2005
02/05
4x4
167,500
#2
I threw a P0302 code, performed a tune-up, and changed the coil. The problem persisted and alas, it was a blown head-gasket. The typical symptoms began to manifest itself with the gurgling water sound from the coolant when the cylinder sealed. No over-heating, white exhaust, or smell of gasoline in the coolant. The coolant level did eventually begin to fall. The coolant had been changed at 110 k. According to the tech, the radiator was damaged by the pressure. And this car has had scheduled maintenance performed consistently.
The machine shop did a pressure test and found no warpage or cracks. So all they did was re-surface and sent it back. Fortunately, extensive repairs weren't warranted. The dealership was clueless as to the exact cause of this.
So the issues surrounding this are two-fold. First, it's an aluminum engine in which thermal expansion occurs with temperature fluctuations. Other brands of automobile engines built around the same time are known to blow head gaskets and it's the aluminum.
Second, mine occurred on Bank 2, cylinder 2. It didn't occur on the usual Bank 2, Cylinder 6. A person speculated that the even cylinders have head gasket failure on the driver-side due to exhaust routing. It makes sense.
The service manager indicates that he didn't know why the head gasket was superseded and indicated that it was probably a change in the manufacturer.
I had this occur 2 months after the dreaded frozen caliper/seizure on my front and rear brakes. I had the calipers, rotors, and brakes re-done. I also had the CV Boots replaced too.
To add insult to injury, my power steering rack was also leaking. I had them cut the area where it was leaking and clamp a hose to it. It's a temporary fix and the rack is rusting. It's got to be replaced eventually.
I don't even want to tell you how much I spent. And yes, I went to the dealer. The service manager there is a very honest and upfront person. I also don't have a local shop I trust and have the most faith in. I have very little free time to do the research and perform the repairs myself. It's very cool though how some people here attempt the repair and are successful.
I'm disappointed in Toyota because when you buy their brand, you buy it first and foremost for reliability. I've had the vehicle for 9 years and had nothing major happen thus far. But at 167 k, I don't expect a head gasket failure this early. In the back of my mind, I expected something like this at the 230 k mark. My dad's 16 yr-old Ford Crown Victoria which is hardly ever serviced for regular routine maintenance still runs and hasn't had any significant repairs compared to my 4Runner. I'm well aware this is mechanical and can happen to any vehicle, but this isn't a coincidence or small aberration.
I love the 4th Gen, it's the last of it's kind in terms of true truck SUV. I looked at the 5th Gen 4Runner and just was not interested. This car has been paid off for awhile too. Financially it makes sense to stop putting money into it or find a used V8 4Runner. But this is "mine" and there's nothing new out there that I believe I'll be happy with.
02/05
4x4
167,500
#2
I threw a P0302 code, performed a tune-up, and changed the coil. The problem persisted and alas, it was a blown head-gasket. The typical symptoms began to manifest itself with the gurgling water sound from the coolant when the cylinder sealed. No over-heating, white exhaust, or smell of gasoline in the coolant. The coolant level did eventually begin to fall. The coolant had been changed at 110 k. According to the tech, the radiator was damaged by the pressure. And this car has had scheduled maintenance performed consistently.
The machine shop did a pressure test and found no warpage or cracks. So all they did was re-surface and sent it back. Fortunately, extensive repairs weren't warranted. The dealership was clueless as to the exact cause of this.
So the issues surrounding this are two-fold. First, it's an aluminum engine in which thermal expansion occurs with temperature fluctuations. Other brands of automobile engines built around the same time are known to blow head gaskets and it's the aluminum.
Second, mine occurred on Bank 2, cylinder 2. It didn't occur on the usual Bank 2, Cylinder 6. A person speculated that the even cylinders have head gasket failure on the driver-side due to exhaust routing. It makes sense.
The service manager indicates that he didn't know why the head gasket was superseded and indicated that it was probably a change in the manufacturer.
I had this occur 2 months after the dreaded frozen caliper/seizure on my front and rear brakes. I had the calipers, rotors, and brakes re-done. I also had the CV Boots replaced too.
To add insult to injury, my power steering rack was also leaking. I had them cut the area where it was leaking and clamp a hose to it. It's a temporary fix and the rack is rusting. It's got to be replaced eventually.
I don't even want to tell you how much I spent. And yes, I went to the dealer. The service manager there is a very honest and upfront person. I also don't have a local shop I trust and have the most faith in. I have very little free time to do the research and perform the repairs myself. It's very cool though how some people here attempt the repair and are successful.
I'm disappointed in Toyota because when you buy their brand, you buy it first and foremost for reliability. I've had the vehicle for 9 years and had nothing major happen thus far. But at 167 k, I don't expect a head gasket failure this early. In the back of my mind, I expected something like this at the 230 k mark. My dad's 16 yr-old Ford Crown Victoria which is hardly ever serviced for regular routine maintenance still runs and hasn't had any significant repairs compared to my 4Runner. I'm well aware this is mechanical and can happen to any vehicle, but this isn't a coincidence or small aberration.
I love the 4th Gen, it's the last of it's kind in terms of true truck SUV. I looked at the 5th Gen 4Runner and just was not interested. This car has been paid off for awhile too. Financially it makes sense to stop putting money into it or find a used V8 4Runner. But this is "mine" and there's nothing new out there that I believe I'll be happy with.
Last edited:
