Tacoma V6 3.4 Wants to overheat

Yes, if you do go as far as head gaskets, the bolts are torque-to-yield bolts and must be tightened in sequence, and following the proper procedure. Also note that with the 3.4, there is a specific procedure to LOOSTEN the bolts as well to reduce risk of warping of the heads. Tightening is the same. follow procedure to the letter! Three steps to torquing these heads. If you have to go to this point let me know and I will give you as much help as I can.

 

Ok Thanks guys,

 

Pulled the plugs to see and they were all clean and dry.

 

Any chance you could take a good pic of the tips of the plugs?

 

Sure tomorrow, anything in particular your looking for?

 

I want to get a good look at the electrode tips, especially in the area of the white ceramic.

 

I have a 97 Avalon and its also losing a little bit of coolant, took it to the mechanic and he said I had a browned head gasket. The temp gauge doesn't go up at all but i hear some water moving around somewhere under the dash. The mechanic said the best thing to do was to buy a new motor is he right? And if he is. I hope you don't have to go trough the same thing OP.

 

It all depends on the condition of the vehicle, and what it means to you. It may be that he is just being straight forward with you, or he could be trying to make a sale. Personally, unless he can show you something sticking out of the side of the block, then he can't really be 100% sure WHAT is needed. I do head gasket jobs all the time, and they are usually a LOT cheaper than the cost of an engine.

 

Looking for coolant residue?

 

Looking for all sorts of stuff. Coolant residue, improper burning, signs of lean/rich condition...etc

 

I didn't care what your answer was, I just wanted to see your sig all over the place Everytime I come around your post, I have to block your sig in order to read your post - not that I'm complaining.

 

I swear I think TW would stop cold and crash if I removed my sig...lol

 

Nothing to add but yes it would crash and burn.

 

Ok, Ive been so busy. I only got a chance to change the radiator fluid. And I noticed i have the green fan clutch the one that comes on the Trd model i hear. Meant for higher load?

 

Green is for the tow option.

 

Oh Is that why when i drive faster rpm, putting more load on motor, it gets cooler?

And Bama Toy here is one shot of one of the plugs, they all look the same.

 

Looks normal to me.

 

Those are some strange plugs, also why is there oil on the spark plug?

Also, they look normal, but I would just get some simple NGK or some Densos pronto, how can you gap that?

 

That's what came from factory, I just replaced them all with the same ones. Not sure on the oil, or I dont remember the residue.

 

They actually look quite clean, and in good condition. Minimal signs of outside arcing. I don't see any problems there.