I did an analysis and I have a coolant leak. I've got on several 6+ hour trips without knowing this. So I guess my question is how long can I keep going like this? Is this something I can just get my head gasket done, or am I looking at a rebuild? Just need some advice.
Well, it make not be the head gasket. It likely is, but the oil cooler could be cracked and leaking, for instance.
I personally would try to figure out if the HG is going (pull the plugs and look at them to see one is steam cleaned, for instance) and if it is, I would fix it sooner rather then later. It must not be steaming much or you'd see it in the exhaust, hence my comment about a possible leak somewhere else.
How much coolant have you had to add over the past 6000 miles (your oil change interval)?
I replaced the plugs 6ish months ago and didn't notice one being cleaner than another. And I did a coolant flush about 3 months ago and haven't had to add any coolant since then.
I'd trust the advice in the Blackstone Report and short cycle the oil changes until you can address the engine more comprehensively. And given the short intervals, I'd use an economical oil like Shell Rotella (which you can buy at any Ag store by the gallon).
Yeah, I was planning on just keep on driving it and changing the oil every 3000 miles. I haven't had any problems with over heating or anything. Any ideas on how far I'll be able to keep pushing it without addressing it?
All this time you were losing coolant and didn’t know it? Are you actually losing coolant?
Are there bubbles in the recovery rank with engine running? I suggest borrowing the head gasket test kit from Autozone to see if there is exhaust in the coolant as a way of gaining more info.
The 1fz head also has a spot where it’s will cracked but this seems to be rather rare.
