LX 450 Overheating- Head Gasket Lifespan

[mclaren]

Thanks all for your responses. Here is the latest update which I am not posting under the orginal thread as I have a new question. Well, it turns out afterall that it is the fan clutch, exactly what I had asked the dealer to look at before I spent $300 to have the AC recharged and thermostat replaced, picked up the car twice in a week and returned it the same day each time when the AC died and the car temp went to 3/4.


The question now is whether my head gasket is doomed now that the car has been heated up to 3/4 at least 3 times since I first dropped it off for a slight temperature change (3/5's to red)/no AC problem 10 days ago?

 

[reffug]

I would definately have the dealer check the head for any leaks and explain there responsibility in contributing to the problem if one exists.

 

[Beowulf]

McLaren, (BTW, my son is totally obsessed with the McLaren sports car)

Nobody can answer that question definitively. All you can do is cross your fingers, continue doing the best cooling system maintenance possible, and watch the HG carefully.

We've posted many times on what to look for:
1. Air bubbles in the radiator overflow.
2. Obvious external leakage at the head-block junction.
3. White exhaust smoke and/or the smell of coolant in your exhaust.
4. Coolant in the oil.
5. High operating temps (difficult to monitor without a linear temp guage.)
6. And possibly (nobody is sure) gray sludge in the radiator.

Good luck!
-B-

 

[cruiserdan]

BE certain to retain ALL the records of the event and have them document you concern for the potential head gasket issue on the RO with the fan clutch. That way if it fails down the road you have proof of a pre-existing condition. That could come in handy.

 

[landtank]

Personally after documenting everythging I'd contact Toyota directly and make them aware of your concerns as well.