My HG is still good 217K
- Thread starter Texican
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LX_TREME said:
Wow!
-B-
MoJ said:
This right here is the ONLY comment I take as very valid among those of us/those of you who have ever stated that their headgasket was "good"; until you actually replace it (or until real severe signs and symptoms present) you will never know if it is good or bad. Sucks, but, true. Keep in mind, I thought mine was great and in fact mine was getting trashed even though I had absolutely no signs or symptoms of failure...keep in mind also I had no overheating at all and I have an accurate aftermarket gauge, I had no oil in coolant and I had no coolant in oil as verified by Blackstone over and over, I had perfect performance, no coolant loss, no coolant smells, etc etc etc etc etc.
I just dont get why people are so absolutely willing to dump thousands into these awesome rigs for bumpers and sliders and suspensions (ooh no!), and lots of other money and time in PM procedures, but they dont wanna face the facts and just do the HG?!? Its like its some sorta stubborn resistance to address this known problem simply on the grounds that "Toyota should not produce such products". I admire those who are able to really forget it and go on without worry while having a plan in place to fix the thing should it pop but those people, including myself, who perpetually worry about the HG but dont do anything about it are agonizing needlessly; just swallow the pill and take it to a trusted mechanic in your area, you will feel soooo much better.
turbocruiser said:
He's out playing with that new toy FJ thingie that Toyota is pimping to the North American market.
-B-
turbocruiser said:
I have a bias that the factory HG job is likely better than a "one-off" HG job. I feel the same way about most major engine work, and don't want to go into a healthy engine without good cause.
So here's a follow up question. How reliable are the PM head gasket jobs vs. the original factory jobs?
tech_dog said:
I would guess that depends on how the job was done. I am sure the factory would have a easy go at getting everything just right. Also a owner that has good mechanical skill and tools could do a excellent job also.
My 96 is at 178K miles and no problems yet.
Boy that tail pipe smells sweet though.
No bubbles, no coolant loss
Boy that tail pipe smells sweet though.
No bubbles, no coolant loss
My old '93 had 198k before I sold it. My present '93 has 130k. Both used the green stuff and both original head gaskets.
semlin
curmudgeon
blew mine at #1 at 152k from a rad leak. when i pulled it #6 was clearly on the verge of going.
MoJ
Moderator
fzj80kidpen said:
IMOP, I wouldn't let that worry you.
Mine has smelled that way since I bought with 90k miles on it and as I said above, my old HG looked fine when it was replaced. The exhaust condensation/steam and smell is the same post replacement.
EDIT: I'm not trying to say that the HG shouldn't be replaced as a PM as there have been enough failures reported on here to warant some concern. I'm just saying that I don't think the slight sweet smell is a positive indicator of a failing HG. I also noticed two of our newer vehicles ('04 & '06) had the same smell. But then again, I'm really not much of a mechanic so take it for what it's worth.
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