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Head Gasket leak diagnoses by visual?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by jessejsalmon, Oct 27, 2024.

  1. Oct 27, 2024 at 9:33 AM
    #1
    jessejsalmon

    jessejsalmon [OP] Active Member

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    Dear good people more mechanically inclined than myself,

    Had a reman 4cyl put in my 2000 Tacoma 8000 miles ago by independent shop. I recently noticed some coolant seepage from upper part of motor. Took it to the dealership and they said it's coming from both the thermostat and water pump, but they also noticed coolant seepage from the head gasket area and are confident I have a head gasket leak.

    Can anyone tell, from the photos, if what they are saying about head gasket leakage seems to be correct. And does it make sense that they could correctly make this head gasket diagnoses but solely on a visual like this? Photos not the best; much thanks in advance.
     
  2. Oct 27, 2024 at 10:59 AM
    #2
    Red_03Taco

    Red_03Taco Well-Known Member

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    I'm no expert, but I'm thinking the dealership tech is correct based upon photos #2 & #3.

    Hope that Independent shop will honor some warranty to cover the repair on this
     
  3. Oct 27, 2024 at 12:41 PM
    #3
    Toyota Dude

    Toyota Dude Well-Known Member

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    Looks accurately diagnosed. Do you have white smoke on startup from the tailpipe (indicative of water in combustion chamber)? That is another sign of head gasket failure.

    Did the shop provide the motor with a warranty or will they say they have to charge labor to swap it even if the reman seller will give a represent or repair it? Wondering about head/block warpage but leaking from so many places have to wonder about other things like if it was remained at all or just pulled and sold?
     
  4. Oct 27, 2024 at 2:46 PM
    #4
    ControlCar

    ControlCar My Moto: Help & Learn…period.

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    Clock Volt meter/LSPV Delete/Hyundai 16’s/FP gauge/after 9months of wrenching ZERO oil leaks
    Pull your plugs
    If rusty there is your confirmation

    if the top of the pistons are steam cleaned, another visual confirmation
     
  5. Oct 27, 2024 at 3:15 PM
    #5
    Bishop84

    Bishop84 Well-Known Member

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    It's not a severe leak but it definitely is headgasket leaking.

    If its a true reman its a simple parts quality issue, not sure how the warranty works.
     
    ControlCar and HondaGM like this.
  6. Oct 27, 2024 at 7:38 PM
    #6
    jessejsalmon

    jessejsalmon [OP] Active Member

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    Much thanks for the response. According to website this a "rebuild."; Sunwest Automotive Engine in Medical Lake, WA. It's a long story, but the shop that put the engine in(Kwik Lube & Tune, Wenatchee, WA) did a horrible job with list of mistakes made by them. Engine is under warranty, but I am now living far away in Oregon. I won't let the installer touch my truck again anyway, so trying to get the Sunwest (engine rebuilder) to pay for at least part of the head gasket job where I currently am. Should have just bought a new truck instead of messing with a rebuild.
    Thanks again.
     
    Toyota Dude[QUOTED] and HondaGM like this.
  7. Oct 28, 2024 at 12:57 PM
    #7
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    Gonna get flamed but here goes anyway. Try K-Seal

    https://www.amazon.com/K-Seal-ST350...id=5694640628354679594-B00QYZIVA6-&hvexpln=73

    I have used this on a few of my personal vehicles with very good results. My attitude is this, what do I have to lose? If a $30 bottle of sealer works and saves me from the time and expense of pulling the head(s) or motor it is worth it, if it is too far gone I am out what, $30.
     
    ControlCar and Speedytech7 like this.
  8. Oct 30, 2024 at 8:56 AM
    #8
    jessejsalmon

    jessejsalmon [OP] Active Member

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    Much thanks;I'll consider that.
     

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