*** V6 Head Gasket Action Request ***

[Roadtripr]

You may want to find a new mechanic. Your mechanics information doesn't sound correct.

It doesn't mean they all fail, but that some (like the 03-05) also will. Looking around on this board there are HG failure from all years (03-09) of 4th gens. Hopefully most of us will avoid this

 

[KMG1981]

Do you think Toyota would respond to us if all of a sudden they received a rash of "My HG's failed on my 4th generation 4Runner!" on their social media....twitter, facebook, instagram? I'm aware that whoever runs the social media for a company has a direct line to the CEO for such situations.

 

[maaseyracer]

Just checking in after finishing the replacement of both Head gaskets. I did not end up pulling the engine. I debating pulling the radiator, but left it in the car as I did not want to have to deal with the ATF. I also left the exhaust manifolds in place, just unbolted them from the head. Job went smoothly, and I spend a total of 24 hours over the course of two weeks. The longest part was waiting for a couple parts from Toyota and waiting for machining. The crank Timing mark was not super clear, and this is why I can see pulling the engine, it was rather difficult to find.

Machine shop found that the head was twisted by 0.003" on the side where the #6 cylinder blew.

In total I spent just under $1000 on everything, which is not bad considering I was originally quoted $4700 from my local dealer to have the job done.

Here is what I purchased to get the job done:

New Denso Spark plugs
Toyota Factory Gasket Kit
Toyota Water Pump
Head Studs
Toyota Serpentine belt
Toyota Thermostat
Toyota Sealant
Toyota Factory Pink Coolant
Wix Air Filter
Paint Marker (for head stud torquing procedure)
Oil - Mobile1
Oil Filter - Napa Gold
Machine Shop - Pressure testing, Surfacing heads, cleaning valve stems, installing valve seals

 

[iBison]

Just checking in after finishing the replacement of both Head gaskets. I did not end up pulling the engine. I debating pulling the radiator, but left it in the car as I did not want to have to deal with the ATF. I also left the exhaust manifolds in place, just unbolted them from the head. Job went smoothly, and I spend a total of 24 hours over the course of two weeks. The longest part was waiting for a couple parts from Toyota and waiting for machining. The crank Timing mark was not super clear, and this is why I can see pulling the engine, it was rather difficult to find.

Machine shop found that the head was twisted by 0.003" on the side where the #6 cylinder blew.

In total I spent just under $1000 on everything, which is not bad considering I was originally quoted $4700 from my local dealer to have the job done.

Here is what I purchased to get the job done:

New Denso Spark plugs
Toyota Factory Gasket Kit
Toyota Water Pump
Head Studs
Toyota Serpentine belt
Toyota Thermostat
Toyota Sealant
Toyota Factory Pink Coolant
Wix Air Filter
Paint Marker (for head stud torquing procedure)
Oil - Mobile1
Oil Filter - Napa Gold
Machine Shop - Pressure testing, Surfacing heads, cleaning valve stems, installing valve seals

Very similar to what we went through with mine. About the same cost and slightly less time. We didn't take out the radiator or manifolds either, didn't see a need to.

 

[catholicguy71]

Add another One to the list

Below is another one to add to the list.

Year: 2004
Production Date: 09/2004
4x4 or 4x2: 2WD
Mileage of failure: 179,000
Cylinder # that leaked: Cylinder#6

Toyota Case ID#1612131100

Anyone else on here have luck getting assistance from Toyota? I did find one user who seemed to have success by writing a letter.

Also - Any advice on self-repair? Any good instructional videos?

Thanks for your help!

 

[PTPT2002]

Failed Head Gasket

Year : 2004
Model: 1GR-FE V6 4runner SR5 2X4

The head gasket failed on Cylinder #6 at 155,500 miles back in 2013. Toyota doesn't want to do anything about it. I think it cost me about $3k to fix it along with spark plugs, water pump, etc.

 

[jmoore8604]

Here's another add it to the list

Year: 05
Production Date: 3/05
4x4
Mileage of failure: 178,000
Cylinder # that leaked: cyl 4 & 6

I haven't seen anybody have any luck on getting help from Toyota. So I didn't brother calling..yet but I will get a case #

Mine failed this time last year and has been sitting till now.
I found a guy that was doing a diesel swap on a 2011 Tacoma 4.0 with 40,000 miles on it. So I scooped it up
and installed myself so far so good. Hoping not to go thru this again. But I am happy to finally have my 4Runner back on the road once again..

So far I got about 2500 into it.

I just found it easier to replace the motor. Than rebuilding the old one with 178,000 and having the heads sent to the machine shop and getting all new stuff to be replaced while the engine is torn apart.

It was faster to replace the motor. Than to turbo my 00 accord lol..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Agrontg]

Hey I'm new here, I couldn't make a new thread due to being new. I'm Gabriel from Florida. I post some pics and a link of video at YouTube. Trying to get some insight opinions from experienced mechanic or went through experiences.

Those are the codes I pulled up, I'm deaf myself, hearing people are telling me that it sounds like a rod knock when it was running. I drained oil to inspect for metal shaving, which I found none.

Removed valve covers and I found heavy amount of sludges. So I hope that it was what causing the noise, that resemblance rod knock. I cranked the crankshaft with hand, it cranks smoothly without making any binds.

I have a few options on what I should do.. I'm going to continue and drop oil pan to inspect further for metal shaving in the pan. ( if it is not spun bearing, I think heavy cleaning with seafoam and atf, clean oilpump pick up) restart engine and see or just swap out and buy a used engine?


Thanks
Video link----

https://youtu.be/3JxPiCepgXw

 

[3gun4run]

V8 problems seeking wisdom

Not sure if this is the right place to post but I am hoping you all can help me out. 2006 V8 that has been losing coolant, the previous owner had the water pump and timing belt done before I purchased. Took it into the local shop and they said the o-ring was after market and that is where it was leaking. Okay had it fixed............ well I noticed I was leaking coolant again so I looked everywhere to try and find the leak, couldn't find a thing. Checked the oil, looks fine no sweet smell from the exhaust but I did notice my ac/heater power has been lacking power. Took off the radiator cap and checked for bubbles and found nothing. I cold start this morning and my girlfriend thought she had seen some white smoke, so I have her jump in and rev it, sure enough white smoke coming out, still no sweet smell. I haven't thrown any codes and other than what seems to be the common driveshaft thump it drives like a champ.

I have read pretty much every post on here about head gaskets trying to soothe my soul and not freak out especially because it is a V8 so I turn to you all seeking knowledge, any insight is greatly appreciated.

 

[miller507]

Hey I'm new here, I couldn't make a new thread due to being new. I'm Gabriel from Florida. I post some pics and a link of video at YouTube. Trying to get some insight opinions from experienced mechanic or went through experiences.

Those are the codes I pulled up, I'm deaf myself, hearing people are telling me that it sounds like a rod knock when it was running. I drained oil to inspect for metal shaving, which I found none.

Removed valve covers and I found heavy amount of sludges. So I hope that it was what causing the noise, that resemblance rod knock. I cranked the crankshaft with hand, it cranks smoothly without making any binds.

I have a few options on what I should do.. I'm going to continue and drop oil pan to inspect further for metal shaving in the pan. ( if it is not spun bearing, I think heavy cleaning with seafoam and atf, clean oilpump pick up) restart engine and see or just swap out and buy a used engine?


Thanks
Video link----

https://youtu.be/3JxPiCepgXw

I hate to say it, but it does sound like rod knock even when you give it some gas.

Try a compression test and if you still wanna go the cleaning route I would pull the timing cover apart too.

I didn't see the pics.... you have a serious sludge issue, If it were me I would definitely pull the engine apart to see if there still hope.

Good luck with that

 

[Cruiserfanatic]

Not sure if this is the right place to post but I am hoping you all can help me out. 2006 V8 that has been losing coolant, the previous owner had the water pump and timing belt done before I purchased. Took it into the local shop and they said the o-ring was after market and that is where it was leaking. Okay had it fixed............ well I noticed I was leaking coolant again so I looked everywhere to try and find the leak, couldn't find a thing. Checked the oil, looks fine no sweet smell from the exhaust but I did notice my ac/heater power has been lacking power. Took off the radiator cap and checked for bubbles and found nothing. I cold start this morning and my girlfriend thought she had seen some white smoke, so I have her jump in and rev it, sure enough white smoke coming out, still no sweet smell. I haven't thrown any codes and other than what seems to be the common driveshaft thump it drives like a champ.

I have read pretty much every post on here about head gaskets trying to soothe my soul and not freak out especially because it is a V8 so I turn to you all seeking knowledge, any insight is greatly appreciated.

Even the V8's leak sometimes. I do think it's less common on the V8's, but they're just gaskets and they all have the potential to fail. I am doing some for a guy on this board in the next few weeks, and honestly have wondered how long mine are going to last. I had a 2003 Sequoia that has 285k on it, and it never showed signs of head gasket leaks. I'm curious as to how much the brand of coolant people use affects the longevity of the head gaskets. I'm Toyota purist and ALWAYS use the Toyota brand that is recommended for that particular year. Too bad you don't live closer to me, or I would be more than happy to replace yours too.

 

[3gun4run]

I ended up replacing the HG couldn't really afford to let it go in the belief that it was bulletproof. I am still running into some coolant issues but the stealership is supposed to get that under wraps for me

To my knowledge it has only had the Toyota coolant in there so when I found out I would be replacing it I was a bit heartbroken, but every relationship has its ups and downs and she has never let me down so Ill stand by her side till the end.

Thanks again everyone for all the useful info!!

 

[dwulffusa]

Update:

I pretty much parked it for the last 6months, done less than 1,000miles in the last year.

Last week I called Toyota and opened a case. They asked to get an update on the diagnosis since it had been about 6months. Last July when I got the diagnosis the estimate was $3,100 for left side only, cylinder #2 leaking.
Now the estimate is $3,900, same dealer, 23hrs of labor, left side only.
Anyone know of a reputable place I can get a second estimate in LA/Orange County area?

Customer service rep is still trying to get hold of the service manager at Cabe Toyota where it is standing. Interestingly she is looking at the book value of the truck per KBB and mentioned $3,700-5,000 (...) . I asked why that is relevant and she said if I were looking to get out of the vehicle because repair was close to vehicle value and I was looking it get out of it then it would affect assistance offered. I expressed that I'd really like it fixed..

Now for the question:
I listen to the podcast Under The Hood, who had a call this morning concerning gasket leaks. They advised that if a leak is not caught IMMEDIATELY (i.e. car not driven more than a day after identifying a leak) that there it is very likely that coolant in the oil has compromised the longevity of the engine and you may experience catastrophic engine failure in the near future.
That sounded extreme.

I have a small leak, has not noticeably dropped the coolant level in a year and have driven less than 1,000miles since identifying the leak.
Am I looking down the road at engine failure, such that its not worth doing the HG job?

Thanks

Ugh, my turn


2005 V6, 4WD, 145,000miles
Purchased June 2005.

....

It became a third vehicle last October and I intended to sell it but held onto it for sentimental reasons, used very occasionally since then. Earlier this year it became the slight shimmer on cold starts which has gradually gotten worse and for the last 3 months will throw the P0302 code every 5-15 starts.

Took it in this week and they diagnosed a cylinder head leak, $3,100 repair.

Vehicle has been mine from new, immaculately maintained, every scheduled service and oil change done by the dealer, all documentation retained, never towed and 99% of mileage one up with the vast majority highway miles

I guess I'll go the route of reporting it and pleading for assistance.

.....

 

[BackOff]

Update:

I pretty much parked it for the last 6months, done less than 1,000miles in the last year.

Last week I called Toyota and opened a case. They asked to get an update on the diagnosis since it had been about 6months. Last July when I got the diagnosis the estimate was $3,100 for left side only, cylinder #2 leaking.
Now the estimate is $3,900, same dealer, 23hrs of labor, left side only.
Anyone know of a reputable place I can get a second estimate in LA/Orange County area?

Customer service rep is still trying to get hold of the service manager at Cabe Toyota where it is standing. Interestingly she is looking at the book value of the truck per KBB and mentioned $3,700-5,000 (...) . I asked why that is relevant and she said if I were looking to get out of the vehicle because repair was close to vehicle value and I was looking it get out of it then it would affect assistance offered. I expressed that I'd really like it fixed..

Now for the question:
I listen to the podcast Under The Hood, who had a call this morning concerning gasket leaks. They advised that if a leak is not caught IMMEDIATELY (i.e. car not driven more than a day after identifying a leak) that there it is very likely that coolant in the oil has compromised the longevity of the engine and you may experience catastrophic engine failure in the near future.
That sounded extreme.

I have a small leak, has not noticeably dropped the coolant level in a year and have driven less than 1,000miles since identifying the leak.
Am I looking down the road at engine failure, such that its not worth doing the HG job?

Thanks

These motors don't fail in the normal way other motors have.
These seem to slowly blow out the HG around the cylinder and leak into that failed cylinder...no oil in coolant. You just loose coolant out the exhaust as it is forced into the, usually #6 cylinder.
4th gen dont seem to just blow out like the old 2nd gens did. Not as catastrophic.


You can get a 'new' remanufactured 1GR off Ebay for $2400...looks like from SoCal.
Toyota 1GR 4.0 REBUILT ENGINE 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra ZERO MILES 05-UP | eBay

 

[cognus]

exactly what I was thinking.
i have had the misfortune of replacing 2 toyota engines :mad2:[you wonder why I still buy toyota....]. in one case it was rebuilt [corolla], and the other pulled from a 50K mile cadaver [Gen 3 4runner]. both performed excellently thankfully, and the jobs were done by Toyota dealers, both totalling around $5k. Had I been inclined to really shop the job it could have been done for around $3500.

These motors don't fail in the normal way other motors have.
These seem to slowly blow out the HG around the cylinder and leak into that failed cylinder...no oil in coolant. You just loose coolant out the exhaust as it is forced into the, usually #6 cylinder.
4th gen dont seem to just blow out like the old 2nd gens did. Not as catastrophic.


You can get a 'new' remanufactured 1GR off Ebay for $2400...looks like from SoCal.
Toyota 1GR 4.0 REBUILT ENGINE 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra ZERO MILES 05-UP | eBay

 

[dwulffusa]

Update 2:

Dealer revised estimate to $3,000
Toyota offered $1,000
So I'll be $2,000 out of pocket, but the car has enough sentimental value to approve the repair

Update:

I pretty much parked it for the last 6months, done less than 1,000miles in the last year.

Last week I called Toyota and opened a case. They asked to get an update on the diagnosis since it had been about 6months. Last July when I got the diagnosis the estimate was $3,100 for left side only, cylinder #2 leaking.
Now the estimate is $3,900, same dealer, 23hrs of labor, left side only.

Customer service rep is still trying to get hold of the service manager at Cabe Toyota where it is standing. Interestingly she is looking at the book value of the truck per KBB and mentioned $3,700-5,000 (...) . I asked why that is relevant and she said if I were looking to get out of the vehicle because repair was close to vehicle value and I was looking it get out of it then it would affect assistance offered. I expressed that I'd really like it fixed..

 

[BackOff]

Update 2:

Dealer revised estimate to $3,000
Toyota offered $1,000
So I'll be $2,000 out of pocket, but the car has enough sentimental value to approve the repair

WHAT!? :wow:
Glad to hear you got a reasonable price out of Toyota, but at the same time it kinda pisses me off.



They fed me this line.
To old, 5years, to many miles, 50k, first we have heard of this...response.

:deadhorse:

 

[dwulffusa]

Update 3

Job in process. Looking forward to many more miles of smiles in old faithful.

Update 2:

Dealer revised estimate to $3,000
Toyota offered $1,000
So I'll be $2,000 out of pocket, but the car has enough sentimental value to approve the repair

 

[tcpoob]

was the job done at dealership service? were you happy w/ it? do they need to pull the whole engine out - seemed like they could do it in place. for such a small part to fail on so many 4th gens, costing so much labor, i am upset. Do other car makers or other lines in Toyota have similar issues - how good are HGs usually reliable for under normal driving/ well maintained, years/mileage? thx

 

[PaulsTrail]

Do other car makers or other lines in Toyota have similar issues

Yes – Subaru! The head gaskets on our Outback went bad around 90,000 miles. Luckily, Subaru stepped up and covered all but $500 of the repair. It worked out good for me, as I was almost due for the dreaded timing belt replacement, and since the engine was apart (and out of the car), the dealership replaced it for the cost of the belt. I actually came out ahead of what the belt replacement alone would have cost me.

Looks like jwulffusa’s 4Runner is very clean. The Subaru zone rep told me that had a big bearing on Subaru covering most of my repairs (along with the fact that it had always been serviced at the dealership).

Anyway, this is a mildly disturbing thread for me, having recently bought a new 4Runner. Hopefully this hasn’t been a problem for the 5th Generation :fear:.