2013 Tacoma

New here to posting., been tapping info for years here but now at crossroads. 2013 Tacoma TRD 375k and having issues overheating. I have bubbles coming up into coolant resivour, I think signs of head gasket problem. Is there any other reason that this could happen other than the head gasket. I think the repair is too costly if issue with head gaskets for the amount off miles on engine, or if its something other than that that may be problem less costly I'd invest in fixing. I love the truck gonna be hard to let go. Any input would be appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving

 

Does it ever overheat? Do you ever have to top off the coolant level in the rad or reservoir?

 

Well I just started to add coolant because it would overheat causing the fluid to expell up and out through resivour. I also replaced thermostat and radiator cap yesterday and properly bled the system and added to resivour. It over heated after that again with air bubbles coming up into coolant resivour. Upper hose also harder than normal. Wondering if there could be any other way other than head gasket that would cause air in system. No white clouds of smoke , or evidence of coolant in oil.

 

You're not always going to see white smoke or coolant mixing with oil, that was more common on older cars. And that's usually after the gasket leak is wide open and has been for a while.

At work we use a chemical block tester kit

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7001006

Yours sounds like a head gasket though. But you need some tools to be sure. If no block tester is available put a radiator pressure tester on the rad fill neck and see if the pressure goes up quickly when the engine is started

 

Are you capable of doing the head gaskets yourself? If so, imo I’d fix and drive another 100k.

 

I'll pick up the test kit this weekend, if shows signs of head gasket problems I'll most likley be looking for new Tacoma, since I'm unable to repair myself, and don't think it would be worth the money to fix.

 

This is the worst time ever to buy. I should know, just bought a 2013, pretty sure I paid more than what it costs new. The dealers around here mostly advertise call for price on the few they have in stock for new.

 

I meant what it cost new in '13

 

Tacomas hold their value extremely well. The current market doesn’t help buyers.

Bought my 2012 with 86k back in 2016/17 for roughly $24k I believe. Sticker price was $30-32 I believe.

DCLB trd sport, 4x4

 

Base AC 4x4 76k miles with no tailgate $25250