X10 this! I think a more relevant thread takes into account cooling system maintenance. condition of radiator and especially coolant condition. Im of the camp that while the issue manifests in a particular area the causes are related to improper replacement of coolant and/or wrong coolant. My lx450 had all service records which were done on time. Coolant when i got it looked fresh. Radiator looked brand new on the inside and Im at 170K. Thermostat and heater valve also looked new! Degradation of fluid would be a major contributor to corrosion and cooling.
The reality of the Landcruiser Head Gasket Issue
- Thread starter The Raven
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
X10 this! I think a more relevant thread takes into account cooling system maintenance. condition of radiator and especially coolant condition. Im of the camp that while the issue manifests in a particular area the causes are related to improper replacement of coolant and/or wrong coolant. My lx450 had all service records which were done on time. Coolant when i got it looked fresh. Radiator looked brand new on the inside and Im at 170K. Thermostat and heater valve also looked new! Degradation of fluid would be a major contributor to corrosion and cooling.
I replaced mine at 205K it was original with no problems, but the valve stem seals had dried up and were leaking so it was smoking on start up, at idle, and on deceleration. But mostly I was adding a S/C. I wouldn't do it as PM, unless you are like me and once something gets in your head you can't move on with or enjoy life till you've done something about it. Just drive the thing and enjoy it. Don't forget these are 20-25 year old vehicles, parts fail, things cost money, and 80 series Cruisers are more bitchin than almost anything we could pick up new today.
You won't really know if it's going to go or not but, I think if I was going to live out of my 80 and knew that in advance I'd change the gasket and pretty much everything else that would be a big inconvenience to do. I'm one of the ones who believe the gasket problem is overblown but I have blown mine 
.
.
LC4LIFE
Supporting Vendor
I run mine hard..Lots of big mountain passes here in CO. I tow a heavy pop-up camper all time and have my foot buried in the floorboard often when pulling the trailer, especially up and over the mountains. Never a hint of a HG issue, bought my rig at 140K, now 256k and I am not worried at all. I just make sure that I never run hot, even a hint. I have a Scanguage monitoring temps, did all the coolant upgrades and always do maintenance to prevent any overheating, so I feel good about my HG. I am beginning to gather parts for a next summer HG replacement, mainly as PM because with the long solo trips and boon-docking with the trailer, I just think it is good maintenance. I want to insure I have a future similar to the past, where I am never let down by my Cruiser.
Last edited:
Colorado CL has a 2010 with 118k for $35k and a 2011 with 65k for $45k. I'm thinking and salivating simultaneously but the thought of swapping my Cummins turbo diesel for a 200 seems a bit unrealistic at this point.Yes I want to be driving a 200 but I'll wait til they hit the 30s. Oh and I've never hit 300k, hell these days I'd be happy to hit 30k
LX-450 187K original HG......soooooo far....
1973Guppie
Supporting Vendor
I think you are more likely to burn a valve in the top end before you blow a headgasket. Those valves are only going to last so long. I rebuilt my top end when I did the supercharger and am glad I did as I had 2 bad burnt out valves. The HG was in perfect shape upon removal. Most likely had I kept driving it the burnt valves would of caused noticeable symptoms before the headgasket.
Did mine at around 215XXX as pm. But was burning oil an such. Also I drive mine 2000 miles from home half the year. I would rather do it on my terms. That being said the new gasket is diff from the original. So updates Have been made.
I do think the majority come from coolent system issues. I am a strong proponent of replacing the entire coolent system asap as pm
I do think the majority come from coolent system issues. I am a strong proponent of replacing the entire coolent system asap as pm
The reality? The reality is that it happens to some but not to all. FWIW I have had 3 80s, HG failed on the one that had history of overheating on previous owner.
Last edited:
LS1FJ40
SILVER Star
I've heard speculation that there is a higher propensity for HG failure on the 95-97 than on the 93-94. Has anyone ever investigated this?
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2008
- Threads
- 69
- Messages
- 922
- Location
- OC, CA, USA, EARTH SECTOR-28
- Website
- www.tdubclub.com
1973Guppie
Supporting Vendor
specifically I don't know, but basically age, actually I can't remember if they were burnt or cracked, I hand that stuff off to a good machine shop and let them deal with it......
60wag
SILVER Star
The 3FE doesn't count because its an iron head. It expands at the same rate as the block. The 1FZ is aluminum and expands more than the block for a given change in temp. The difference in expansion causes a scrubbing motion between the head and block and weakens the seal around the combustion chambers. I believe the 1FZ HG failures are more due to heating/cooling cycles than number of miles on the engine. Lot's of short trips will kill a HG before fewer longer trips. Overheating the joint will absolutely kill it.
Just completed a 2,929-mile 10-day trip and the ol' 1992 3FE UNDERpowered ADV80 is still going.
I don't think this motor makes enough power to blow a head gasket... maybe the 3FE doesn't count?
LS1FJ40
SILVER Star
I would bet money on number one failing and causing number two...
Owning a 97 with original HG. Would a scan gauge be a good investment to monitor temps, or if it is going to blow it's going to blow regardless?
my 94 has 237k miles and on the OG gasket. I've done tons of maint and disabled the EGR. Runs like a top. However, I do plan on in the next few years replacing the gasket mostly because I would like to rebuild the top end to new and I can do all the work myself so it will not be too expensive.
Ive owned several 80 series over the yeats and have never had s HG fsilure.
I change that bitch out first chance i get!
I change that bitch out first chance i get!
An oil analysis will give you a good idea of current HG status as will typical shade tree mechanics observations of oil fill cap, coolant condition, etc..
A scan gauge or Bluetooth/Wifi OBDII reader depending on Android/Apple phone is essential in my opinion. Any of these gives you a much more accurate temp guage so that you can take a preventative measures if your cooling system is not performing well. i.e. turn on heat, stop inspect for leaks, get it back to normal temp before HG blows.
There are ample posts of high mileage original HG in this thread still going strong. Take care of your cooling system and it will take care of your HG.
