22RE head gasket

[OREGON85]

My ‘85 pickup started pouring steam out the exhaust and over heated today. Time for a head gasket. What all should I do while I’m at it? Here’s the situation: I put in a rebuilt engine about 12 years ago that now has less than 10,000 miles on it. Nothing is going to have much wear with so few miles. What should I do and what be okay to pass since mileage is low?

Obviously, I’ll replace the thermostat.

 

[Toast]

12k and it’s blowing a head gasket??? Send the head out to be checked for warping and cracks. Have the head machined if necessary. What kind of condition are your ground wires in? Might be getting some premature electrolysis. Use OEM coolant and distilled water.

 

[OREGON85]

I’m guessing the thermostat failed, leading to overheating, but I don’t know. I know it was replaced 18 years ago but I can’t remember if I replaced it since then.

The rebuild was 12-13 years ago, but less than 10k miles are on it now.

 

[pappy]

12k and it’s blowing a head gasket??? Send the head out to be checked for warping and cracks. Have the head machined if necessary. What kind of condition are your ground wires in? Might be getting some premature electrolysis. Use OEM coolant and distilled water.

I've had FelPro head gaskets fail at 10K twice (2FE and 22RE). I didn't install either. I highly recommend using OEM headgaskets.

I’m guessing the thermostat failed, leading to overheating, but I don’t know. I know it was replaced 18 years ago but I can’t remember if I replaced it since then.

The rebuild was 12-13 years ago, but less than 10k miles are on it now.

Over-heating will warp the head. Definitely have it checked out if it's been over-heated. As long as things like the water pump, and oil pump, were replaced with the rebuild you should be good. I would clean out the throttle body and intake. They can get gunked up. Change the oil. Flush the radiator and refill with fresh coolant.

 

[Toast]

Make sure your radiator is in good condition. Only use OEM thermostat and look into installing additional water temp gauge

 

[clrussell]

Funny, I’m finishing up a 89 22RE today I did a gasket on.

Definitely have the head surfaced and checked for cracks. New timing kit, new thermostat. OEM gasket.

I pieced a lot of it together. I should have bought a felpro head set and a factory head gasket. I did use a Toyota gasket on the head.