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How to check for a blown Head Gasket without tools and zero costs

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by captsolo, Oct 31, 2019.

  1. Oct 31, 2019 at 8:41 AM
    #1
    captsolo

    captsolo [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2019
    Member:
    #10131
    Messages:
    365
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tom
    nassau bahamas
    Vehicle:
    2005 SR5
    A definitive TEST: How to check for a blown Head Gasket without any tools and zero costs...

    I have a 2005 SR5 V6 with 150,000 miles. After reading all the HG threads full of HG failure paranoia, I did the following.

    First. Checked the overfill canister and filled it up to the top "see through" line with fresh antifreeze. Mine was down 1/4 inch when I started this maintenance, and there were no coolant leaks.

    Every day I open the hood and look at the coolant level to see if it has changed. I sometimes do this twice or three times a day.

    Every day (after a 10 minute drive or a 2 hour drive) I check the overflow canister for a change in level, and not once has it moved up or down - and I've done this 30 times. AND.. I've never had to add coolant!

    I also have had no overheats since I bought the car new in 2005. The gauge for temperature on the dash works fine, and I've concluded I do not have a blown HG (or any other coolant issues - thermostat, radiator, WP, hoses, etc., etc.).

    Yes. Coolant leaking into your cylinders via the HG is a serious thing, but why worry about it if your coolant level is right where it's supposed to be (unchanged), the car doesn't miss at start up, doesn't smoke white water fumes out the tailpipe, and you get no "codes"?

    BTW.. I changed the radiator cap with a new OEM cap about a week before I decided to run this "test". The original radiator cap was 14 years old. The old radiator cap was worn, and needed replacing.

    https://gobdp.com/product/head-gasket-sealer-38386/

    UPDATE: 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

    UPDATENOV 19 2019

    Fluid level of coolant exactly as it was over a month ago.

    Temperatures

    At radiator cap =178 F
    at top hose $178F
    at top radiator 96F
    at bottom radiator 86F
    at exhaust manifolds = 345F
    at top valve cover 160F


    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
  2. Oct 31, 2019 at 5:47 PM
    #2
    Libagui

    Libagui New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2019
    Member:
    #10563
    Messages:
    134
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Librado
    Vehicle:
    2006 Silver 4runner limited.
    Some symptoms are:
    Random P304,
    Unusual white smoke even after engine is hot.
    Misfire.
     

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