xwake4lifex
New member
This thread is a stress nightmare to a new 4R owner. Crossing my fingers that I don't have this issue. I also want to keep an eye on every single warning sign that might potentially come up. UGH.
*** V6 Head Gasket Action Request ***
- Thread starter morphious
- Start date
Hmm...it is the opposite for me. When the AC kicks in, and ECM bumps the rpms a little to handle the extra load - the idle gets smoother.
Johnnibanner4run
New member
2005
N/A
4x4
167277
No.6
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
N/A
4x4
167277
No.6
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
mcfly0913
Junior Member
That's awesome and encouraging. I've got mine scheduled for a radiator flush since I had planned on driving it up north for fall break. I agree with the other commenter, this thread has caused the excitement of buying a 4runner to wear off. I was all over this forum prior to buying, I'm not sure how I missed this topic.
Johnnibanner4run
New member
Hey where which toyota shop did you go to for that quote i got quoted for 6500 dollars to do mine.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
Help
I've been chatting with a a guy with an 05 4Runner for sale and now I'm worried that that car will have a problem since it seemed frequent in the 2004 and 2005 cars. In one of the photos he sent me of the interior he even had a small bottle of coolant in his passenger side door. What do you guys think? And if I go look at it, how would I know if it's having this problem. Thanks all
I've been chatting with a a guy with an 05 4Runner for sale and now I'm worried that that car will have a problem since it seemed frequent in the 2004 and 2005 cars. In one of the photos he sent me of the interior he even had a small bottle of coolant in his passenger side door. What do you guys think? And if I go look at it, how would I know if it's having this problem. Thanks all
YetiX
New member
If it has a head gasket leak, how evident the symptoms are depends on how bad the leak has become. The best way to check, in my experience, is to insist on seeing the truck when it is completely cold. Check the coolant level in the radiator and see if it smells like gasoline. If the level is low or it smells like gas, run. Then start it. Listen for a rushing water sound behind the dash and look to see if any white smoke comes out of the exhaust on start up and see if it has a rough idle for the first few seconds. Those are the best tips I have.
Supersonic
New member
I also posted a thread but these questions come to mind as I read thru this.
1. How many miles since your repair?
2. What brand head gasket did you use?
3. Anyone had to do the repair twice?
4. What to look for it identify if the repair has been done if previous maintenance history isn't given?
5. Another thing seems the gasket is the weak point, has that gasket manufacturer/manufacturing process had inconsistencies in quality/quality control?
1. How many miles since your repair?
2. What brand head gasket did you use?
3. Anyone had to do the repair twice?
4. What to look for it identify if the repair has been done if previous maintenance history isn't given?
5. Another thing seems the gasket is the weak point, has that gasket manufacturer/manufacturing process had inconsistencies in quality/quality control?
YetiX
New member
1. How many miles since your repair? 8,000 or so
2. What brand head gasket did you use? The new oem
3. Anyone had to do the repair twice? In all my research about this issue, I have never run across anyone who had to do it twice once they used the new version head gaskets.
4. What to look for it identify if the repair has been done if previous maintenance history isn't given? I'm not aware of any way to tell.
5. Another thing seems the gasket is the weak point, has that gasket manufacturer/manufacturing process had inconsistencies in quality/quality control? The original gaskets were replaced with a different version in December of 2005.
2. What brand head gasket did you use? The new oem
3. Anyone had to do the repair twice? In all my research about this issue, I have never run across anyone who had to do it twice once they used the new version head gaskets.
4. What to look for it identify if the repair has been done if previous maintenance history isn't given? I'm not aware of any way to tell.
5. Another thing seems the gasket is the weak point, has that gasket manufacturer/manufacturing process had inconsistencies in quality/quality control? The original gaskets were replaced with a different version in December of 2005.
Supersonic
New member
Thanks for that and all you've done to enlighten us. Bought a 2005 about a week ago, 294k, wasn't familiar with Toyota 4.0 but have had lot's of 4 cylinder Toyota's since my first 78 Corolla.
Out looking at mine, one thing is the exhaust manifold fasteners, mine seem like they been one there a long time.
Another is I see some oil around the right valve cover gasket has been there a long time. My lighted inspection mirror didn't light so I couldn't see the head gasket area.
I doubt mines been done, except in the maintenance history, it sometimes reads "costumer request diagnosis" and I wonder if they got the diagnosis and they took it somewhere else because the repair cost difference. If mine had been done a long time ago I probably couldn't tell. (if you put your VIN in at https://www.toyota.com/owners/ you can bring up service history, just open a 'free' account).
I'll just add this so you all know where I'm at;
Feb 05
4x4
No known failure (yet) but 294,800 miles
11th digit is 0
I with the folks who fix it, which thankfully with Toyota you usually fix things once. I'm finding the 4.0 4Runner is a great build, and it's not intended to be my daily driver so if it had sit out for a while while head gasket was being repaired I could live with that.
I did see there was a new part number, but what I was thinking for quality was consistency, say some inferior gaskets getting past because of build process variance, be it a machine, temperature, material stock, new employee, ect.
I was thinking FelPro would also have a good option for the head gasket, but haven't got to do much because of servicing the rest of it. I'd probably seen some of their advertising recently and that made me curious about what may be a good replacement option. Probably would do my own work, but could possibly see where this is where I could hire the job out.
Big thanks once again, you've obviously been at this for years and help many owners get thru this.
Out looking at mine, one thing is the exhaust manifold fasteners, mine seem like they been one there a long time.
Another is I see some oil around the right valve cover gasket has been there a long time. My lighted inspection mirror didn't light so I couldn't see the head gasket area.
I doubt mines been done, except in the maintenance history, it sometimes reads "costumer request diagnosis" and I wonder if they got the diagnosis and they took it somewhere else because the repair cost difference. If mine had been done a long time ago I probably couldn't tell. (if you put your VIN in at https://www.toyota.com/owners/ you can bring up service history, just open a 'free' account).
I'll just add this so you all know where I'm at;
Feb 05
4x4
No known failure (yet) but 294,800 miles
11th digit is 0
I with the folks who fix it, which thankfully with Toyota you usually fix things once. I'm finding the 4.0 4Runner is a great build, and it's not intended to be my daily driver so if it had sit out for a while while head gasket was being repaired I could live with that.
I did see there was a new part number, but what I was thinking for quality was consistency, say some inferior gaskets getting past because of build process variance, be it a machine, temperature, material stock, new employee, ect.
I was thinking FelPro would also have a good option for the head gasket, but haven't got to do much because of servicing the rest of it. I'd probably seen some of their advertising recently and that made me curious about what may be a good replacement option. Probably would do my own work, but could possibly see where this is where I could hire the job out.
Big thanks once again, you've obviously been at this for years and help many owners get thru this.
YetiX
New member
The old one is no longer available.
Elan750
New member
yup
2005
12/04
4x4
#6
148k
I've been monitoring this thread since I bought my 4runner last year with paranoia. Every morning when I start the truck I would look for misfire signs. I changed the Coolant. I watched the coolant levels. Checked the plugs.
This past spring I had to add about 3oz of coolant. Then a month ago I noticed it down again about 6 oz. Mornings I can just barely feel a slight roughness, but I am overly perceptive sometimes on these things. No one would ever notice the roughness unless you are really trying to notice it. And it doesn't always do it either (i'm guessing it depends on where the piston lands when the truck is turned off.) I equate it to a light sniffle every 5 seconds.
-I do hear a slight trickle under the dash when I first turn it on.
-No White smoke.
-No check engine light. (yet)
So this past oil change I sent a sample to blackstone. My worries are confirmed. Potassium and sodium levels were way high.
Potassium 306 (should be around 3)
Sodium 241 (should be around 55)
Coolant causes these levels to spike.
I also bought a tester to check for exhaust in the coolant, but havent used it yet.
I'm hoping it doesnt get worse too fast and I can change it in the spring. This way I can buy the parts over time, and it will be a DIY. (no, ive never changed a headgasket!)
I'll be buying OEM headgaskets, but may go felpro or reinze for the more external gaskets. Probably the water pump too. I really want to try and stay under $500.
The good news is i'm using Supertech synthetic and didnt change the oil for 8.500 miles, and viscosity was still in spec, and minimal wear!
Its a huge byummer but hey, gotta keep moving forward.
2005
12/04
4x4
#6
148k
I've been monitoring this thread since I bought my 4runner last year with paranoia. Every morning when I start the truck I would look for misfire signs. I changed the Coolant. I watched the coolant levels. Checked the plugs.
This past spring I had to add about 3oz of coolant. Then a month ago I noticed it down again about 6 oz. Mornings I can just barely feel a slight roughness, but I am overly perceptive sometimes on these things. No one would ever notice the roughness unless you are really trying to notice it. And it doesn't always do it either (i'm guessing it depends on where the piston lands when the truck is turned off.) I equate it to a light sniffle every 5 seconds.
-I do hear a slight trickle under the dash when I first turn it on.
-No White smoke.
-No check engine light. (yet)
So this past oil change I sent a sample to blackstone. My worries are confirmed. Potassium and sodium levels were way high.
Potassium 306 (should be around 3)
Sodium 241 (should be around 55)
Coolant causes these levels to spike.
I also bought a tester to check for exhaust in the coolant, but havent used it yet.
I'm hoping it doesnt get worse too fast and I can change it in the spring. This way I can buy the parts over time, and it will be a DIY. (no, ive never changed a headgasket!)
I'll be buying OEM headgaskets, but may go felpro or reinze for the more external gaskets. Probably the water pump too. I really want to try and stay under $500.
The good news is i'm using Supertech synthetic and didnt change the oil for 8.500 miles, and viscosity was still in spec, and minimal wear!
Its a huge byummer but hey, gotta keep moving forward.
Last edited:
2005
12/04
4x4
#6
148k
I've been monitoring this thread since I bought my 4runner last year with paranoia. Every morning when I start the truck I would look for misfire signs. I changed the Coolant. I watched the coolant levels. Checked the plugs.
This past spring I had to add about 3oz of coolant. Then a month ago I noticed it down again about 6 oz. Mornings I can just barely feel a slight roughness, but I am overly perceptive sometimes on these things. No one would ever notice the roughness unless you are really trying to notice it. And it doesn't always do it either (i'm guessing it depends on where the piston lands when the truck is turned off.) I equate it to a light sniffle every 5 seconds.
-I do hear a slight trickle under the dash when I first turn it on.
-No White smoke.
-No check engine light. (yet)
So this past oil change I sent a sample to blackstone. My worries are confirmed. Potassium and sodium levels were way high.
Potassium 306 (should be around 3)
Sodium 241 (should be around 55)
Coolant causes these levels to spike.
I also bought a tester to check for exhaust in the coolant, but havent used it yet.
I'm hoping it doesnt get worse too fast and I can change it in the spring. This way I can buy the parts over time, and it will be a DIY. (no, ive never changed a headgasket!)
I'll be buying OEM headgaskets, but may go felpro or reinze for the more external gaskets. Probably the water pump too. I really want to try and stay under $500.
The good news is i'm using Supertech synthetic and didnt change the oil for 8.500 miles, and viscosity was still in spec, and minimal wear!
Its a huge byummer but hey, gotta keep moving forward.
That sucks! I might be right behind you, mine had the coolant flush/fill like 7000 miles ago (though it hasn't been driven much in the past 6-12 months) and when I opened it up I had to add a few ounces of coolant. So it may be losing coolant. A mechanic friend said maybe there were just air pockets and that's why the coolant was low, but if they did a flush I assume there wouldn't be any air pockets (if the dealership did it right).
benztech82
Member
Even with vacuum evacuation system air pockets are very common after coolant flush. I used to do it at work, at a dealership on my own vehicle and add coolant a week later once to correct low level but only once, unless there was a leak. Also keep in mind that water portion of the coolant does evaporate thru high pressure valve at expansion tank over long period of time or faster especially if vehicle is driven in hot weather conditions with a/c or offroaded etc.
P.S. coolant pressure test on cold engine overnight should also show if head gasket is leaking.
2005 V6 LTD 186k
2005
12/04
4x4
#6
148k
I've been monitoring this thread since I bought my 4runner last year with paranoia. Every morning when I start the truck I would look for misfire signs. I changed the Coolant. I watched the coolant levels. Checked the plugs.
This past spring I had to add about 3oz of coolant. Then a month ago I noticed it down again about 6 oz. Mornings I can just barely feel a slight roughness, but I am overly perceptive sometimes on these things. No one would ever notice the roughness unless you are really trying to notice it. And it doesn't always do it either (i'm guessing it depends on where the piston lands when the truck is turned off.) I equate it to a light sniffle every 5 seconds.
-I do hear a slight trickle under the dash when I first turn it on.
-No White smoke.
-No check engine light. (yet)
So this past oil change I sent a sample to blackstone. My worries are confirmed. Potassium and sodium levels were way high.
Potassium 306 (should be around 3)
Sodium 241 (should be around 55)
Coolant causes these levels to spike.
I also bought a tester to check for exhaust in the coolant, but havent used it yet.
I'm hoping it doesnt get worse too fast and I can change it in the spring. This way I can buy the parts over time, and it will be a DIY. (no, ive never changed a headgasket!)
I'll be buying OEM headgaskets, but may go felpro or reinze for the more external gaskets. Probably the water pump too. I really want to try and stay under $500.
The good news is i'm using Supertech synthetic and didnt change the oil for 8.500 miles, and viscosity was still in spec, and minimal wear!
Its a huge byummer but hey, gotta keep moving forward.
The best way to confirm this seems to be with a borescope. You can get decent ones cheap on Amazon or eBay. You'll need the wifi one if you have an iPhone. Mine was a little over $900 in parts but I bought the engine overhaul gasket kit. We didn't use all of them but we replaced valve seals, injector o-rings, etc etc. had the heads checked and milled flat. Also replaced water pump, thermostat, pulley bearings and one injector. Good luck.
Can you just use something cheap like https://www.harborfreight.com/digital-inspection-camera-61839.html to take a peek? Then possibly return it to HF?
Mario4993
New member
Gaskets Shot?
I posted in here a little over a year ago having suspected head gasket issues. The first time I posted I was having misfires and was/still am going through a gallon of coolant every 2-3 months. Since then I've changed all the coils and pugs and the misfire problem stopped after that, but still burning the coolant.. A couple of months later during the summer with this Texas heat I could only drive 30-45 min or under 25 miles w/o my rig over heating or at least spraying some coolant out of the overflow tank. I've also changed the thermostat, air filter, and have done a couple of radiator flushes just to make sure there wasn't and crud backing up the cooling system. Now i'm starting to smell what seems like oil in the radiator. I'm at a loss for what could be the problem, but almost certain my gaskets are shot.
I don't have milky oil or loss of power. Just slight overheating during long drives and spraying some coolant out of the overflow tank.
Advice is much appreciated since this is my daily driver.
2004 Sport Edition V6 2WD 188,xxx
I posted in here a little over a year ago having suspected head gasket issues. The first time I posted I was having misfires and was/still am going through a gallon of coolant every 2-3 months. Since then I've changed all the coils and pugs and the misfire problem stopped after that, but still burning the coolant.. A couple of months later during the summer with this Texas heat I could only drive 30-45 min or under 25 miles w/o my rig over heating or at least spraying some coolant out of the overflow tank. I've also changed the thermostat, air filter, and have done a couple of radiator flushes just to make sure there wasn't and crud backing up the cooling system. Now i'm starting to smell what seems like oil in the radiator. I'm at a loss for what could be the problem, but almost certain my gaskets are shot.
I don't have milky oil or loss of power. Just slight overheating during long drives and spraying some coolant out of the overflow tank.
Advice is much appreciated since this is my daily driver.
2004 Sport Edition V6 2WD 188,xxx
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