Head gasket replaced, same issue months later

5VZ-FE 3.4L V6 - 225k

Long story short: Back in October I had the head gaskets and all other gaskets replaced (OEM). Reason, after a comp test, there was an issue with cly #4. Coolant was leaking into 4 ever so slightly. Heads were resurfaced too. So back in Feb I noticed the coolant level in my jug being a tad low, so I added. I had to add a few times (cup or so). Took it to my Toyota tech yesterday and it turns out it's leaking in cyl 4 again, same issue as before. It's such a small amount too. No, it is not touching my oil. My guy is straight as an arrow and I have used him for 5 years. His work is solid through and through.

So now what? All OEM parts, heads resurfaced, and all torqued to spec. Could there be an issue with the small block, the heads again, who the hell knows with my luck.

 

Heads were resurfaced but not the block. Depending on how long the leak was there, there could be sufficient pitting or deformation on the block itself as well. Without seeing pictures from the job, it's hard to tell without taking it apart again.

 

You said what he thought yesterday . Just hate to spend all this money again and time

So to resurface the block, the whole engine has to be removed and would I have to replace all OEM gaskets again?

 

If he's as good as you say, that should be warrantied work.

 

Ideally, yes. Just head gaskets and head bolts are the requirement imo, though the FSM is going to say all gaskets. There's a chance the block surface just needed a good cleaning and he didn't do it, now the HG is making a poor seal. When I did mine, I spent about 10mins per bank with a drill and one of these: 3M 3M-18733 Roloc Bristle Disc Grade - 120, Size - 2

$17 3M 3M-18733 Roloc Bristle Disc Grade - 120, Size - 2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSU3PYQ

 

But if it's an issue with the block, does that fall on him?

 

If he did all the work without checking that (essentially fitment) before putting it back together, that's not on you....
They make measurement tools just for checking surface straightness

 

He did the cleaning also, he is OCD like myself. He goes overboard.

 

Like you said, lets see when its apart to find the issue before I cast blame

 

Sounds good. Others may chime in and say it's time for a lower mileage replacement engine.

 

My 2.4 217000 miles had a leaking head gasket, exhaust in radiator. No oil and coolant crossover. Tested with tester. I am going to do a head gasket job but for now i used blue devil head gasket sealer and no more leak. I know this is not the best way but until i get a chance this will have to do. If it loads here is a video of after treatment and the blue never changed to yellow like it did before treatment