'05/'06 Tacoma Head Gasket Failure Poll

Is the bubble test dangerous, if no bubblesafter 30 min do you just shut off engine?

 

No the bubble test isn't dangerous. It's the exhaust gases escaping through the gasket coming up out of the coolant in the radiator.

 

Just dont do it when ur radiator is steaming hot or u may get steam burned

 

06, 165 K, no issues.

 

Anyone have a write-up?

 

‘06 I bought this past November. 160k. No issues that I’m aware of.

 

No need for a write up, just start ur car, take off the radiator cap let run for a few min (maybe 5 min) if there is any bubbles coming up, head gasket is no good, u just dont want to pull off ur cap after a 20 min run down the freeway, let it cool down some

 

Get the tester from AutoZone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArG9Ve3bRjU

 

That's amazing, what's that tester called, and where do u get the fluid?

 

It called OEM Engine Block Tester, and you must use the fluid made for it. Avail at AutoZone or similar auto parts store. You basically rent the tester and fluid, just use a few oz of fluid , return it and get your deposit back.

 

If your truck is your daily then you probably won’t notice it too much. I start noticing all the symptoms when my wife bought her new car and I was using her old car as my daily. My truck will sit for a couple days. This allowed enough time for some coolant to settle in the cylinders. Started the engine and immediately have all the symptoms as I stated above.

 

I drove the Tacoma some days and my wife’s old Nissan Sentra some days. Still didn’t show any signs. I think it was due to the hole being so small in the gasket.

 

Go back to page 3, I explained it in a big post.

 

Got it. Thought you were another case study...

 

My 2005 Tacoma 4.0 160k miles
Blown head gasket . Just found out . Truck had no symptoms . Just a hard start in the morning . Vibration then it went away . I take care of my truck . On top of all my fluid changes and drive very conservatively .
Just trying to deal with it now .
Shop guys told me to buy a new motor or do both sides .
Both options suck $$$
I have been reading about this issue a bunch . I’d love advice too . I’ll keep monitoring this thread .

 

It’s a hard decision. Did the engine overheated? You will not know what you’re dealing with until the engine is taken apart. Hopefully the cylinder heads and block are not warped when the mechanic takes it apart. Toyota does not recommend resurfacing the cylinder heads on the 1gr-fe. If the cylinder heads are bad, get a new engine. If everything checks out and it’s just the head gasket itself, it’s a straightforward head gasket replacement. It’s a expensive repair if you also want to replace other components as well, water pump, belts, valve stem seals, timing chain guides etc.

 

2006 Tacoma PreRunner TRD Sport 4.0 V6

145360mi

Purchased new in October 26, 2005.

Replaced timing chain, OEM alternator with a 270 Amp XP Series Large Case High Output Alternator from DC Power Engineering, and COMPLETE FRAME replacement courtesy of Toyota Motor Corporation... other than that - ZERO ISSUES!

 

I have been wondering if I should do a timing chain or just keep riding. Mine has about 230k and runs great just thinking about prevention

 

I don’t plan on tearing into my 05’s engine until it’s needed. If you’re at 230k with no major issues I’d refer to the old adage - “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”