Misfire/Blown HG/Block Coolant Leak? HELP!

Hey all, I recently had an overheating problem with my 2000 taco, 2.7L, 3rz-fe. I traced it back to a bad radiator, which I replaced. After which she ran much cooler. Shortly thereafter, I developed a misfire in cylinder #3, and a CEL for a p0303.
I performed all the prudent steps, swapped coils, wires, checked plugs, maf sensor, etc. Eventually, during a compression test, I discovered a coolant leak in cylinder #3.
I should also note that about 8 months ago, i swapped this engine into the truck, replaced the head gasket, and took the cylinder head to a reputable machine shop. When I reassembled the engine, I used new head bolts, but put in an Evergreen HG, which I have since learned have a fairly dubious reputation. But, she ran fine for several months, until the overheating incident.
I pulled the head this last weekend, took it to the same shop, and ordered new head bolts and a victor reinz nitroseal hg, which supposedly has a markedly better reputation.
The shop just called me and said there was some very minor warpage on the head, but it otherwise checks out, no cracks, and pulling proper vacuum on the valves.
My question is this: could the coolant leak be coming from the block, and not the HG or the head? Even with the overheating, and a crappy HG, id think it would last longer than a couple thousand miles and a few months. Thoughts?

 

If not using oem gasket at least whomever you purchased from must be mls multi layer steel. Those cheapo ones will leak later down the road.

 

in most cases the heads are what goes bad not the block so I would replace the head gasket with an oem one and chck for any block issues at that time.

you know are facing the high cost from you saving a few dollars by using a non oem head gasket when you did your head job

 

The victor reinz HG I purchased is supposed to be better than oem, so I'm hoping that plays out. It's MLS construction, as well. I'm not familiar with checking any issues that might be happening with the block. I assume you'd use a feeler gauge to check for warping? Any other ideas on how to inspect it?

 

To check the block use a precision straight edge and feeler gauge. I doubt it's warped, but there could be some slight corrosion/erosion at the top of the cylinder at one spot. You may not notice it just by looking. It could be 0.1mm or less below the deck surface.

 

Hey, I'm in a hurry to order a nice straight edge online because I wanna do this exactly but they come in different sizes and my truck is at home so I can't measure the cylinder head length. Do you think a 24" straight edge is good or something else ?

 

Twenty-four inch is good you need to measure on a diagonal line front cylinder top to rear cylinder bottom and vice versa. You can't go wrong with Victor-Reinz gaskets on import motors. I'm brand new to the site but I've got over 25 years experience as a tech and a couple of years teaching. I would agree with the other guys that the block is probably just fine and you had a defective head gasket.

 

Sorry, I didn't see this question when it when you posted it. Maybe you already ordered one.

The 4 cylinder block is slightly less than 18" long, so an 18" straight edge is best. The 24" straight edge won't have enough room between the timing gear and the firewall.

The cylinder head is about 21" long, but that includes the part that fits over the timing gear/chain. The part that matters from cylinder 1 to 4 is about 18" long.

To check the block intake to exhaust side while in the truck a 12" straight edge works best. The block/head is about 8" wide.

 

Im under the impression the head is still at the machine shop? If so, its best to let them take the appropriate measurements and compare them to the specs for your engine. If the shop is decent, they will be able to tell if its still within spec or needs surfacing. In any case, the FSM will have the tolerances needed for the head.

Also Victor Reinz is an OEM supplier for Mercedes, VW/Audi, BMW, and Toyota. Like the previous guys said, spend and extra $20 now to avoid spending $200 tomorrow.