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Head gaskets. Which ones to buy?

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by lcattin, Nov 2, 2019.

  1. Nov 2, 2019 at 7:16 AM
    #1
    lcattin

    lcattin [OP] New Member

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    I have been diagnosing my 2004 4Runner 4.0 with no compression and it is all pointing towards the head gasket.

    There seems to be many different brands and prices out there from really cheap kits to 'are these things gold plated?' prices.

    Does anyone have any experiences with some of the less expensive ones?

    I am retired on my fixed income and have to make my dollars work for me.

    Thanks for your opinions.
     
  2. Nov 2, 2019 at 5:58 PM
    #2
    Benny123

    Benny123 Toyota enthusiast

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    LEDs all around, otherwise bone stock.
    Ive heard good things about FelPro. Alot of info on Tacomaworld on the topic. Same engine. 1GRFE. Are you doing the work yourself?
     
  3. Nov 2, 2019 at 6:01 PM
    #3
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    I second Felpro. Used these on my Z28 build. If I’m not mistaken they have a stainless ring sealing each combustion chamber.....
     
  4. Nov 2, 2019 at 7:32 PM
    #4
    chassis

    chassis New Member

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    Felpro looks like $62. Toyota OEM is $88. For $16 per gasket I would use Toyota OEM.
     
    Libagui, captsolo and 4scooter19 like this.
  5. Nov 2, 2019 at 8:09 PM
    #5
    4scooter19

    4scooter19 New Member

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    I've always used OEM head gaskets. To me there's no point in putting that much effort/money into something and skimping out on a gasket set.
     
    chassis[QUOTED] and captsolo like this.
  6. Nov 2, 2019 at 8:47 PM
    #6
    lcattin

    lcattin [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the replies. On past vehicles I have used Fel-Pro head sets. This will be my first Toyota head gasket job.
    I will check into OEM.
     
    Tama1968 and chassis like this.
  7. Nov 3, 2019 at 6:47 AM
    #7
    Benny123

    Benny123 Toyota enthusiast

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    One more thing. There is an updated part number after 06/07 I think. I'll try to find it but essentially Toyota knew there was a manufacturing defect and changed the head gasket. Just be aware of it and buy one that has the new part number. if you buy from Toyota parts they should certainly know about that.

    a couple good threads on this. very long.
     
  8. Nov 3, 2019 at 2:34 PM
    #8
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    No compression means a lot more than a head gasket - like burnt valves, broken rings, hole in piston.

    They say for HG get OEM.

    With no compression I'd say order an engine from Japan. Find a good wreck at pick and go /Junk yard.

    Find a good Yamaha mechanic.

    Got bubble water in your radiator? White smoke out tailpipe?

    How does an engine run with zero compression?

    https://www.4runners.com/threads/ho...thout-tools-and-zero-costs.11358/#post-113777

    UPDATE to link above: Oct 4 2019 My wife drove the 4runner 2 hours and parked it in garage. I went out and lifted the hood to check "things" with a heat gun.

    The coolant lever remains at the same line indicating no loss - no HG issues
    Temperature on the radiator cap with heat gun was 156 degrees F
    temperature at heads of block was 180 F (thermostat open).
    temperature on the block where the pistons are was 333 F
    temperature on exhaust manifolds was 180 F.
    temperature at bottom of radiator was 126 F

    UPDATE: Dec 8 2019 Coolant level in overflow canister is still where it was two months ago. didn't drop even a 1/8 inch.
    I carry a heat ray gun and measure radiator, top hose, cap, lower radiator - now and then.
    Don't want an overheat in any car - especially a Toyota 4 runner. Best way to ruin an engine is an "overheat".
     
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2019
  9. Nov 3, 2019 at 3:31 PM
    #9
    lcattin

    lcattin [OP] New Member

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    Captsolo: I do not have the engine apart yet. It was running fine for the PO when a coolant hose blew and overheated the engine. It was shut down right away but the damage had already been done so the engine was not running with no compression.

    I bought it knowing the engine would either need repaired if it is repairable, which I will find out when I get it apart and am able to check the cylinders, rings and valves.

    The companies that sell Japanese engines do not have 4.0's, I already checked.

    The salvage yards that have used engines for sale aren't able to run the engine for me as it has already been pulled from the wreck. I don't like the idea of paying $2000 for a used engine I cannot hear run.
    I am retired on fixed income so don't have that kind of cash to toss out there, so a repair is in order if I can fix it, unless it is toast when I pull it apart. If I have to do that I will still be in the black for what I purchased this truck for.

    I pressurized each cylinder at it's top dead center with compressed air and listened to all the areas you could possible hear air escaping from and there was no air coming from the crankcase on any of the cylinders. Possibly rules out broken rings or holes in the pistons. The only place I could hear air was from the intake and the cooling system. Also between adjacent cylinders.

    I have spent my life wrenching on cars and the machines that build them. I worked for Chrysler for 24 years so I hope I have some idea on how motors work and operate internally.

    Thank you for your interest in my project and I hope it goes well.
     
    Last edited: Nov 3, 2019
    Benny123 and chassis like this.
  10. Nov 5, 2019 at 7:34 AM
    #10
    lizardman1

    lizardman1 New Member

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    I think you are on the right track Les, as for the head gaskets I would go with Felpro. Just my 2 cents
     
  11. Nov 5, 2019 at 8:06 AM
    #11
    lcattin

    lcattin [OP] New Member

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    Yes, I think that's the way I'm going.

    I have to finish some things that need done before winter but then I am going to tie into it.
     
  12. Nov 24, 2019 at 8:04 AM
    #12
    themixr

    themixr New Member

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    I went with cometic hg’s completely stainless steel, and reusable. These are the same ones I used for my cobras and forced induction applications.
     
  13. Nov 24, 2019 at 5:52 PM
    #13
    lcattin

    lcattin [OP] New Member

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    I have been working on this off and on and got the first head off today.

    Here's a few pics.

    IMG_20191124_160128796_HDR.jpg
    IMG_20191124_160132244_HDR.jpg
    IMG_20191124_160158899.jpg
    IMG_20191124_160203614.jpg
     
    chassis likes this.
  14. Nov 24, 2019 at 5:53 PM
    #14
    lcattin

    lcattin [OP] New Member

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    Head warped .005" to .006"
     
  15. Nov 24, 2019 at 6:06 PM
    #15
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Keep up the good work. Upper coolant hose went didnt it? I hate to think of what mine look like. I know I couldn’t tackle this millimeter engine...
     
  16. Nov 24, 2019 at 8:03 PM
    #16
    lcattin

    lcattin [OP] New Member

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    I bought it like this so I don't know which one blew. Neither one looked new.

    I got it for a great price ($900)
    so it's worth the work.
     
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  17. Nov 24, 2019 at 8:11 PM
    #17
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Good to know my 4R still holds value. Now gett’em shaved and let us see it running!!!
     
  18. Nov 24, 2019 at 8:37 PM
    #18
    Tama1968

    Tama1968 New Member

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    that's what I'd do. I grew up with fel-pro being the standard for gaskets, but I'd stick with OEM. Sometimes you save more $$ (plus time and aggravation) in the long run by spending a little more up front.
     
  19. Nov 26, 2019 at 6:02 PM
    #19
    lcattin

    lcattin [OP] New Member

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    Well, here's the latest. Previous owner hydrolocked cylinder #6.
    Looking for a replacement.

    IMG_20191126_133110360.jpg
     
  20. Nov 26, 2019 at 7:22 PM
    #20
    chassis

    chassis New Member

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    Wow, that will do it. Thanks for the posts, keep at it! :)
     
  21. Nov 27, 2019 at 5:00 AM
    #21
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    find a wreck that had rear end damage and buy the engine for $2000.

    You'll spend a fortune rebuilding that 4runner - and it may never run again.

    I'm sure my 2005 V6 4runner runs like a clock, and its 15 years old (140,000 miles). Can't imagine throwing a car away with no rust spots anywhere (but underneath on the frame).

    I sold a 1995 GMC JIMMY for $600 once. The body had rusted to junk, but it still started and ran. I owned that one from NEW, and will never buy GM again.
     
    Last edited: Nov 27, 2019
  22. Dec 1, 2019 at 6:51 PM
    #22
    lcattin

    lcattin [OP] New Member

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    I found an engine about 6 hours away but I believe it's in a 2wd model.
    Are there any differences in the oil pans between 2wd and 4wd?
     
  23. Dec 1, 2019 at 7:25 PM
    #23
    chassis

    chassis New Member

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    lcattin, the Toyota online parts catalog shows 2004 oil pan part number 12101 for both 2WD and 4WD models with 4.0L V6 and automatic transmission.
     
  24. Dec 1, 2019 at 7:47 PM
    #24
    lcattin

    lcattin [OP] New Member

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    Thank you for that info. Exactly what I needed...
     
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  25. Dec 4, 2019 at 8:14 PM
    #25
    Libagui

    Libagui New Member

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    1grfe, same engine, however, try to get the ECU with that engine, just in case.
     
  26. Dec 4, 2019 at 8:39 PM
    #26
    lcattin

    lcattin [OP] New Member

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    That shouldn't be necessary but I know where it's at if I need it. Only problem is that it would have to be reprogrammed as the programmed Vin wouldn't match.IMG_20191204_074445302.jpg
     
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  27. Dec 5, 2019 at 4:24 PM
    #27
    chassis

    chassis New Member

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    Making progress lcattin!
     
  28. Dec 5, 2019 at 5:52 PM
    #28
    lcattin

    lcattin [OP] New Member

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    Everything's ready to drop in tomorrow morning. Hope it all goes smoothly.

    I'll keep you posted on the progress.
     
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  29. Dec 6, 2019 at 3:37 AM
    #29
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    Did he say how he hydrolocked the engine.
     
  30. Dec 6, 2019 at 5:20 AM
    #30
    lcattin

    lcattin [OP] New Member

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    The engine overheated on him while driving on the highway. He refilled the radiator with water to try to make it home and it lost power and quit running. He had it towed home. Next time he tried to start it it wouldn't turn over and he found cylinder six full of water.
     

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