I am convinced my 93's Head gasket is on its last leg!!

[smittycrusher]

I am convinced my 97's Head gasket is on its last leg!!

It may be paranoia but I actually think that my coolant flush created my head gasket to loosen (if that is possible). It does not seem near as severe as mo's was but I am noticing what I think are coolant stains toward the back of the head. I am noticing my temp gauge a tad bit hotter than it was prior to flush. The overflow bottle flucuates and I have not done a bubble test. the rig has almost 96K miles. Anyways I will not rest easy until I replace the head gasket (it is good PM anyways)

So what else should I do while I have the head off? I know I need new plugs/wires/cables (OEM is best, si?) What else should I order from Dan without ruining the bank account (I will be ordering 2 of everything since I might as well do the LX also so I don't have to worry about it while WE are all out wheelin' or expeditioning). This is completly unchartered territory for me so I need all the help I can get. I can whore myself out for PHH's and starter contacts. I am thinking about doing this the last week in June when i get back from ATL. How many hours/days should this take? I plan to only do the 97' at first. I don't know when I will get to my baby.

What do you guys think, besides get the DVD.

Mo, your opinions much appreciated.

Smit

 

[Slomo]

Smit,
Sorry it took awhile to post, crazy couple of days. I am pretty sure that a coolant flush, even if done right, can assist an HG in going. Assuming of course that it is already in the process. If you haven't already done it, check the oil. Hopefully it will not look like chocolate milk, if it does do not drive it anymore. Another thing to look for is exhaust deposits in the coolant. When it is fully cool open the radiator cap and look for any black particulates or flakes. Then start it up, if oil is ok, and let it run for a little while and look for any bubbles. You may also see steam coming out of the exhaust. Often there are smaller signs like seepage at the head/block junction and a slow loss of coolant. Check these first. I will shoot you a PM so we can talk details without me getting carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

You could send a oil sample off to Blackstone Lab and have it tested ($20) for coolant. Even the slightest internal leakage will show up.

 

[smittycrusher]

MO,

I got your PM, I will try to call you sometime tom. afternoon. I am changing my oil tom. evening so it will be interesting to see what it looks like. I also will try to do a bubble test.

Phil,

Since I am changing the oil tom., I have ordered a kit from Blackstone (2 actually since I might as well do both rigs). Thanks for the advice.

Smit