*** V6 Head Gasket Action Request ***
- Thread starter morphious
- Start date
YetiX
New member
Built in February of 2006. Just Google vin decoder and plug the number in. It also lists the build date on the sticker in your driver's door jamb. Looks like this (build date is circled):
So just read through this entire thread..... How come this issue is more apparent in 04-05 4runners and not the 2003?
Mine is a 2003
Production date 11/02
Mileage 150xxx no issues **knock on wood**
Just did a coolant change 3k ago and never had an issue with a rough startup
Mine is a 2003
Production date 11/02
Mileage 150xxx no issues **knock on wood**
Just did a coolant change 3k ago and never had an issue with a rough startup
Built in February of 2006. Just Google vin decoder and plug the number in. It also lists the build date on the sticker in your driver's door jamb. Looks like this (build date is circled):
Thx, that was perfect.
BRUIN8124
New member
Same Here! My 03 is at 177K and runs like new. Knock on wood! I did have to replace the radiator but that was due to a bad leak.
But, I was wondering this myself. Production numbers maybe?
This thread still scares the **** out of me.
daka320
New member
Sent in my oil analysis to Blackstone Labs. Got a call from them today stating that elevated levels of potassium, sodium, and silicon are in the oil. Also, showing .48% levels of antifreeze which has increased the 0w30 oil to a viscosity of 15w40. He was familiar with the headgasket problems with the v6 engines and suggested I change the oil at 5k mile intervals instead of 10k till I get the problem fixed. Good news was showing no metals so the coolant has not caused any damage yet. Looks like I will be changing the head gaskets. Engine has over 220k miles on it so I will also replace the timing chain, water pump, pulleys, etc.
It is what it is. Can't really complain since I have had absolutely no problems with the engine. Cheaper than a new used vehicle. I at least know what I have.
It is what it is. Can't really complain since I have had absolutely no problems with the engine. Cheaper than a new used vehicle. I at least know what I have.
SilverSixty
New member
This made for an interesting read. I am thinking of getting a 4th gen 4runner and i guess ill stick with a 06 or newer based on the info collected here.
benztech82
Member
I did a coolant test at my buddy's shop. So far so good. 184k
Sent from my Redmi 4 using Tapatalk
Sent from my Redmi 4 using Tapatalk
CA-RJ
New member
Time to add myself to the list. 04 with 165k. Bought it 2 years ago with 136k. Quickly found out that the heater core was plugged with radiator stop leak. Replaced that, coolant flush and all was fine. In the last month, I've had the washer sloshing, using coolant. Just drove 765 miles yesterday and for the first time the water temps were up (207 at the highest). Had to add coolant a couple of times over the last week. On startup today, it had a rough idle. No CEL.
Making an appointment Monday at an independent Toyota shop for an estimate.
Making an appointment Monday at an independent Toyota shop for an estimate.
Austin1958
New member
2004 with 168K miles. Just got a misfire code on #4. Everything seems to be pointing to the HG. Started the job to replace the HG's. Stuck at the moment trying to get the upper oil pan removed. It's a PITA.
YetiX
New member
Shit. Did you buy it from a dealer or a private party? If you're already hearing the noise just at day 2, I'd be willing to bet a LOT of money the seller topped off the coolant to hide the leak rather than pay to fix it themselves.
Sorry to hear it.
Crisis averted. I pulled COP's and plugs on #5 and #6 and they looked good. Oil looked fine as well. Bought a $20 no spill coolant funnel and burped the system, however, no air after 30 minutes. Was scratching my head trying to think of what else could be making the water sound. A/C!
I pulled up the Weathertech mat and the carpet was a little damp.. Then I used a nipple cleaning brush (we have a 4 mo old) and didn't unclog anything from the A/C drain tube from within the engine bay. Decided to pull the tube off and BAM! water gushes out. I put the tube back on, grab and old cup from inside and capture all the DIRTY water. It was a lot of water... a surprising amount actually. Removed the drain tube and blasted it with the compressor and finished with the water hose.
NO MORE TRICKLING SOUND. Thank God. I sold a very nice 08 FX2 I owned since it was new to get this 4Runner and if it needed a head gasket 2 days in I was going to hate myself forever.
Back to lurking
You don't have to pull the engine out.
If it is drivable - check the coolant, check the oil and just drive it. If/when it worsens, then go for it.
After that many miles and with the labor involved I wouldn't be able to help myself, but to replace the chain/guide/tensioners and the water pump while there.
But you don't have to.
If it is drivable - check the coolant, check the oil and just drive it. If/when it worsens, then go for it.
After that many miles and with the labor involved I wouldn't be able to help myself, but to replace the chain/guide/tensioners and the water pump while there.
But you don't have to.
capri_auto
New member
nghiS4
New member
I wonder if it might be beneficial at all to use Kseal or some similar product as preventative maintenance?
capri_auto
New member
I don't see the benefit of putting it in before a leak emerges. These head gaskets don't "blow", and yours may never leak while you own it. If you end up detecting a leak then use it if you don't want to spend the 2k+. With the types of slow leaks these trucks get it should hold fine. I used to own Land Rover discovery 1 and 2s. The 2s had bad gasket issues and kseal worked well for a lot of guys.
YetiX
New member
I used K-seal when my leak was detected because I had a weekend trip planned that I was NOT going to miss out on. After a day of driving in stop and go traffic in hot temperatures, and about 5 hours of 4 wheeling, I had lost about a cup, maybe two, of coolant. I just topped it it up each morning when it was cool and had zero problems. That said, if you use K-seal, keep a very close eye on your coolant level because you do not want your rig to overheat because then your problem becomes a lot, lot worse.
Similar threads
