08 Tacoma 4.0L V6 head gasket replcement question

Hi folks,
I don't have a tech manual for this '08 4.0L V6 yet.
Middle, driverside (#4 ?) cylinder is getting coolant in it (pressure tested to verify).
I'd like to start tearing into it before the tech manual arrives.

It looks like the timing cover needs to be removed?
Is that true, or do I just need to remove the timing cover bolts on that head?

All in all, it looks like it's going to be a pita!

Thanks for any info I can get from you folks.
Robert

 

http://www.customtacos.com/tech/files/05FSM/repair.html

 

Wholey Smoley!
Even have to remove the oil pan to change the head gasket(s)?
Is it possible to replace the HG without removing the timing cover?

Thanks for the link

 

I think you may get oil leaks if you don't take the timing cover off and reseal it properly as the last step.

 

I'll see if the head will come off while leaving the timing cover bolted to the rest of the engine (fingers crossed there are no guide sleeves).
If it looks like I will not be able to seal it up, that would be terrible.
It was intended to be a quick and dirty fix

Thanks again.

 

I've heard comments about the engine bay layout, where items not expected to be replaced often are difficult to access. Take a look at starter replacement in the manual.

 

Wholey smoley.
The front of the engine (timing chain cover, etc.) does have to come off:
With the timing chain cover installed, cannot even get the cam sprockets off, to remove the cams, to remove the head bolts.

And I see now, why the oil pan is suppose to be removed:
All the old sealer crap falls into the oil pan, and there are the o-rings for the oil passage from the pan to the timing chain cover!

:facepalm

I have the timing chain cover removed.
I need to wait for daylight hours to use an impact to get one of the cam sprocket bolts off

 

An 08 with a headgasket problem? How is that not under warranty?

 

@epmedia - I know it's been a while but did you complete the head gasket repair? I have an '04 4runner that needs it and the Advanced Autoparts online service manual does not have you removing the timing chain cover. Any other hints before I start?

 

How are you going to disengage the timing chain, which has to come off before you can think about getting the head off? Normally you have to "clean" the front of the engine (get everything off that blocks the timing chain cover, then remove the cover, the chain, then remove the intake and exhaust. It is a PITA but doable.

 

The Toyota Service Manual says that 3 special tools to remove the crankshaft pulley. What did you use? Any tips going forward?