4.0 v6 Head gasket

[Scooter]

So after replacing the radiator, water pump and fuel pump on my truck it was still losing water.

Off to silverton radiators to have a pressure test and combustion test done. Fears were unfortunately realised as the colour blue slowly changed to yellow

[img]//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016082 ... 1d961c.jpg[/img]

As I now have to strip and remove the heads, is there any advice out there as to the best way to go about it? Any tips and tricks are welcomed.

I don't have a engine hoist or engine stand so removing the whole engine is not on the cards.

Then of course comes the question of whether or not to send the heads in for skimming. I will check with a straight rule and feeler guage and hopefully they are still flat so that I can just replace the head gaskets.

I'll think I'll use a genuine gaskets kit to be sure everything is hunky dory. The stealers want R4800 and Gemini R3500.

I will replace the thermostat whilst I'm stripping just to be on the safe side.

Any tips tricks or advice? There is not much out there in the way of replacing these, I guess most guys just won't try it on their own.

Thanks in advance



Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Dirka]

Hi Scott.
Here is a step-by-step guide in .pdf for removing the 1GR-FE heads.

http://4runnerclub.com/i/4r_files/fsm/T ... emoval.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There is a known issue with the pre 2007 head gaskets.
Probably a design flaw which they have sorted out with a new one.

Year model of yours Scott? Km reading?

[Scooter]

Thanks Dirk, I will check it out.

Mine is a 2005 with about 230k km on it.

I did read that there have been a few people with the same issue. Pity but I guess it can't all be roses.

I'll see what I find when it's stripped but hopefully no need to do the heads.



Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Mars]

It is defenitely a job you can do with the engine in place. Make cereful note of where the different plugs go as you are disassembling. Also ensure the position of the crankshaft is on tdc and make note of the position of the camshafts. If I go to all the trouble of stripping the heads off then I have the valve seats replaced, have the valves seated again and skim the head. Then I know its done for the next 230 000+ kilometers. While the water is drained from the system I would replace the thermostat and the anti-freeze/coolant. Buy the concentrated stuff from Volkswagen. It will work out cheaper than the Toyota pre-mix.

[Scooter]

Thanks Mars, all good points I'll be sure to do.

Anyone got a decent, trustworthy engineering shop on the westrand?



Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Obelix and Dogmatix]

Scooter with gaskets i would personally only do original. Give Parusha a call at halfway Toyota the one at northgate tell her you are from the hilux club and she will give you up to 23% discount. She is very helpful and goodluck. I will be pulling my engine next week to replace the oil pump so i feel your pain goodluck

[Scooter]

Thanks, I dealt with Parusha for the water pump and yes she is very friendly and helpful. Can't say the same for the guys at monument.

I'll give her a call and see if she can match the cost of the original from Gemini. Or at least make it more enticing so as not to have to drive to JHB.

Had a look at engineering shops online but hell there are just too many to choose from. I think I'll give Vanderlinde a call and see what they charge. At least then I know it's getting done right and it will have some sort of guarantee.


Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Scooter]

Gasket kit ordered along with new thermostat. Went to Parusha at Honeydew Toyota and got 15% off the parts.

Spoke with Shaun at Van Der linde developments and they will skim the heads and reseat the valves.
Labour R2500, hopefully no extras needed.

Will pull the heads next week.

[Thabogrobler]

Maybe sommer get the heads gasflowed while it is at Van der Linde?

[Scooter]

I will most certainly enquire about a price to gas flow

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Scooter]

Although gas flow will not make a huge difference unless I get a new exhaust system to help the gases leave easier. And of course a set of branches......

Where will it end

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Scooter]

So I started stripping this morning and have been slowly realising why some say it is easier to remove the entire engine.

The front timing chain cover is also attached with bolts inside the sump and the sump can't be removed without lifting the motor it seems.

Any suggestions from someone who has done it in situ?



Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Scooter]

I managed to find a engine crane and stand that I can borrow so as soon as I have fetched them I can continue with the job.

Having the motor on a stand out the of the vehicle will make it much easier to work on.

Lets hope it all goes according to plan.

[Dirka]

Sounds Good!

[Obelix and Dogmatix]

Scooter don't forget the two bolts that sit on top of the bell housing and engine

[Scooter]

I have dropped off the heads to get reconditioned and am um ing and ah ing about whether gas flow is worth paying double the price for.

The price to recon turned out to be more than expected already and I'm not sure what gains I would really notice.

Any thoughts?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Mylux]

Scooter..... If all else fails, ask Quentin to read the manual

[Mr_B]

I have dropped off the heads to get reconditioned and am um ing and ah ing about whether gas flow is worth paying double the price for.

The price to recon turned out to be more than expected already and I'm not sure what gains I would really notice.

Any thoughts?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Personally I wouldn't go that route, cost vs performance increase isn't worth it. My V6, with cleaned out cats and freeflow exhaust, kicked out more than enough horses!

[Scooter]

My decision at the end of the day was to just do the recon and leave the gas flow.

Whilst the exhaust os off I'll take a hammer and chisel to the manifold cats.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk