Head Gasket Warning Signs? (4th gen)

Hey guys, in the market for a 4th gen 4runner. I'm noticing a lot of talk about head gasket failures on the earlier models 03-05. I'm curious if there are any warning signs to look out for or any indications that a head gasket job is in the near future? Thanks!

 

Bubbling noise from the dash, low coolant and finally the CEL with P0306. Usually around 160k or so. Only an issue on the V6.

 

The head gasket issue is way overblown. I had an 04 with 170k miles. I was worried about the HG going so I sold it... 200k plus now and the guy I sold it too is happy as could be... no issues... I wish I had kept it. On the other hand I purchased an 06 V8 and would never do that again. Way more costly "issues" (Secondary Air Induction Pump, Cracked Exhaust Manifolds, Timing Belt) with the V8 than the V6... I would only buy a 4th gen V6.

 

I certainly wouldn't preemptively replace it, definitely not sell the vehicle, but it is a real issue that needs to be dealt with if it pops up.

 

Head gasket experience here. I am running a supercharged 99'. All engines act similar though- and go figure the blower will blow the gasket faster.

Warning signs are gradual if you aren't a redline driver. Your car will start a lot rougher. Usually what happens is the coolant leaks into a cylinder, and misfires a bit. It's certainly not an instantaneous problem, and definitely don't try and fix it before it happens.

My bigger problem was one of my headers actually cracked. That was a big issue.

Just 'smell' your engine. Your nose is a sensor. If you smell lots of coolant/oil, there's a chance you've got a problem with the gasket given all the hoses are tight/radiator isn't leaking.

Just give the car a bit of gas and run to smell the engine. You will smell sulfur, that's a given so don't panic.

 

I found that the exhaust will have an off white color of your gasket is going. Usually because a little bit of coolant seeps through the gasket into the piston. Should have a sweet smell it's coolant.

 

there is no problem with the 05 its the 03 and 04 and older years that had issues 05-09 use a different head gasket that doesn't have known failure issues