Toyota Tacoma 4.0L Head Gasket Leak Diagnosis 

Thank you for your blank paper test! In the past I've used a small mirror to look for condensation in the same way but your test is much better and she won't be upset that I borrowed her mirror ever again. My 07 FJ at 194,000 miles just blew a head gasket. Let the good times roll!

2005 and some 2006 4.0’s have a different head gasket. They were determined to be faulty after quite a few miles. The part numbers are even different showing Toyota changed the design.

Your teaching approach is "down to earth" to watch! You don't say extra stuff that don't matter! Thanks! You are cool to watch! Thanks for the video!

Just subscribed! The engine on my Tacoma overheated and the mechanic believes because it was going on for a while the block is now warped. It was regularly and recently maintained as well. I believe I would have caught it just from watching this video....Thank you in hindsight and I look forward to going through more of your videos

This video confirms my thoughts and I thank you for your professionalism after a nightmare / disaster of a certain business / techs that worked on my 2006 Tacoma. I ended up with a bad knock sensor and a bad head casket due from the repairs this business and their techs performed which was a total nightmare of replacing the crank seal "TWICE" with oil leaking all over the place, 3 drive belts being installed wrong "3 TIMES", a pulley going bad from wrong drive belt installation, a serious overheating taking place while on the road causing the vehicle to be towed "TWICE"! Which has now lead to a bad knock sensor and a bad head casket.

Headgasketitus is an all too common issue with older vehicles... engineoilleakitus on the other hand can strike at an early age. Keep'em healthy Doc!

Super helpful vid, have the same exact symptoms on my 1GR-FE 4Runner. Going to follow the same troubleshooting steps but it’s looking bleak… thank you for the video!

Thank you. This is exactly what is happening to my 2005 Tacoma. Great video.

This is a good video. I just went through this with my 08 V6 with 295k miles. I started losing coolant with no noticeable leaks. No check engine lights or issues driving. I pressurized the cooling system like shown here. I borrowed an inspection camera with side view ability and watched a single drip of coolant come out of the head gasket run down into the cylinder. Both cylinder #6 and #4 were leaking. Another possible indicator is a white spot or cleaned area on top of the pistons. The coolant steam cleans the pistons which cause the white or clean look. This was very noticeable on #6 for me.

My 2005 Chevy Duramax with only 144,000 miles on it and yep, head gasket blown. But guess who fixed it? Eric O's brother Doug. Nice video Tim. Good tips along the way.

We have a 2006 145k miles. Light smoke like cigarette smoke from the tailpipe, idling little rough, water drip from tailpipe, coolant goes low maybe half a court between oil change. I'm thinking head gasket.

Errosion arround small coolant passages nx 2 cyls in block in hi mile 1grfe's also causes this. Block must B resurfaced

. I spent the month of December at the dealership, but no definitive answer where the disappearing coolant to my 2006 Taco, going. Refused boroscope since held pressure for 10 minutes at 15psi. Passed Block test, but wasn't given the opportunity to witness the tests. Ck engine light also an issue p0012, serv advisor jumping gun replacing VVTI gear partial engine tear down, $1200, instead of simply replacing the VVT control valve $300, but eventually replacing the vvt valve (no chg) which cleared the code. However was decided to replace the vvti gear (twice) at sane time vvt valve replaced against my instructions to replace the vvt valve first, to identify exact part causing the code and get $1200 refund since repair failed and did not follow diagnostic tree. (Chg oil, ck timing chain, chg vvt valve, then gear if needed). Serv advisor also sold me set of rear struts, making me think alls well with the engine (didn't need struts, brakes yes, engine, definately!) Timing off, lost 1/2 resovoir coolant since filled 12/13/22, RPMs off and refuese to even disconnect battery so computer can relearn RPMs. Will do Block test myself and see what happens. Did see another video where mechanic used an emmission/Exhaust prope placing it in the coolant resovoir after vehicle warmed, measuring for exhsust gas, and tested positive, following a block test which was negative. Unfortunately in Fla, we are not required to pass emissions and no one has the equipment. The Car Nut utube video, also did a boroscope with pressure test, and small trickle of coolant observed in number 4 cylinder. Thank u for the video.

I like the paper test need to do it next time.

I have a 06 4Runner V6 with a bad temp sensor and the motor is feeling rough at 1500-2000 rpm. I don't hear a gurgling sound, but it's more of a ticking behind the dash. I am losing some coolant though.

this is common on 05 and 06 4 litres also the timing cover leaks in same years

Definitely helped. Just means I blew a head gasket fml but thank you!

Awesome video thanks for sharing Tim. I hope you have a blessed week my friend.

Thanks for the great news but riddle me this why come when I put injector cleaner in my engine light went away and the misfire. It is now back and I have had the gurgling😅.not kool

So this means Toyota isnt reliable like everyone says or thinks. For example The 2nd gen Highlanders share the same engine as the Lexus RX350 problem with those is if the timing chain cover gasket is leaking you have to drop the whole engine to replace it. Now there is your famous reliability from Toyota. Not sure what happened in the mid 2000's quality control from Toyota took a huge dive.

If you get this head gasket job please make a video...I need to pull the cams on this same engine but don't know enough about it and even the manual is vague when it explains cam alignment and the preload tension...

Can leaking oil from valve cover into spark plug well cause same misfire? I getting P0304 noticed oil around end of plug when I replaced. My plug did not look wet but had carbon buildup. Getting interment P0304 error. Replaced plug and coil but error came back. Changed oil and it looks clean, still see some oil around base of plug. I don ‘t hear that noise you spoke of.

Would love to see the head gasket repair, If you get the job.

Aw crap 💩 I think I have this problem one my 04 4Runner 1GR-FE engine. Missing at start after warmed up & water coming it of tailpipe. Will/Can a block seal additive help for a temp fix the mistake problem? How about on the same engine 1GR-FE when you get foamy oil on the cap, is this same problem different area? Thx🙏🏼

What is Cylinder head min and max thickness and what is allowable warpage on cylinder heads. Was the block deck resurfaced too?

very simple and helpful diagnosis.

Keep up the good work tim ur the best !

Definitely helpful! Thanks!

Great video, would you recommend doing a compression test also to rule out if replacing a head gasket is justified if the rest of the cylinders are toast?

Great video, will help my diagnose my 4R, thanks!

How much does fixing this cost

Very educational brother. Thank you so much!

Thanks for posting, liked the vid. See you on the next one.

I have a 06 SR5 4runner . I need to clean the vvt filter but cant find it . Do you know where it is ?

Ouch that's going to be expensive for the taco owner. Nice palm light Tim I was just looking at that one too. I have the autel bore scope - it sucks big time but better than nothing. $60 and if it breaks tomorrow I won't miss it.

Toyota ought to be reimbursing us for all these head gasket failures.

Thanks for the video! I appreciate the paper test!!!!

Great video and excellent commentary. Thank you so much

How often do u get OBDI? Those are fun. You don't have a nice computer and 30 sensors to tell u exactly what the problem is. It's back to basics, good hearing, more time, etc

Did the customer ask you to do a head gasket job?

I have a cheap scope that plugs into a USB port that I use with a laptop. It work really good and was around $20. How can I tell if its a head gasket or a cracked head? My daughters boyfriend was told he has a cracked head or head gasket. They said they could tell which one it was, because they couldn't drive it up to 30 MPH. He had bad tie rod ends too. What does driving it at 30 MPH have to do with anything??? I never heard of anything like this. Love your video's

Very helpfull video my friend , thank you so much !!

How costly is the repair ?

Thank you so much Sir! Very helpful

Funny looks and sounds like the truck I'm going to do in afew days

Know problem with the 05 they have a updated head gasket for them are you going to film the job. Thanks cory

I've got a 2005 Tacoma with a blown head gasket. . This truck has been well maintained. . What causes this to happen.

Thank you so much sir :)

I have a similar diagnosis issue on my 2005 Tacoma (but no Check Engine light) and about a year and a half ago I had it to a dealer and they said it was fine, just topped up the fluid a little (wasn't below min, just not full). since then it has continued but not gotten worse. How long could this continue to be fine?

I'm considering buying a 2006 Tacoma Prerunner TRD 4-door with 128K miles. What are the major issues I should look for when inspecting this Truck? I heard engine mounts might be a problem. Based on this video, it sounds like I should also check for head gasket problems. What else? Separately, you asked about thoughts on replacement borescopes. Consider searching for a used SnapOn borescope on Craigslist. You might be surprised and find one. I see lots of used SnapOn tools on that site.

Thanks for the informative video.

I'm concerned my 07 has this issue, I have a low battery voltage code and a p0300, found coolant reservoir bubbling topped off coolant in radiator it quit bubbling.... are the 07s effected also or just earlier ones?

Sucks for the owner, but nice vid Tim.

exactly what i have thank you

Would a bad head gasket causes the fuel to mix with the oil ?

Did you do a combustion block test using that blue fluid before doing all this other stuff? I'm curious on how to accomplish that with the reservoir tank on my 5th generation because the cap is actually part of the recirculation system, you remove the cap to do the block test...

What was the mileage on that?

Just came across this video, I subscribed. Did you get or are you getting this job? The job sucks. Toyota doesn't recommend repairing head bolt threads on the ends, have to replace the short block. You can try Time Sert inserts, they hold for a while but seems like after many heat/cool cycles on these you end up where you are now. Sadly, you'll probably end up pulling some of the threads out on the ends when you remove the bolts. Double check knock sensors and wiring while in there, its a real nice design also.

Thanks

Lario... I ended up replacing the motor... You are right, not mant Toyota techs know how to do this work properly. Comox Valley Toyota denied any wrong doing... Auto fruad, piss poor workmsnship...no warranty on workmanship... It is always after the fact... You pay good money to have a repair done..mistakes are make...but it is the LIES AND EXCUSSES which is sickening... Comox Valley Toyota has leadership issues also...they all cover each other butts...they have too. Couple of tips though... (which this dealership NEVER did) mark everything and take pics during disassembly; dual overhead cams..timing, shims (do not mix the order) hsve your heads chkd by pofessional machinist/ re-surfaced/seal replaced..and any other work needed; replace head bolts ans they are torque to yeild... These were 3 things Comox Valley Toyota DID NOT DO ... I should have pulled the motor and did it myself... Take one's time .. By the book, it is a 20-24 hr job.. This dealership did it in 14 hrs... Rushed and screwed up... They could NOT even remember what they did...1-1/2 months after they did the work when asked be another Toyora dealership... Go figure... Anyhow, there are videos out there..and they will help...but when tearing down, and reassembling engines...keep things clean and check everything... You may be better to buy a rebuilt engine...

Yep its a shame the gasket is gone, but i cant think of any better person than yourself to fix the problem :-). The customer would be silly to take it elsewhere.

Having trouble with a chrysler 200 with a pentastar. Car overheats after 20 minutes of use and quickly cools down at idle. Has new radiator and condenser due to the car being wrecked previously. Already tried Purging the air out of the system so many times with no luck. Any suggestions. I'm thinking a small headgasket leak. You can see after the car heats up that the water isn't circulating on the return hose on the reservoir.

Love your videos watch them all the time ,how much would you charge to get that head gasket fixed

Thankyou.

260;000 and having that problem now

Great vid, Tim. How many miles on that truck?

If the plug did smell like fuel what would that tell you?

Is this a common problem with this Toyota 4.0l v-6 engine??

I just went and test drove a 2018 with the 4.0 and a 6 speed manual. I was thinking about trading my 2012 Z71 in on it. I actually love my Silverado it has gave great service but I’m just sick of driving an automatic. The taco is one of the few trucks I can find with a manual still in it. Are the 4.0s junk? I had an 08 tundra I bought and drove for four weeks and traded it because it had a knock in the engine with 60k miles on it And an older couple had owned it and it had all the service records so that makes me a little scared of Toyota Plus all the head gaskets ive helped put only on 22 RE’s That were supposed to be so great. I’m supposed to go back to the dealership tomorrow so they can appraise my Chevy. I’m not gonna go if these things are giving trouble.

That's so soon on a toyota engine!! How is the felpro mls??

I have the Snap-On's best borescope but I got a great deal on it but my next borescope if needed will be an articulating borescope that I used scoping aircraft and aircraft engines. you don't have to keep twisting the scope around and messing with the spiral cable trying to get the right angle. This is the one I am looking at www.automotivetestsolutions.com/ic.html it has a 3' cable 6mm head and will work good for snaking thru HVAC ducts and the articulating head helps you turn corners and scoping engines is a breeze. I hate spending a few hundred on a piece of equipment and find out I can't do something with it but if I spent the $$ to get the one I wanted I wouldn't be staring at a car wishing I had what I needed. It's all about how good of an image you want and what kind of detail to you want to see. Nice life hack with the piece of paper...improvising using the melon :D The ending made me smile!

Awesome video, you da man.....

Wut the hell thought toyota tsvomas never fail

skip to 8:42

I have a 2012 Tocoma (4.0 ltr) - had a local Toyota dealership do work on the engine (said they replaced head gskts) and since then. this engine has been consuming EXCESSIVE amounts of engine oil and coolant; Engine oil consumption is at 2/3 ltr of oil PER TANK OF FUEL; Coolant, the engine has consumed about 4 ltrs SINCE the work performed at this Toyota dealership; WHAT A BATTLE.... Dealership refuses to take responsibility for the failed work (IF IT WAS EVEN DONE PROPERLY); 6 other dealership say it is them who needs to take responsibility; Even Toyota Canada's "Oil consumption test PROVED there was a problem and FAILED this test; Finning Oil analysis showed coolant being burnt in combustion chambers .... hence possible pressurization of other cylinders and then blow by...and EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION... What a Battle....STILL

Why do y'all love it when it's something serious??

I wonder what caused it to fail? These are usually great trucks

Get a bore scope that plugs into your phone they are like $20 and if it breaks who cares cause its $20

Do you think more frequent coolant changes may have prevented this?

Cool

😢

i sucked sum of my coolant out of my 4.0 4runner...smells like gas. I keep losing coolant,..white steam out of tailpipe. no codes. Head gasket?

Man that sucks 😞

How much Doc?

You mean cylinder 6.

First alaskan comment

That video sure helped....unfortunately....crap

Stick a Cummins into it and ship it down the road 😂😎

sounds spensive

Very helpful, thanks