no codes and it doesn't start rough that the head gasket is fine.

Most likely it would throw a code for low compression in a certain cylinder. And with the low coolant, that could just depend. It could be a head gasket problem could be a leak. If it starts up smooth, doesnt throw a code, doesnt smoke out of the tailpipe a ton (if youre not in cold weather) than you should be good.

Also check things such as the cv boots to make sure they arnt ripped. If youre in the north check the condition of the frame and the skid plate. Check the seals around the doors and sun roof the make sure they arnt torn or rot. Check 4wd drive high and low on test drive if it has it. Check all gears. And then obviously check the fluids and tires.

Above are some good info, so I quoted those as I'm in the market for a 4G T4R, and may be helpful for those looking for one.

There's a local 2006 4R Limited I'm interested in looking at, and I'm trying to avoid getting a head gasket issue prone 4R that otherwise is a very reliable and rugged SUV.

Is it worth getting a OBDII reader to bring with me to the test drive?

Is seems that 04/05s are the most trouble prone. Are the ones with a 2006+ build date that received the updated gaskets? On this thread two 2006 T4R had gasket issues, wondering if these two had 2005 build dates?

Should I look for a 2007 MY to be safe?
 
Last edited:
Yes take your OBDII

Above are some good info, so I quoted those as I'm in the market for a 4G T4R, and may be helpful for those looking for one.

There's a local 2006 4R Limited I'm interested in looking at, and I'm trying to avoid getting a head gasket issue prone 4R that otherwise is a very reliable and rugged SUV.

Is it worth getting a OBDII reader to bring with me to the test drive?

Is seems that 04/05s are the most trouble prone. Are the ones with a 2006+ build date that received the updated gaskets? On this thread two 2006 T4R had gasket issues, wondering if these two had 2005 build dates?

Should I look for a 2007 MY to be safe?

and hook it up to search for possible codes. Head gasket design was improved / changed Nov 2005. But it doesnt hurt to get a look at that number 6 spark plug if you can. :flock:
 
and hook it up to search for possible codes. Head gasket design was improved / changed Nov 2005. But it doesnt hurt to get a look at that number 6 spark plug if you can. :flock:

Thanks for the info. I ordered an Autel OBD2 scanner (been wanting one for a while now anyways as I build up my tool arsenal) off Amazon. I'll definitely be taking this with me, unless the dealer cleared up any codes...

So it looks like I should find a 4R with a build date of Nov 2005 or later to be safe?

I saw this video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zpNjYmmiYY

Aside from doing a chemical test (among others), it appears that taking off the radiator cap and seeing if there are bubbles when the vehicle is running is a simple method to check for head gasket failure. Makes sense wrt combustion gases entering the cooling system. Can anyone confirm?
 
My local mechanic said that even 06-09 models starts failing at 200K. Perhaps the 03-05 fails more often but the later years are not immune to this issue
 
The right bank cylinder head gasket sprung a leak at 200K.

We replaced both left and right sides, one cylinder head needed to be "flattened", and put in new valves/springs, etc. at the same time. Basically, a top-end rebuild.

We also put in a new water pump, alternator and belt.

Whole thing cost about $4K

We have 235,000 on is now, and it's running as strong as ever.

I'm a maintenance freak, so this 4Runner gets any issue fixed right away.

This year we replaced some seatbelts, seatbelt females, many interior trim bits, all the dashboard lights, new headlamp housings, new rear bumper trim, and all window rubber and door seals.

Besides the chips on the hood, she looks like a truck half her age and is in perfect running condition with an outstanding interior.

Yea, we love this truck!:yo:
 
Year: 2004
Production Date: March 2004
Type: 4x4
Mileage of failure: 207K
Cylinder # that leaked: 4

Symptoms: P0300, P0306; Cylinder Misfires; TRAC OFF, VSC OFF, and CHECK ENGINE with rough idle. Also losing antifreeze with no sign of a leak. Then noticed what I thought was an exhaust smell in coolant overflow tank; I performed a hydrocarbon test which failed. The oil was always clean.

Resolution: Mechanic replaced both head gaskets (and other maintenance items like water pump, O2 sensors, valve work, VVT Solenoid, Oil & Filter) $2100

Note: You should be aware of this TSB if you do not have a Toyota shop make the repair. http://m.toyota.oemdtc.com/TSB/EG049-07.pdf
 
The right bank cylinder head gasket sprung a leak at 200K.

We replaced both left and right sides, one cylinder head needed to be "flattened", and put in new valves/springs, etc. at the same time. Basically, a top-end rebuild.

We also put in a new water pump, alternator and belt.

Whole thing cost about $4K

We have 235,000 on is now, and it's running as strong as ever.

I'm a maintenance freak, so this 4Runner gets any issue fixed right away.

This year we replaced some seatbelts, seatbelt females, many interior trim bits, all the dashboard lights, new headlamp housings, new rear bumper trim, and all window rubber and door seals.

Besides the chips on the hood, she looks like a truck half her age and is in perfect running condition with an outstanding interior.

Yea, we love this truck!:yo:

What year is your 4R?
 
My 2006 HG started to fail about two years ago with approximately 140k miles on the odometer. It has a November 2015 build date.
 
2004
4.0 V6
4x4
140K
Cylinder #6

Car has been well maintained and has great service records all performed at a local dealership. Coolant and water pump was last changed at 105,000 miles. I am not happy about this.
 
Contacted, email, Toyota about my possible HG fail and if anything could be done about it.
Basically said, in a nice way...your shit out a luck. 5 years and 50k is all they would warranty.
Would not admit to there even being any issue that Toyota is aware of on these HG fails.
I pointed out this thread to no avail.

Was a previous poster that said they received some form of kickback from Toyota...Looks like they got lucky on that!

on a positive note...gotta love this :girl:
 

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