(DOUBLE POST ACCIDENT) Head Gaskets?

EDIT: Sorry, my internet hung up and double posted this thread!
Please use this thread instead: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/head-gaskets.656423/




Sorry if this has been addressed before, I searched a little bit but had some more questions.

My wife has a 2006 2WD Tacoma with the v-6 engine (I believe is the 1gr-fe). Over the past few months, we've noticed slight vibration while driving, and it's only been getting worse (no codes either, new plugs as well). It recently started blowing coolant out the reservoir cap.

I got a block tester kit (the color changing fluid you put over the radiator to siphon any possible exhaust gasses through) and the test came up positive for exhaust gas in the coolant system.

I unplugged one cylinder head at a time (all three plugs on one side), waited a minute or two with it idling, and retested (to test each bank separately.) Both banks came positive for exhaust gasses in the coolant again. Therefore, it seems both head gaskets have failed.



I have done head gaskets before on small block Ford and Chevy motors, even on the Ford 7.3 powerstroke, but never on something like this with the cams in the head. We don't have the money for a replacement motor either, so I believe I'm going to have to do the head gaskets unless that's not recommended.

Could there be anything I'm missing that would cause this on this motor, or does this seem to be pretty much a guarantee that the head gaskets are bad (or worse, cracked block/heads?)




If it is recommended that I replace the head gaskets, can anyone direct me to a good procedure for doing this? It looks significantly more complicated to do than a Ford 351 or Chevy 350. How long would you expect it to take and would I need any specialized tools that differ from doing the head gaskets on older Ford/Chevy motors?


This truck was the most reliable of our vehicles (and nicest) while also being my wife's, so I really would like to get it fixed.


Thank you for any advice!