Estimate of head gasket Replacement

$38 Block Tester BT-500 Head Gasket Combustion Leak Test Kit - Made in USA

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06VVBSFTF/

 

Thanks. Do those testers work ok? Think parts store loans them out?

 

Yes they work.
I have never seen them loan them out.
They are relatively Cheap.
Harbor Freight sells them, if you have one near by?

 

many possibilities

pull plugs ..................do NOt jumble

keep in order

while plugs out do compression test

drain oil .......check filter

either on both will give U a better diagnosis

 

Yes, they work IF your head gasket is leaking combustion gases into the cooling system. It is possible to have coolant leak into the oil and not have combustion gas going into coolant.

 

With all the frame issues I would think junkyards would have a lot of engines for these trucks. Might be cheaper and easier to swap engines.

 

You say it sat 6 months, brown oil changed twice in 2 weeks.

During the 6 months was it started and brought to operating temperature? Between the 2 oil changes miles driven? Habitatual short trip drives?

Ive seen oil come out white like mayonnaise due to short trips. Broke the driver of that habit, problem went away. If you’re still uncertain the block test previously mentioned would tell you if exhaust gasses are in the coolant.

 

occasional start ups & excessive idling do NOT help an engine ( old wives tale )

only keeps rings from getting rusty

oiling the cylinders MORE EFFECTVE

even tho the temp needle will moves..................total temps dont get hot enuf to burn off moisture in the engine

 

Anyhow, let us know what you find. People post an issue, everyone throws their diagnosis guess in. Then we like to hear what it actually was. If it seems like it was something simple, and heck I should have known. Don’t be embarrassed. I’ve been wrenching for years and not a week goes by I don’t learn something new.

 

Great guys, thanks . I will play around on Sunday and see.
I do have a harbor freight close, just need to find a coupon now. Never can find coupons when I need them.
I will definitely report back. Maybe help someone else by doing so.
Thanks again

 

Ok here is where I am at now.
Pulled plugs and inspected. Looked old and white build up on tips.
Put new oil in.
Purchased the engine combustion leak tester and did test. Tested numerous times over a 60 minute period. Engine ran the entire time. And even drove a few miles. Temp Guage right around halfway mark. NO YELLOW.
Checked oil via dip and drain. OIL LOOKS LIKE OIL.
Tested exhaust with combustion tester and turned yellow, so tester and solution are good?
Plugs are on order.
Going to replace plugs, drive and check oil often to see.

 

If your exhaust gas test didn’t turn yellow testing at the radiator neck and coolant reservoir and did turn yellow at the tail pipe, that’s a good test, negative result for exhaust gas in the coolant.

 

That's what I am thinking. Gonna run it for a couple hours and recheck oil. Fingers crossed

 

Is there any real damage a head gasket issue can do if it doesn't overheat the engine? I suppose if it contaminated the oil enough to wear on parts but that should take a while. I'm no expert, but I'd personally try to keep driving it for a bit longer and make sure it gets to temp at least and see if any moisture accumulates and especially to see if your coolant drops in level.

 

My guess is it was a condensation issue. It's not easy to see the milky oil on the dip stick unless it's really bad. If it's not overheating, you're probably ok. You've got fresh oil in there now. For peace of mind, you could dump it again in a week. During thst week, drive it making sure to get it up to temperature. If you have a long uphill road you can put it on, take it, towards the end of the hill floor it to get everything good and hot. Drain into a clean pan so you can reuse it if it comes out looking good.

When I did my first Tacoma oil change, it came out looking bad, dirty bad not milky. So when time for the next oil change I dumped oil, refilled leaving the filter. Then did the oil & filter after driving it hard.

 

Get out there and drive that thing

 

Drive it and check under the oil cap a few times a month. Short tips will turn the bottom of the cap milky white. Long trips will remove it or at least get it to temp for a little while.

 

This is all you need to do ^