Blown HG, what to do next? (1 Viewer)

[Nikofzj80]

Hi guys,
A few weeks ago, in a trip up north in Argentina, I blew my head gasket, at least that's what I think, haven't opened the engine yet.
I started noticing coolant consumption, like 2/3 liters a day, and had 2 events in which temperature started going up, one was really slowly and didn't needed for me to stop the truck, and the other one was really fast, so I pulled over and stoped the engine. Lots of bubbles on the plastic coolant reservoir.
I am still waiting for my mechanic to give me a heads up so he can start working on the engine. Spares are already traveling from different parts of the world, for the head to be redone.
I am praying for valves and stuff to be OK, and of course for the block to be OK.
But here is the big question. My truck has 210 K miles. Should I spend the big bucks and replace pistons, piston rings, valves etc? Like a full engine rebuild, regardless of what really happened and got damaged?
My plan is to keep the truck, there aren't lots of 80's down here, most of them are beat up, and the ones that are mint, sell for above 30 K with no accessories at all.
Let me read what you guys think and what should I look for when the engine is opened.
Cheers

 

[BILT4ME]

Depending on maintenance, you should not need a full rebuild at 210K unless it has had very poor maintenance, or the loss of HG was catastrophic or it sits for a long time with coolant in the cylinder and causing corrosion.

Based on mileage and assuming it's a 93-97 LC with the 1FZ-FE since you didn't state?

If it's a diesel, then we'll let those guys chime in.

 

[Nikofzj80]

Depending on maintenance, you should not need a full rebuild at 210K unless it has had very poor maintenance, or the loss of HG was catastrophic or it sits for a long time with coolant in the cylinder and causing corrosion.

Based on mileage and assuming it's a 93-97 LC with the 1FZ-FE since you didn't state?

If it's a diesel, then we'll let those guys chime in.

Sorry, its a 93 FZJ80 with a 1FZ. Don't really know about maintenance prior to buying it. I guess I will need a thorough inspection of everything before making the decision.
Thanks

 

[rhc404]

Valves and block probably aren't a concern imo, but the coolant mixed in the oil reduces viscosity and can prematurely wear the main and/or rod bearings. The catch is these engines have a lot of bearing area, low rpm, and are built for durability, so maybe it's not a big deal. Maybe someone who has completely torn down some engines with HG failure will chime in on the bearing wear.

 

[Malleus]

If you have coolant in your oil, drain it.

 

[Nikofzj80]

So most probably I will find coolant on the oil? Checked oil level, and from the oil in the stick, seemed OK.

 

[Halfpint]

My oil looked ok (at first) when I popped my gasket at # 6 ...and it didnt smoke much at all initially. I did test the radiator for exhaust gasses and it indicated some gasses in the coolant- the next day when I continued reviewing, an onset of white smoke was being seen out the tail pipe, and that sweet smell...open the oil cap and chocolate milk

 

[Malleus]

So most probably I will find coolant on the oil? Checked oil level, and from the oil in the stick, seemed OK.

Not necessarily, but if you do, get the oil changed, or at least emptied, before the coolant has a chance to eat at the lower bearings. If you don't, what is now only a headgasket job will certainly become a full engine rebuild.

 

[Ali SC3]

Should be fine to remove it, clean it up and slap a new headgasket on there if its not making any bad noises now, sounds like you caught it early.
Make sure they check the head for warp and do the valve stem seals at the same time, when they start smoking some day it'll be much harder to get done then.

 

[LandLocked93]

+1 sounds like just a h/g. The rest of the engine is prob good.
+1 change the oil if you see signs of oil/water mix and repair isn't near-to time wise.
x2 if you don't know the maintenance history.

 

[jaymar]

ARP studs in place of new head bolts will cut your costs quite a bit.

 

[Nikofzj80]

Not necessarily, but if you do, get the oil changed, or at least emptied, before the coolant has a chance to eat at the lower bearings. If you don't, what is now only a headgasket job will certainly become a full engine rebuild.

UHHH, Will have it done ASAP! Thanks!

 

[Nikofzj80]

Should be fine to remove it, clean it up and slap a new headgasket on there if its not making any bad noises now, sounds like you caught it early.
Make sure they check the head for warp and do the valve stem seals at the same time, when they start smoking some day it'll be much harder to get done then.

Yes, made nearly 400 km, because there was no recovery possible. Luckily I had lots of coolant to add as needed! I am ordering a full engine overhaul gasket kit, I believe valve seals are included!

 

[Nikofzj80]

+1 sounds like just a h/g. The rest of the engine is prob good.
+1 change the oil if you see signs of oil/water mix and repair isn't near-to time wise.
x2 if you don't know the maintenance history.

Hopefully everything is fine on the block and valves!
Will change oil, coolant, and while I'm in there, will change AT oil, and diff oil.
Although since I bought it back in 2020, I replaced all the fluids, several times, at least once a year.

 

[Nikofzj80]

ARP studs in place of new head bolts will cut your costs quite a bit.

Already ordered OEM ones, Im a OEM guy, whenever price is not CRAZY

 

[Nikofzj80]

Will let you guys now what happens once we remove the cylinder head. And of course all the process and results.
While Im in there, I will replace water pump, Fan Clutch, Fan, Oil Pump, distribution chain, Fuel pump (I know it has nothing to do with the engine itself), and engine mounts. I think my mechanic will take the engine out of the truck. Also have an overhaul Transmission gasket kit, Maybe it is the time to do it.
Thank you all for your advices, don't know what one would do without MUD!
Cheers

 

[jaymar]

Already ordered OEM ones, Im a OEM guy, whenever price is not CRAZY

Amayama
Partsouq
McGeorge Toyota

 

[Nikofzj80]

Hi guys, long time no see.
Some updates. HG was blown in Cil 6. Apparently the engine has seen some overheating before I bought it.
Now its time to check the block. Currently debating wether to rebuild the full engine or only the Cylinder head.
Some pics
Also will delete EGR and Pair.

 

[Nikofzj80]

Hi Mudders!
Its been a slow process, but finally light at the end of the tunnel.
Engine is almost rebuilt. I finally went to a full rebuild, full OEM parts and build. Block was OK, but decided to do it anyways, so that I have a reliable a new engine for 30 more years or so. Maybe my son can inherit the truck in the future!

Some porn (at least for me)
Cheers!

 

[Irish Reiver]

I'm jealous. Good luck with the rebuild