How does this frame look?

Looks like it's rusted out.

 

Pick your poison.

 

probably has a P0420 code, common on these older trucks and most people tell themselves its the o2 sensor to avoid dropping money on new cats (the mostly likely culprit).

if the cats are clogged that would for sure rob you of some of your power and make it feel sluggish. Did the code ever get pulled?

 

yup...from Massachusetts, rusted tailgate and that frame has definitely been painted over to cover rust.

 

I pick no poison.

 

I agree with this. Especially on a cold start after sitting for awhile, condensation out the tailpipe is normal.

Could always get a leak down test done to be certain, or even one of those DIY kits that tests the coolant for exhaust gasses. But without any other symptoms like overheating or disappearing coolant, oil/coolant mixed, etc I highly doubt its got a HG issue

 

I havent owned it long enough to know if there is a leaking coolant problem. How fast of a drain to coolant would be normal?

 

I would just mark where its at on the reservoir and keep an eye on it. Keep in mind, it's normal to see the coolant level drop/rise based on engine temp. Mark and monitor the level after it's been sitting for awhile.

 

What did you end up doing with your 5-lug?

 

Still got it. Gonna probably repaint the hood, the top, and sell it. My wife started crying when we talked about selling it. It was given to her by her aunt (who bought it new in 01) in like 09 and been with us since. We also like the green on the 5 lug much more than the silver on the 4x4.

 

You got a pretty decent deal, even with the potential head gasket or other issue.

when I got my 2003, it had been abused and years later I found out that the heads were cracked which was allowing coolant into the exhaust through the exhaust valves.

monkey happened when parked, and engine metals shrank back down or if I parked downhill that would let more coolant leak into the exhaust.

when it started up, sweet smoke cloud, but went away.

I ended up doing a full engine rebuild with new heads, gaskets, water pump, belts, et al at about 180k.

truck is still running like new now with its 3rd owner in New Mexico.

 

Ya you and a few other have made me feel reassured that even if i gotta do a rebuild, im still doing just fine. What a few more $$$ haha?

 

P0171 p0450 p0500

 

I'm not that familiar with the last two, but P0171 'system too lean' is another common one with these trucks. Most likely a vacuum leak somewhere after the MAF sensor, or an issue with the MAF sensor itself. Could try cleaning it first (use only MAF cleaner) and check all the hoses in the engine bay for leaks.

A vacuum leak or lean condition can definitely effect performance

 

And you have all of us as resources and a sounding board to fix the truck.

 

What's wrong with Toyota Red coolant?? I thought it was one of the Best

 

So how is the Taco doing?

 

Its fine, it needs more work than I anticipated on fixing some of those codes. I also need to replace the steering rack, get new shocks, and find/replace a radiator leak near the overflow tank. The engine head gasket is not blown, which is great news. Overall, Im satisfied, I got a tacoma 4 door 4x4 for only 7k. A little bit of effort and $$ to get it back up to good will put me somewhere around 10k total for the truck. Still below value. Im satisfied with it.

 

Considering what these trucks are selling for these days, even with high milage, you did fine. fix it and enjoy the ride.