External Head Gasket? Leaking? Advice Please

[davework]

So I am looking at a 2003 LX with 122k on it. It's been through an inspection at Toy Car Care in Denver and they have come back with a loss of coolant due to a leaky head gasket.

I ask him, did you do any tests to confirm the head gasket is leaking, or was the coolant level your only clue, and he says, it has an external head gasket, so you can see it? WTF? What is an external head gasket mean? Maybe he means that the coolant is leaking to the outside and is evident on the block? I have to go down there to see him, but I wanted to be able to intelligently discuss it with him. Of course every issue listed came with a price and a friendly "we could do that for you today", so I don't know how much stock to put in it and whether it should scare me away or not.

Anyone had experience here with something similar? I am coming from an 80 with 225k that I haven't had to do the HG on, so the last thing I want is a 100 that needs one!

Any advice would be great, I am going to have to learn all these fancy new terms, like "V-8" and "CV" (fancy schmancy)...

 

[2000UZJ]

I would probably have them tighten down the HG bolts. The torque specs for them are 7ft. lbs IIRC. My HG was leaking oil down onto the exhaust and After tightening them its fine after 5K

 

[davework]

I found out that there was an external head gasket leak. He showed me where it was weeping out right above the ac compressor from the front left bank.

So how important is something like this? Has anyone seen this problem before? The tech told me that it's not leaking internally because it would set off a code immediately?

Thoughts anyone?

 

[hankinid]

I found out that there was an external head gasket leak. He showed me where it was weeping out right above the ac compressor from the front left bank.

So how important is something like this? Has anyone seen this problem before? The tech told me that it's not leaking internally because it would set off a code immediately?

Thoughts anyone?

It's pretty important...you do not want coolantm ixing with the oil or intake system, and I'm not so sure that it would "set of a code immediately". You also don't want coolant leaking anywhere else.

Leaks don't improve over time

If re-torquing the bolts don't fix the issue, I'd r and r the gasket and I'd specify Toyota gaskets.

-hth

Steve

 

[staggrlee]

Did they also do a compression test? I hope so, it's one of the basic pre-purchase inspection tests. Is there a corresponding loss of compression in either/both of the adjacent cylinders?

It could only be one of the coolant journals leaking but if not...

 

[davework]

Did they also do a compression test? I hope so, it's one of the basic pre-purchase inspection tests. Is there a corresponding loss of compression in either/both of the adjacent cylinders?

It could only be one of the coolant journals leaking but if not...

No compression test, he was adamant that it wasn't leaking internally without a code, but I am skeptical too. I think I'll plan on having it replaced one way or the other. I'll have to see if the seller will work with me.

 

[hankinid]

No compression test, he was adamant that it wasn't leaking internally without a code, but I am skeptical too. I think I'll plan on having it replaced one way or the other. I'll have to see if the seller will work with me.

If you test compression, make sure mechanic uses a leak-down tester...it puts air pressure into the cylinder and lets you know how much leaks away as well as where it leaks...a great diagnostic tool.

Commonly used on aircraft, easy to make your own.

Steve

 

[Roverrad95]

What is the asking price on this thing? It only makes sense if you can get it for a steal.

 

[davework]

Good deal, but not a steal - $21k - perfect condition otherwise with 123k miles

Quoted $1700 to replace HG

 

[Roverrad95]

PASSSSSS

 

[2000UZJ]

PASSSSSS

lol x2