500,000 km 1FZ-FE series 80

[graymudder]

Getting close to the half a million milestone on original engine and still pulling like a train. Does not burn any oil, but has a leak I believe is coming from the front. Too cold to go throw myself under a truck.

So my question is.

Do I do preemptive head gasket and a valve job ( I do get a ticking) or just wait till it goes to waste.

Now, could it be a DIY job, with a fool who has moderate skills and tools...

 

[SaturnAscends]

If it’s not overheating, no CO in radiator (you can do a block test) and compression and leak down tests are ok, I’d say just replace the seal on the front and run it for now. You can also do an oil analysis to check for K.

As long as you’re not using it for remote expeditions, you should be ok. The tapping could be something other than the valves, but it’d help to have video.

 

[leonard_nemoy]

Don't fix it if it ain't broke.

 

[BILT4ME]

Getting close to the half a million milestone on original engine and still pulling like a train. Does not burn any oil, but has a leak I believe is coming from the front. Too cold to go throw myself under a truck.

So my question is.

Do I do preemptive head gasket and a valve job ( I do get a ticking) or just wait till it goes to waste.

Now, could it be a DIY job, with a fool who has moderate skills and tools...

That's only 310K miles.

My truck has 326K miles on it but it had the HG done at 145K.

If it's never been done, you may consider it, however if it's not showing symptoms, don't fix it until you break it!

What year and what build date? Some of the late 97's have not had the typical first round HG issues.

The leak from the front is most likely the oil pump seal, distributor O-Ring, valve cover seal and spark plug tube seals, then PS hoses. That cured 99% of my leaks when I got it.

 

[SaturnAscends]

What year and what build date? Some of the late 97's have not had the typical first round HG issues.

Interesting. Mine was manufactured in November 1996 and has no apparent HG issues at 230k. All original too.

 

[JDUBinCO]

I'm at 270,000 mi / 435,000km
I regularly tow up to 3500 lbs with 6 passengers and gear at high altitude (pedal the metal, baby!). Mine burns 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles when the oil is over 2,000 miles old. I did the blue fan clutch mod and it runs cooler than ever, which I think is the key to a happy head gasket. No plan to rebuild until needed. Maybe ls swap then. We'll see.

 

[robnicko]

as far as a diy job, im no mechanic but did it all at home myself. mine went at 480k & luckily was 2km from home when it decided to let go above #6 piston
Ottrams video's are a wealth of knowledge & help

 

[beatle_bayly]

I'd leave well enough alone.

Ticking? How long since you checked valve clearances?

 

[graymudder]

well here is what triggered me. When cold usually well below -20 C after a few minutes the temp warning light comes on for about a minute or so and goes away. The truck is still in the cold range. At first I thought it was a cold water indicator as well, but notice that the light comes on when the heat comes on in the truck, thus coolant being diverted to the heater core.
The problem is when its too cold I do not check anything , when above -20C no light comes on..

 

[LandLocked93]

well here is what triggered me. When cold usually well below -20 C after a few minutes the temp warning light comes on for about a minute or so and goes away. The truck is still in the cold range. At first I thought it was a cold water indicator as well, but notice that the light comes on when the heat comes on in the truck, thus coolant being diverted to the heater core.
The problem is when its too cold I do not check anything , when above -20C no light comes on..

This sounds like air in the coolant system.

 

[graymudder]

This sounds like air in the coolant system.

Thank you..

 

[Bridger307]

316k miles on my 80, just did 96th oil change. Original owner all good all stock for motor except air intake boot.