Dubious honor: HG failure

[bkgee]

I had to fill the coolant reservoir last week, and when I checked last weekend I had to fill it again - then I noticed a wet red spot on the ground (ughh). Followed it up to the rear left bank head gasket.

Oil looks fine so far, and no smoke on start up.

Since my truck has 165k miles, in addition to the HGs, I'm collecting quotes for starter, timing and serp belts, tensioners, thermostat, water pump, spark plugs. The heads will be sent for inspection and cleaning while they are off. So far I have 2 quotes from trusted shops, they are both at ~$3100.

What say MUD? Any comments on scope of work, cost, or alternatives are appreciated!

One more comment, I had a similar dubious honor with my 2.7L Tacoma, a manufacturing imperfection in the head caused it to crack at 120k miles. I think I am in the very very low fraction of a percent population on both these issues... I wish my lotto luck was as good.

 

[APKhaos]

Before you commit to lifting the heads its worth confirming that its the head gasket and not another source that's finding its way down to where you saw the trail. A pressure tester will pressurize the cooling system to operating pressure (or more) and expose any leaks. A good tester will run $80 or so and every home should have one.

Keep it pressurized for an hour or more and look carefully around and above the area. Any drop in pressure indicates a leak and you should be able to find the source.

 

[04UZJ100]

I really don't think that's the cause. You'd be the first failure here I believe, at least for gas powered 2UZ's and your mileage really isn't all that high.

 

[2000UZJ]

Have you tightened up the HG bolts? Mine were so loose, I was having oil spray out onto the manifold and causing smoke. That was not a good feeling sitting in traffic...


Valve cover gasket bolts is what I am talking about. Read wrong, thought wrong.

 

[04UZJ100]

Have you tightened up the HG bolts? Mine were so loose, I was having oil spray out onto the manifold and causing smoke. That was not a good feeling sitting in traffic.

Was it your HG or valve covers?

 

[2000UZJ]

Was it your HG or valve covers?

derp...valve covers.

 

[bkgee]

I really don't think that's the cause. You'd be the first failure here I believe, at least for gas powered 2UZ's and your mileage really isn't all that high.

I've read of a few more cases here on MUD... I might be the third or fourth...

Unfortunately I am 99% certain, I will post a pic later tonight, the gasket "tab" that sticks out between the head and block is visibly wet with red liquid. nothing above it is wet, but areas below it are wet and also show the residue of past leaks.

 

[sleeoffroad]

There is a metal tube that is press fit on the back of the block. Pretty common for them to get knocked out of place or become loose and leak. Recent work back in that area?

Christo

 

[APKhaos]

Remote possibility, but a pinhole leak in on of the heater hoses could be irrigating that area. Pressure tester will show that.

 

[Ronulus]

Im with cristo ... Had the same thing happened with that water pipe... I think i leaned up against it when doing starter... Check that first

 

[Nottajeep]

I would wager a ben franklin it's not the HG. These 2UZ's are not going down at 160K

Hoses, T fittings, etc... more likely in the 99% probability.

 

[bkgee]

the wet gasket tab is just to the left of middle in that pic, the fluid is red. and pink crusties below it to the left.

not willing to take your bet jason, after recovering from sticker shock, i am going to take a measured approach. i steamed everything today and am going to monitor the situation for a few days. i did find some more wet in front of this location so I am holding out hope.

 

[bkgee]

update: i steamed cleaned all of the above and more, and monitored for two days. i am very happy to say that he HG does not appear to be the source (still no franklin for you jason), it has remained clean and dry. the running gear below that area was pretty wet on the underside. i found the upper radiator hose was barely weeping tiny beads from the cut edge of the hose end, its hard to believe that it could be the source of all the wetness (2+ reservoir bottles). i'm planning to remove the hose and inspect the casing for burs or precipitation, clean and smooth, reassemble and monitor further...

 

[04UZJ100]

Told ya so. The only HG failure on Mud is one where they used natural gas as a fuel source.

 

[AimCOtaco]

bkgee,
Lets get to the good news already! As an owner of a 2.7 Taco and a UZJ-100 you're making me sweat!

 

[bkgee]

OK I am ready to report the "good news" now, after another week of monitoring, there has been no coolant loss at all and everything has remained dry. i would almost prefer that i had fixed something to get this result, now i will constantly be wondering how tight my system is...

 

[APKhaos]

i would almost prefer that i had fixed something to get this result, now i will constantly be wondering how tight my system is...

Better to wonder about that than to have spent two large replacing the head gaskets for no good reason, eh?

 

[harrydunn]

As an 80 owner who has been snooping in the 100's section, I was shocked when I read your title given the reliability of the 4.7 and figured it had to be something else causing it. Glad you got it worked out. My slow transition to a Hundo continues...

 

[Sam Stewart]

I have never seen a 4.7 HG leak. Not impossible, but highly improbable.