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View Full Version : Do I need to do a HG job or am I just being paranoid?



One_96TR4
05-25-2009, 12:30 AM
Ok well I overheated the truck saturday night. I managed to catch it just before it hit the red line but this is the second time in 4-5 months. The first time I wasn't driving. My brother had the car and it went over the redline for a min or so :(. This was back in jan, early feb. Since the first episode I just topped it up and it never gave me a problem until saturday evening. I should probably mention I was out in the mud saturday evening when this episode took place. I thought the rad may have been clogged but it was clean and free and fine after I let it cool down and started it back up. Anyhow I noticed a while back the my coolant would slowly disappear over time. When I say slowly i mean like a quart maybe every 6months or so prolly even longer than that. I never really though much of it so I left it alone. I mean I check for leaks but never found anything. So anyways now I'm thinking saturday's occurance may have done a little damage, headgasket wise. Now I plan on get a leakdown test and compression test done tmw or tuesday, whichever day I can get it down.

I'm trying to figure out whether I should do a HG job it necessary or just swap the motor. I can get a motor locally with an auto tranny for 600bucks. The seller claims it only has 100k but it's already out of the truck. Says it came off a 99limited. So I go this route instead? Also Will the auto motor work on my 5spd tranny. I'm sure it would but a few have said the auto motors won't accept the pilot bearing for the clutch. I have no ideal on this.

Ohh and I should say that since sat. No overheating or even fluctuations in the temp. Engine runs great and there is no smoke or noticable scent from the exhaust. My coolant does smell a little weird though so that kinda through me off a little. I was thinking maybe it could be due to the overheat? Don't really notice and oil in the coolant though but it's not that deep red that toyota red comes in (I'm running toyota red). has kind of a brownish look, kinda like some rust mixed in if that makes sense. I also notice on the top of the rad neck a rust colored stain in the top. Anyone have any advise or suggests here?

Crinale
05-25-2009, 01:16 AM
it doesnt sound that serious... i would get the leakdown test, but it probably wont show anything... i think you should be fine. Possibly do a full drain and fill of the radiator and cooling system... sounds like you may just need new coolant...

how many miles on your truck?

Robinhood4x4
05-25-2009, 11:59 AM
Yeah, it doesn't sound that bad but there is obviously something wrong because the temp gauges on toyotas never move. I'd say flush the coolant and maybe change out the radiator if you have a lot of miles on it.

I believe shops can do a test on your coolant to check for combustion byproducts to verify a HG failure. Swapping out your engine should be your last resort as you can open up a can of worms with the installation.

MTL_4runner
05-25-2009, 03:10 PM
Coolant doesn't just disappear and I'd bet you figure out why and you'll solve the overheating issue on your truck. My suggestion would be to take it to a radiator/cooling system shop and have the cooling system pressure tested and the coolant tested for combustion residue. At the very least you should have the system flushed (remove the thermostat before doing so), replace the thermostat and refill with Toyota pink AF. I'd also consider changing the water pump if it hasn't been done lately either.

Scuba
05-25-2009, 09:49 PM
Didnt the very early 3.4's have a HG problem on like the exact opposite side as the 3.0's ?

:bling:

One_96TR4
05-26-2009, 07:40 PM
Ok I've been a bit caught up with some other things but I've freed up some time to get things checked out on the truck. I should be able to get the coolant sysytem tested tmw and I'll look into having the coolant tested. I'm really hoping it's nothing too serious.

Robinhood4x4
05-26-2009, 09:22 PM
Didnt the very early 3.4's have a HG problem on like the exact opposite side as the 3.0's ?

Yes they did...well, I'm not sure about the opposite sides, but they did have HG problems.

MTL_4runner
05-27-2009, 02:15 PM
Didnt the very early 3.4's have a HG problem on like the exact opposite side as the 3.0's ?

:bling:


Yes, the leak was generally on the back side of the head on the passenger side.
If you've ever had the HG replacement done, then it's a non-issue.