Head gasket kit (1 Viewer)

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Joined
Jan 11, 2003
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Location
El Paso, Texas
Website
www.badlandsexpeditions.wordpress.com
I am at my wits end on my highway overheating problem. I have replaced the water pump ,fan clutch and radiator. The only thing left is doing the head gasket again. Any recommdations on where I should order it from? I have order from SOR and NAPA in the past. SOR tells me that theirs is the same as Toyota. Thanks.

Mike El Paso, TLCA 8009
1985 FJ-60, OME HD, Rare STOUT bumpers,sliders,roof rack, 40 gallon tank and
M-416 trailer.
My M-416 trailer http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=83474
My FJ-60
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=76026
Peru
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=79035
Bolivia
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=76918

Interior pictures
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=92171
 
What about retarded timing or lean mixture? Both can cause higher operating temps. Don't know if this has been thrown up before so I thought I would.
If it was me, I would call up Cruiserdan or my local dealer and get the toyota part. If Sor says it is a Toyota part, it is, but if they say its "the same" it may not be an actual Toyota part. Head Gasket is one thing where, IMHO, don't touch aftermarket.
 
Are you SURE all the air is out of the system? An airlock can prevent or hinder water flow significantly. I just got back from LA with my BJ60 towing a trailer with an FJ55 on I5 all the way to B.C. A/C going all the time and NO overheating problems at all!
Try running for a few days (3 or 4 warm up and cool down cycles) with the front and rear heaters on maximum at all times (I know it's hot but there is no other reliable way to get the air out). Check the coolant level each day prior to your first cold start. When you stop dropping your coolant level you've likely evacuated all the air.
p.s. You don't mention the thermostat, I assume that's been done.
 
The timing is good. I retarded it and it overheated faster and pinged like crazy. I have run with the heaters open a couple of times with no noticible difference. I will try it again maybe run it for a half hour on the highway with the heaters on rather than around town.
 
Toyota direct....I've heard no good reports on any other manufacturers gaskets....this is one of those things you don't scrimp on and buck up for OEM.

Cdan can get you a good price...worth calling him!
 
What anti-freeze/water mixture are you running? Thermostat installed/any good? Radiator blockage present (lights,winch,bullbar)? Aftermarket fan clutches are notorious for not working out of the box. Try the simple things before you tear the motor apart. ;)
 
I am running a 50-50 antifreeze mixture with water wetter. There re no recent obstrctons to the airflow to the radiator. The sitution seems t getting worse . Sniffer test does not show anything but there is moisture in the exhaust. I cn sit at ide with the A/C on for 30 minuts and it does not overheat.


Mike El Paso, TLCA 8009
1985 FJ-60, OME HD, Rare STOUT bumpers,sliders,roof rack, 40 gallon tank and
M-416 trailer.
My M-416 trailer http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=83474
My FJ-60
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=76026
Peru
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=79035
Bolivia
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=76918

Interior pictures
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=92171

Big Bend Texas
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=110340
 
If it's not heating up at idle the fan is probably fine. At highway speed the water could be going thru the radiator to quickly if there is no thermostat. Water wetter works better without antifreeze, just water. Is this a f/2f or V8? Also the radiator is good fer sure?

BTW, condensation is not that uncommon in the exhaust.
 
I am running a 2F motor. Good thermostat. The water wetter directions state to use in a 50 50 mix. This is a second radiator I put in from another FJ-60 tha did not overheat . I have the same problem.
 
It seems you've eliminated cooling /ignition systems. I've heard you can invert the head gasket fairly easily and misalign the water jackets, since it sounds like it was opened up before. Also the water wetter statement was from a tech article I had read. Something like 20-40 degree difference with straight water.
 
Are you sure that lower rad hose isn't collapsed at high speed? You might putting a spring in it before pulling the head.
 
Hello,

If I was you i would start by removing the thermostat(i dont have one on my 79 2F and it stays cool). Then remove your radiator cap, rev the engine up to about 2500RPMs and hold it there while someone watches to see if water comes out of the radiator. Just a little should come out. If nothing happens then remove the top radiator hose from the radiator and start up your engine and watch the flow of the radiator fluid and stick a water hose in the radiator so that it will not run out of water. Continue to do this until the water runs clear out of the top radiator hose.
I had similar problems but it ended up being the radiator even though it never overheated when i had the 1F on it. I even replaced the head gasket.
Good Luck i know how it feels to overheat.
Jesse
 
I have heard that the top thermostat gasket, if missing, may cause similar symptoms. I do not know first hand though.
 

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