Just another head gasket thread

For those of us that still are pushing an 05 or early 06 and have had the dealer replace the nasty head gasket that Toyota would not stand behind. How did it go? Did they get er' done with no future problems?

I am sitting at the infamous 140 K point, at which it seems I have entered "no man's land." Never beat up on the truck and even kept "Italian tune ups" to a minimum, but anytime, any place, the bubbles in the radiator could start. I have done all maintenance and even replaced the coolant about 3-4 times in hope that may prolong the event, but I doubt it.

Input would be appreciated. I have done some deeper repairs on other engines, but don't have desire or at 77, the ambition to attack this one if it happens (although I just may as a part of a final countdown).

 

They don't all fail, but typically when they do its an external leak, drops of coolant, or if its internal, you'll get a hard start after sitting overnight. Sometimes a misfire check engine light.

The only real way to prevent it is to do coolant flushes, and reduce the acidity of the coolant to slow down the depredation of the gasket.

I'd say don't fret and just make sure records are up to date on fluids.

I've never actually done a head gasket on an 05-06, most have been 2010-2012 models. It's actually quite rare, you just read about it on here is all.

 

Thanks for the input. I plan on doing another coolant change soon as a preventative measure.

 

I'm closing in on 150K with my '06 and so far no problems with the head gasket. Keep doing what your doing. From what I've read some fail, some don't.

 

My 05 had a minor leak at about 160k

I was getting a misfire on the cylinder closest to the driver. Coolant getting in the cylinder.

I put a bottle of copper glitter looking leak stop in the radiator and it stopped leaking. I now have maybe 190k. Still not leaking. (Fingers crossed)

 

What engine? Since gasket (singular) was mentioned I'm guessing the 4 cylinder. When Looking at 4Runners a while back though I heard the head gaskets would occasionally fail on the V6s the same years. If the gasket repair must be done at some point at least you'll be able to plan accordingly. I'm in my mid 60s but even if I had the tools and talent I wouldn't take on such a project myself.

Hopefully the symptoms you see are not a bad head gasket situation. As mentioned here, certainly not all fail unlike some vehicles like just about all EJ25 engines of earlier Subarus. Being a flat 4, it was better to remove the engine to replace (the 2) head gaskets. My 2007 Tacoma 2.7L has 150k, but no sign of any leaks yet - assuming they'd be external.

Either way - I'd say a head gasket replacement would be worth the cost, especially considering the cost of a newer vehicle, especially a Tacoma.

 

Fascinating quote from someone in the know. Reading on this forum makes every 05-06 owner worry about a head gasket implosion at any minute. I owned Subarus for years. Head gaskets and timing belts that went over 100,000 miles were on the maintenance list for replacement. Head gaskets frequently failed before that.

 

I had a subaru EJ253 that had a headgasket start to go, I did the coolant flush a year prior and the additive and it still started to leak.

So I sold it! I never hid it from the buyers, the dick that bought it from me tried to flip it anyway.

We see coolant intrusions and leaks on all Toyotas, but its really not that common. My last truck HG job was a propane converted 4.0. It had the telltale misfire in the morning and coolant bubbles in the rad neck.

 

I had a 2002 EJ25 Outback with 142k and the original (leaking) head gaskets. Informed the dealership when I traded it in. I did have the timing belt changed.

One reason I went with Toyota is engines with timing chains and a very good reputation overall. I don't think I've seen a drop of oil or coolant from my 2007 Tacoma in the driveway, unlike many Subarus that I've owned where especially some oil leaks were common.

 

I am original owner of an 05 4.0 TRDOR DC and had the issue start about 140K 2015ish. I took it in an had it done at Camelback Toyota through a LC Club contact. I paid about 3K I believe and they had it for almost a week. I am at 251k right now with no issues on HG and truck has been very dependable (knock on wood). Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

 

My 05 has 159k no issues

 

Hey there Bob.

I think you should continue to do the maintenance you have been doing.
I wouldn’t worry about it.
You don’t really have anything to loose by waiting.
If the gaskets don’t fail, you’ll be money and time ahead.

If they do fail, deal with it then.

I notice you are in Tennessee also.
So am I. Howdy neighbor

 

its the early v6 4.0 engines. 2004-2006 tacomas and 4runners.

i wouldnt be that worried about it. if it happens, oh well. if not, great. what can you do about it? you already did as much as you can with the coolant flushes.

and like it was stated, some people have the head gasket issue, and some dont.

i got lucky, and i have skills looking online for myself. i found a 2009 engine for $1000 and paid a guy $500 to swap it. then sold the blown engine for $300.