22RE Blown Headgasket

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vt92

vt92

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Location
upstate SC
It looks like my 22RE has a blown headgasket. :crybaby:

Before I start on this project, does anyone have any helpful hints that the FSM may omit?

Anything else I should do while the head is off? (The timing chain and metal guides are fairly new.)

TIA.

-Mark
 
Not questioning your diagnosis, but what are your symptoms? Might be a bummer to tear it all down if it was something else.

Also, you mentioned you had the guides and chain replaced....How many miles does the engine have??


Dan
 
Leave the intake bolted on. Disconnect the big harness of wires from the ECU inside the cab, push it thru the firewall, drape it over the engine. Lift the head off with the intake still attached. You'll probably need a buddy to help you, it's a lot easier and safer.

Plop the entire thing on a small bench, I prefer to use my B&D Workmate. Then if you want to have the head re-worked, pull the intake off. Otherwise, just leave it attached, with all the wiring and vacuum lines.

Get a die grinder and a bunch of extra-fine 3M biscuits for it. Polish the gasket faces, then get a straightedge and check both the head and block for flatness.

Replace the fuel filter while you have the head off, it's a lot easier to reach. I'd also replace the contacts in the starter, whether they need it or not.
 
To answer the diagnosis question:

1.) Engine running rough on startup
2.) Losing coolant
3.) Exhaust bubbling up in the coolant reservoir.
 
My 22re "blown head gasket" last year was a severely cracked head. I would think you would want to check yours rather than assume all you need is a gasket. :)
 
Well, like theo said, it seems you have a head problem......

I ask about miles cuz it may not hurt to do a full rebuild. ALso, If you overheated it at all, there is a possibility of damaged or spun bearings....
 
My truck has 175k. Low miles for a Toyota!

The truck has not overheated. I went from no symptoms to having the problems mentioned above within a week. What will it cost me to have the head professionally re-surfaced and checked for cracks?
 
vt92 said:
My truck has 175k. Low miles for a Toyota!

The truck has not overheated. I went from no symptoms to having the problems mentioned above within a week. What will it cost me to have the head professionally re-surfaced and checked for cracks?
Click to expand...

Not sure, maybe $50 here in Missoula.

BTW, mine had 109K when the symptoms showed up on the PO. He told me it "didn't get that hot" but he shut it down and towed it home just to be safe. I got it for cheap and checked a few other things besides the head, which I had to replace. Diff oil was black and grungy, transfer case too, which needed a rebuild. I have some piston and/or wrist pin noise from excessive wear. All because the original owner was negligent. Low miles for a Toyota? Tell me about it. :D
 
Low miles yeah, but do you really wan't to tear it back down for a full rebuild in ~25k???
IMHO, rebuild it now, and don't worry about it for another 300k.....

Rings and bearings and gasket kits for that are relatively inexpensive
 
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