2005 V6 with Head Gasket Problem

Hello. I just picked up an 05 4wd V6 that I believe has a bad HG. It has almost 220k on it now. I've seen a lot of the older threads on HG failure/replacement. I would like to do the job myself, but having a good mechanic do it for me is also possible.

I believe the guy I bought it from put a HG sealant in the rad fluid. Should I drain/fill the rad with new coolant or leave that stuff in there? I've driven it about 30 hours/2k+ miles since I got it two weeks ago. No idea what that leak fix might do to other parts of the motor. I'm watching the oil/rad fluid. Oil looks good. I plan on changing the oil soon and topping off the rad fluid. So far no codes other than the one PO306 it had on it when I picked it up. Temps good. No rough idle or starts. Overflow is full, but rad is a little low. PO said he topped it off before he sold it to me.

I've read about replacement JDM engines, but have yet to find one. I'd for sure consider a swap if I could find one rather than just do the HG. This is my first 4runner. I've had a few Land Cruisers in the past though. My wheeling days are behind me now.

 

PO306 = HG.
I have 4runner with no HG issues yet.

That sealer Devils or Bar's leak have a 50% chance. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036VRQ70/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Heard they can "gum" up thermostat.

If you get no overheats, I'd leave it in. Ask a mechanic that know. Scotty Kilmer says use it as a last resort. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...1480DED42A5012B4FDC91480DED42A5012B&FORM=VIRE

SR5 2005 150,000 miles on V6

 

I've never come across a vehicle with a head gasket problem. I would have passed on this one, but I was moving my family from Germany to Fort Campbell, KY and I was in a hurry. Plus the guy is a firefighter/exToytech. We have two dogs, and could not find a domestic flight for them into Nashville from Baltimore where we landed. This truck was advertised as a one owner, always garaged, highway miles, no rust and no problems rig. I flew in a week early to take a look at it and it looked good, but there was a little coolant on one side. PO said he topped off the rad fluid and spilled a little. I thought that was a red flag, but it had no CEL and drove great. I had no idea you could pop sealant in the radiator. I think this guy saw that PO306 code and cleared it, but didn't delete it because I saw it on my scanner when checking it out later. I knew someone had been in there as soon as I saw the OBDII port, but I didn't know the PO306 code was the kiss of death until after reading posts here and elsewhere. At any rate, I've driven it to Virginia Beach and back to Baltimore and then on to Fort Campbell and it's been rock steady. 21mpg, heat/AC are fine, 186 degrees even with AC on in 80 degree heat, runs smooth and the code hasn't come up again. Only thing is 8hrs of rain has revealed that I have one bearing in the front hub that is on it's way out. Already bought a replacement hub/bearing assembly. I confronted him and got nothing but lies. I'm not a fan of liars and am seriously considering calling this guy's captain.

 

So it had P0306 code on it when you first looked at it and you still bought it?

 

I hate bullshitters too but calling his captain because you didn't take the time to look it over? I never go to look at a used car without a scan tool and HG tester in hand.

But I also would not put the sealant in the radiator anymore. It does some what clog the holes in the head gasket but it also clogs everything else up. It should be temp and emergency only if you ask me.

 

Like I said. I flew in from GERMANY and I didn't know the PO306/PO304 was THE T4R head gasket code of death until I looked it up on the forums after I bought it. I checked it out, but didn't know this fucking code. When I brought it up he said it might be a coil or spark plug. However, this asshole Toytech knew what that code was and tried to hide it. He was really surprised I found it at all. He screwed me over and he knew he was doing it as he lied to my face. You live and you learn. Firemen can be douchebags too. I got the price down, but this fucking guy lied to my face. Not cool.

 

Google bro

 

No shit. Piece of cake when you have no cell service because of your EU phone. As soon as I could get on wifi I fucking googled the shit out of it. I'm not upset about the truck. It's done it's job. I'm here with the fam. I'm upset with the POS that knowingly lied to me. In the end, I'll have a near spotless gen4 with a new motor or head gasket for under 7K. I can live with that.

 

That's your problem not the dude that sold it to you.

 

I get it.

 

Are you going to get it fixed for $2,500? I've read where they get 150,000 miles after a HG fix - if heads and block are ok!

 

I plan on it. Most everything else is great on it.

 

Good luck.

Check out these links: https://www.4runners.com/threads/2007-4-0-sr5-shut-off-while-driving.11177/#post-110771

https://www.4runners.com/threads/th...hat-it-has-a-misfire-cyl-1.10716/#post-110795

Al 2000 4runner fixed his HG/miss issue with a new fuel injector ($20 at Amazon)

Al 2000 4runner = "My 2004 runner had a misfire checked everything like you did turned out to be bad injector changed all of them Got them from moto west in LA 60$a piece send back old ones and they give you 60 bucks back . My Four runner Runs great now did the work myself after watching Timmy the tool guy on u tube he shows you step by step how to do it check him out good luck"