All these Head Gasket Issues!!!!

[rsm]

Is there any PM maintenance once can do to prevent having a head gasket failure in an 80?
What are the main causes in blowing a HG? I am looking at a 1996 with 70k and don't want to be facing this issue if it is preventable.

 

[firetruck41]

Pretty much the only thing to do is keep your cooling system in good shape, frequent flush and fill, and DO NOT mix coolants. Also don't let the engine overheat (pretty obvious)

Any other suggestions anyone?

 

[Pskhaat]

Don't know. Seems people both with excellent and poor cooling systems have the problem. It's very indeterminate.

Other than that, my guess is that minimizing short start cycles helps as the aluminum vs. cast iron heat expansion rates are not just different, but cycling a lot over-and-over for short trips seems to put at least my 80 into this category. I've changed the coolant once a year with Toyota Red from very early mileage and only skipped one year; and I do not rev my 80 nor even push her to speed often as I know for a fact others here do.

I've watched the junction of the head and block and have seen `slight' changes ever since the wife made it her DD. I had nothing to compare it against and saw no running leaks, but some seasoned experts mentioned that though they've seen worse, mine may not make it through the PHX summer...

Just keep watching the area and flush the system here and there.

 

[cruiserman]

The main cause is aluminum head and cast iron block expanding at different rates.

 

[floatinghat]

What are the symptoms of a blown HG that people are experiencing? Other than water/coolant in the oil bubbles rad/overflow? What do you mean you watched the junction between the block and head?

I'm figuring on changing the plugs soon and will do a compression test to check it out but I've expreince none of the above symptoms.

 

[mabrodis]

Does yours overheat? Or even get hot while really working? If not then you probably have nothing to worry about.

I don't know if there is any thing obvious as to WHY the head gasket fails on some. I have seen enough 80s that had lots of miles on them with no problem that I don't believe it's just something that fails. Also I know Christo has had vehicles in there with 60K miles with it blown, versus 200K that aren't...so kinda a crap-shoot I'd say.

I thought mine was leaking, it would get hot, bla bla bla, replaced the fan clutch and all symptoms went away...

 

[Pskhaat]

Take a look at the port and starboard side of the engine between the block and the head. If you see dark `stuff' between them it's most likely coolant. I have some, and didn't think it was as bad as it actually supposedly is.

 

[landtank]

I persoanlly think it has something to do with drive cycles. The trucks with a lot of miles are probably started less often but driven further. As said before it's the aluminum/cast iron combo coupled with the length of the straight 6. I think with enough drive cycles every engine could have a failure. While keeping your cooling system up to snuff is good practice, I don't think it will make you immune to the situation.

I've said this before, if you have the ability and plan on keeping the truck I'd do the gasket as a PM. It's the cheapest way out.

 

[yooper]

cruiserdan?

I've just read for the first time that Toyota redesigned the head gasket in '95 and then again in '96 and that there is therefore a feeling that the '95 design is bad. Does anybody know more about this issue, like the specific build dates involved? I ask mostly because I'm looking at a really nice early build '96 FZJ80 to purchase. ???

 

[landtank]

Dude, I think they changed it again after 97. My 96 gasket had issues.

 

[GXO]

My 3FE blew up its radiator on friday with a locked up thermostat.

No issues on the engine, pump, etc. Radiator blew out the entire top seam and was in good condition. Coolant wasn't in the best condition though.

3FE POWA!!!

 

[e9999]

how many miles, Dan?
E

 

[GXO]

164K

 

[yooper]

[quote author=DanKunz link=board=2;threadid=15754;start=msg151608#msg151608 date=1083850449]
My 3FE blew up its radiator on friday with a locked up thermostat.

No issues on the engine, pump, etc. Radiator blew out the entire top seam and was in good condition. Coolant wasn't in the best condition though.

3FE POWA!!!
[/quote]

I love it. You just can't hurt them. The 3FE is probably a better wheeling engine, too. (ducking for cover)

I'm almost rethinking getting an FZJ80 to replace my FJ62. Almost. 80's are just too cool. Maybe I need a '92...

 

[thelal]

I hear (on wise authority) that treating it 'gently' on startup helps i.e. let it warm up before u floor the gas pedal. However need to be consistent throughout its life.
This is in addition to keeping the cooling system in good shape.

 

[Pskhaat]

thelal,

There is no 1FZ-FE that has been treated as gentle as what I have done! but I sitll have the HG problem. In cold climaters, she was always plugged for the night prior to start, etc, etc.

 

[PHAEDRUS]

Good thinking sean,
I love my 92.
Dave
still doesnt keep me from worrying. I lose about 1/2 gallon of collant every 6 weeks righ now so pretty sure I am getting soem seepage but not enough to worry aobut.
Dave