Got my Blackstone report back and the Sodium levels are very high, along with some higher metal levels.
Blackstone thinks coolant leak. I checked the overflow reservoir and the coolant was below the "low" mark on the bottle. I have never had any indication of overheating. Maybe a little white smoke sometimes when I first start the truck, but that's it. No idea how long this has been going on. I have been driving it since my last oil change 6000 miles ago and no obvious issues. Listening to the truck now, the engine may be making a ticking noise. Scan gauge engine temp is usually around 188-191 F.
My oil cooler has been a little weepy looking with oil around it and the coolant hoses from the oil cooler are old, maybe original. I bought all the parts to R&R the cooler after I did my timing belt, but never got around to it. I replaced all the other coolant hoses when I did my timing belt as well as Aisin water pump/timing kit, Toyota OE everything else thermostat, radiator (old cracked plastic) coolant Ts & hoses, clamps, seals, pulleys, bearing, belts, and all the other major items at the same time at 194,444 miles.
Clearly a lot of coolant got into my oil for the numbers on my report to be that high, so how do I check for head gasket leak? I have checked the forums and some point to inspecting from below to check for leaks? Do I compression test, leak down? If I find that its indicating a head gasket what is the next step? Most of the post I have found are about blown engines and full overheat.
Is there a DIY for the head gasket? I have read of people doing it themselves, but haven't found any write ups. Is there a chance of there being extra damage I wouldn't notice from the outside that would only present itself once the engine is torn apart? I've done my timing belt, starter, overhauled suspension/AHC, etc. so I am comfortable tearing the truck apart if its a reasonable job to do at home.
Is there a reputable shop I should just be taking my truck to, so they can fully diagnose and work on it?
Current mileage 218,258
View attachment 3144727
Blackstone thinks coolant leak. I checked the overflow reservoir and the coolant was below the "low" mark on the bottle. I have never had any indication of overheating. Maybe a little white smoke sometimes when I first start the truck, but that's it. No idea how long this has been going on. I have been driving it since my last oil change 6000 miles ago and no obvious issues. Listening to the truck now, the engine may be making a ticking noise. Scan gauge engine temp is usually around 188-191 F.
My oil cooler has been a little weepy looking with oil around it and the coolant hoses from the oil cooler are old, maybe original. I bought all the parts to R&R the cooler after I did my timing belt, but never got around to it. I replaced all the other coolant hoses when I did my timing belt as well as Aisin water pump/timing kit, Toyota OE everything else thermostat, radiator (old cracked plastic) coolant Ts & hoses, clamps, seals, pulleys, bearing, belts, and all the other major items at the same time at 194,444 miles.
Clearly a lot of coolant got into my oil for the numbers on my report to be that high, so how do I check for head gasket leak? I have checked the forums and some point to inspecting from below to check for leaks? Do I compression test, leak down? If I find that its indicating a head gasket what is the next step? Most of the post I have found are about blown engines and full overheat.
Is there a DIY for the head gasket? I have read of people doing it themselves, but haven't found any write ups. Is there a chance of there being extra damage I wouldn't notice from the outside that would only present itself once the engine is torn apart? I've done my timing belt, starter, overhauled suspension/AHC, etc. so I am comfortable tearing the truck apart if its a reasonable job to do at home.
Is there a reputable shop I should just be taking my truck to, so they can fully diagnose and work on it?
Current mileage 218,258
View attachment 3144727
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