2005 Taco 4X4 4.0LV6 New Radiator Eruptions (Video)

Cracked head(s)? Blown head gasket? Something else? It is likely my son drove it too long over heated. This was the first crank after replacing the radiator (which had cracked open too). The engine is STONE cold. The "smoke" I suspect is combustion chamber exhaust (which would explain the eruptions too). If this is true, with 210,000miles on this engine, my thinking is to locate a replacement engine (and not waste $$ on rebuilding this one). Since this is at my house, and I don't have the tools, I have not yet had a compression test run, but I think I already know what the results of such will be. Thoughts?

 

I think that kind of thing with the coolant is normal when you start it without the cap. Never seen it on a truck just because I have never done it, but on my dirtbikes it will do that.

If it was driven overheated for a while you probably are correct that something else is wrong though. Any coolant in the oil?

 

I was going to check the oil next. Also, I've changed radiators before, and this erupting was not normal. It should bubble and burb a little as it bleeds out the air, but this was more geyser-like. Also, it ran VERY rough (which also makes me think coolant leaking into the combustion chambers somewhere). I'm not optimistic! I was hoping to primarily to get opinions on rebuild versus replace routes. I've read a lot that with rebuilds on high-mileage engines, they are never really wholesome afterwards. And that by the time you spend the money for parts and labor for a rebuild, you could buy and install a lower mileage replacement engine for less $$. The truck it otherwise is really good shape and has served us well. Sucks getting old (not matter what it happens to be)!

 

ha! true on getting old. I suppose if it was me I would try and find a lower mileage engine rather than dig too deep into it.

 

Curious why you cranked it with the rad cap off? I'd expect it to do that.

 

I've bled radiator refills with the cap off before (including this truck), never did anything like this before. And why the "smoke" from a cold engine? Shouldn't be anything in the block that would heat up in a few seconds enough to result in steam. Also, there shouldn't be anything pertaining to the coolant system the would result in rough sputtering and stalling.

 

ur right. best to replace engine rather than repair.i bought a truck out of miami that had the engine changed for the same reason,milage on replacement engine 55000 mls which is like a new truck but i dont know the cost of engine alone. will try to get in touch with the mechanic who did the change over for cost!

 

Thanks, TacoGuy67! Though I know it's relative to your situation, that info would be helpful!

 

he says$ 3200 due to low mileage but u can get for 2500--2900 with higher mileage.

 

so, was that engine + labor, or just the engine? What would you then estimate the labor portion of your engine replacement was? thanks!!

 

hi sorry to take so long in replying! thats engine alone. He had to do other work on the vehicle then sold it to me as a working unit.