Which Head/Overhaul Gasket Set?

[Hippo393]

Got my 1997 4Runner's 3.4L V6 apart to replace both head gaskets, as (at least) one blew suddenly in March on the way to work, and 45 seconds later, the temp gauge pegged and engine quit. I thought my rig was on fire there was so much smoke, but thankfully discovered that it was only coming out of the exhaust (*WHEW!*)

Both heads are off, and I'm about to take them to a machine shop.

Did some research here and on another Toyota website on gaskets, and folks seem down on Felpro (Why?). Which engine rebuild gasket set is consensus here?

Toyota's website has an overhaul gasket set for $468.84, and YotaShop.com has one for $224.99. I have no idea who manufactures that set.

Thoughts? Recommendations, please?

Thanks!

 

[Spiker Engineering]

Got my 1997 4Runner's 3.4L V6 apart to replace both head gaskets, as (at least) one blew suddenly in March on the way to work, and 45 seconds later, the temp gauge pegged and engine quit. I thought my rig was on fire there was so much smoke, but thankfully discovered that it was only coming out of the exhaust (*WHEW!*)

Both heads are off, and I'm about to take them to a machine shop.

Did some research here and on another Toyota website on gaskets, and folks seem down on Felpro (Why?). Which engine rebuild gasket set is consensus here?

Toyota's website has an overhaul gasket set for $468.84, and YotaShop.com has one for $224.99. I have no idea who manufactures that set.

Thoughts? Recommendations, please?

Thanks!

If you're doing just the cylinder heads (not the whole motor), you can get the OEM Toyota cylinder head gasket set 04008-09135 for about $100 - 04008-09135 Genuine Toyota Gasket Kit, Cylinder

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I’ve use the YotaShop kit three times now.

They are GREAT!


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[brillo_76]

I’ve use the YotaShop kit three times now.

They are GREAT!


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Yotashop use oem mfg gaskets?

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[gamefreakgc]

Got my 1997 4Runner's 3.4L V6 apart to replace both head gaskets, as (at least) one blew suddenly in March on the way to work, and 45 seconds later, the temp gauge pegged and engine quit. I thought my rig was on fire there was so much smoke, but thankfully discovered that it was only coming out of the exhaust (*WHEW!*)

Both heads are off, and I'm about to take them to a machine shop.

Did some research here and on another Toyota website on gaskets, and folks seem down on Felpro (Why?). Which engine rebuild gasket set is consensus here?

Toyota's website has an overhaul gasket set for $468.84, and YotaShop.com has one for $224.99. I have no idea who manufactures that set.

Thoughts? Recommendations, please?

Thanks!

If this is the set you are mentioning, that's the one to get: Gasket Kit- Toyota V6 5VZ-FE 3.4L 4Runner, T100 & Tacoma OEM Cylinder Head Gasket Replacement Kit - KIT-1020. It is OEM because I read the description.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

Yotashop use oem mfg gaskets?

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Don’t know.

It was recommended by a member here a long time ago.

I am more than pleased with them. I installed three and no issues and will continue using them.

Everything needed is in the kit. From head bolts to the knock sensor harness to the valve stem seals to even the exhaust donuts.

It’s all there.

My spares I didn’t use over the years.

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[Hippo393]

Thanks for the responses, and intel of the Yota.com dealio. Yes I pretty much have to replace every gasket from stem to stern since I took 'em all off (intake and exhaust manifolds, stat, etc.). Yes that Yota gasket set is the exact one I was eyeing, thanks!
Took the heads to a machine shop today for resurfacing and pressure testing. Fingers crossed that they aren't cracked. The guy quoted me $240 to be completed by Friday. Not bad, me thinks!

-Alan

 

[brillo_76]

Good to know I probably buy this kit if I have to overhaul an engine...

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[19963.4lsr5]

Thanks for the responses, and intel of the Yota.com dealio. Yes I pretty much have to replace every gasket from stem to stern since I took 'em all off (intake and exhaust manifolds, stat, etc.). Yes that Yota gasket set is the exact one I was eyeing, thanks!
Took the heads to a machine shop today for resurfacing and pressure testing. Fingers crossed that they aren't cracked. The guy quoted me $240 to be completed by Friday. Not bad, me thinks!

-Alan

Every time I pulled the heads (3) I bought the Yota kit and gave Pete the valve stem seals. I wanted a rebuilt head not just a “decked head”


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[Hippo393]

I wanted a rebuilt head not just a “decked head”

What's the difference? Never heard of a "decked head".
Thanks!

 

[19963.4lsr5]

What's the difference? Never heard of a "decked head".
Thanks!

Sending a head to a reman doesn’t always guarantee they are taking the head apart and checking the valve guides for play and replacing the stem seals.

My friend owns a engine shop. I’m lucky in that respect. But giving him the stem seals means he is pulling the valves out of the head.

A decked head and a decked block is about milling the head or the block where the heads mount to make it flat and smooth.

If you told them to rebuild the heads etc then maybe they checked all the important stuff.

If you didn’t then milling the heads you gave them may be all they did.


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[Grizzly Be4R]

Bump. Thanks for this. I'm ordering the Yota Shop kit for my 1996 3.4L that i suspect has a head gasket leak.
I'm seeing white smoke and losing coolant.

My mechanic quoted me 13+ hours labor (~$3K parts and labor) so I'm gonna take a crack at it myself.

Do you guys suggest a certain video that i follow?

I ordered a Haynes manual but have no idea if this type of job will be in there. TIA

 

[JBurt]

You want videos 165 through 171 here. These are incredibly detailed and will definitely make the job easier.

3rd Gen T4R DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

 

[Robin Hood]

I've used both the original denso, I think they go under a different brand now adays and the FelPro multi layer steel with no problems. Definitely go with a multi-layer style stamped steel/stainless steel gasket.

 

[T4R2014]

The OE head gasket is made by Nippon Gasket and unavailable directly from the manufacturer or in aftermarket supply chain. The red box from the dealer only. Ishino, while good, is not the same. Felpro is not even in the same league of convo. As with any precision job, the seal is only as good as your mating surfaces and specification/install of your fasteners.

 

[Robin Hood]

While not my first choice have 20K and 8 years on a set of FelPros. Used Mahles on another overhaul and that engines still going strong. I think the Mahles are OE. On both engines I took a light skim cut of 3 thou on the heads and on the Mahle I also skim the cyl decks.