4Runner Head Gasket Recall??

[longoddr1]

Thank you for the prompt response. Did the 3.4L engines also have head gasket problems? Or could this be considered normal wear and tear at 130k miles?

[mustang67408]

Early 3.4's has a slight issue with headgaskets leaking down the outside of the block, it was just a very minor leak and USUALLY did not cause any issues, unless the coolant leak was ignored. That recall was called an XO1, this vehicle did not apply to that either.
The VO6 is only for the 3.0L not 3.4L.
The 3.4 did not have gasket problems like the 3.0L, sounds like a case of stuff happens.

[rdougcrowe]

I have heard the catalytic converter is causing the gasket problem... Has anyone else heard that rumor/fact/thought/concept? I am going to get a 1995 4runner with (wait for it) a blown head gasket... I was going to replace the engine but now I am thinking about replacing the gasket and the catalytic converter... and seeing what happens... Any thoughts comments? I'm not sure what else will need to be replace, the 4runner has nearly 200,000 miles...

The catalytic converter supposedly goes out about 100,000 miles, which makes sense with the gasket failures.. also, I see lots of stories about replacing the gasket and it happens again 10,000 miles later.. which might indicate the gasket problem is the catalytic converter or the engine block is wasted.. one of the two.. right?

Anyway, you smart people please let me know..

Thanks!

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by rdougcrowe

I have heard the catalytic converter is causing the gasket problem... Has anyone else heard that rumor/fact/thought/concept? I am going to get a 1995 4runner with (wait for it) a blown head gasket... I was going to replace the engine but now I am thinking about replacing the gasket and the catalytic converter... and seeing what happens... Any thoughts comments? I'm not sure what else will need to be replace, the 4runner has nearly 200,000 miles...

The catalytic converter supposedly goes out about 100,000 miles, which makes sense with the gasket failures.. also, I see lots of stories about replacing the gasket and it happens again 10,000 miles later.. which might indicate the gasket problem is the catalytic converter or the engine block is wasted.. one of the two.. right?

Anyway, you smart people please let me know..

Thanks!

The headgasket issue was not caused by the CAT Converters.
The issue was a chemical reaction between the headgasket material/block and cylinder heads. This reaction would eat away at the head and block causong a leak. The reason most of them did it a second time was usually from an improper repair. Most people did not measure or check the block correctly and would surface the heads and not catch the small spot on the block that had a .007" divot. This was the weak spot that most people thought the gasket would take up this space...it didnt do it properly.
The proper repair was to DECK the heads and block and/or replace the block or and head that was eaten away. Many people also reused the headbolts, which were supposed to be changed anytime they were removed. They are strech type bolts, which you could measure the stretch over brand new ones.
The cat converters were sometimes damaged as a result of excessive coolant being dumped into them from when the Headgaskets blew. The cats run very hot and when you dump cooler coolant into them... you get a very hot/cold reaction which damaged them and sometimes the O2 sensor also. This was only on the 3.0L. The 3.4's leak on the outside of the block and usually did NO internal damage to the heads or blocks or converters.
I did extensive research with TOYOTA out here in LV back in the day when I was doing 3-4 of these a day. They had me ship them hundreds of parts from numersous customer engines.
The picture I attached is where most people went wrong. Even a well trained eye would have a hard time seeig the problem and neede to be checked with a straight edge or a dial indicator. Lots of people just blamed the gasket and didnt take it a few steps further.

[granularity]

Hi Mustang,
Any joy for JT3VN39W8R8069795 ?
Thanks!

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by granularity

Hi Mustang,
Any joy for JT3VN39W8R8069795 ?
Thanks!

No JOY...ALready done.

Campaign Description: 50N - CERTAIN 1989 - 1995 TRUCK 4WD, 1990 - 1995 4RUNNER 2WD AND 4WD, AND 1993 - 1998 T100 (4WD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER STEERING) STEERING RELAY ROD REPLACEMENT
Completion Status: Completed
Date Serviced: 01/20/06 Dealer Name: CAPITOL TOYOTA
Dealer Code: 04426



Campaign Description: V06 - 3VZ-FE V6 Engine Head GasketCompletion Status: Completed
Date Serviced: 05/09/03
Dealer Name: CAPITOL TOYOTA
Dealer Code: 04426

[cj-johnson]

Hey Mustang, any data on jt3vn39w4r01592343?

Thanks for your help on this.

[mustang67408]

Campaign Description: 50N - CERTAIN 1989 - 1995 TRUCK 4WD, 1990 - 1995 4RUNNER 2WD AND 4WD, AND 1993 - 1998 T100 (4WD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER STEERING) STEERING RELAY ROD REPLACEMENT
Completion Status: Completed
Date Serviced: 08/24/06
Dealer Name: BILLION TOYOTA
Dealer Code: 40011



Campaign Description: V06 - 3VZ-FE V6 Engine Head Gasket
Completion Status: Completed
Date Serviced: 11/06/98
Dealer Name: RUSSEL TOYOTA
Dealer Code: 19020

[af1acura]

Mustang, I'd appreciate it if you could look up my VIN from a 1995 4runner I just purchased.

JT3VN39W3S0183367

[johnny777]

hows it going mustang i was wondering if you could check out my vin also thanks...

JT3VN39W4P0109267

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by johnny777

hows it going mustang i was wondering if you could check out my vin also thanks...

JT3VN39W4P0109267

Looks like your LUCKY DAY....Its needs both of these SSC's, looks like they have NOT BEEN DONE YET.

Campaign Description: 50N - CERTAIN 1989 - 1995 TRUCK 4WD, 1990 - 1995 4RUNNER 2WD AND 4WD, AND 1993 - 1998 T100 (4WD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER STEERING) STEERING RELAY ROD REPLACEMENT
Completion Status: Not Completed


Campaign Description: V06 - 3VZ-FE V6 Engine Head Gasket
Completion Status: Not Completed

[johnny777]

thanks mustang i really appreciate it.

[myke008]

hey mustang can you do me a huge favor and run my vin to please?!

1990 4runner vin# JT3VN39W4L0000088

THANKS

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by myke008

hey mustang can you do me a huge favor and run my vin to please?!

1990 4runner vin# JT3VN39W4L0000088

THANKS

The V06 Does not apply to this vehicle


Campaign Description: P01 - A/C Expansion Valve
Completion Status: Completed
Date Serviced: 08/06/97
Dealer Name: FLORIN ROAD TOYOTA
Dealer Code: 04201

Campaign Description: 50N - CERTAIN 1989 - 1995 TRUCK 4WD, 1990 - 1995 4RUNNER 2WD AND 4WD, AND 1993 - 1998 T100 (4WD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER STEERING) STEERING RELAY ROD REPLACEMENT
Completion Status: Not Completed

[myke008]

mustang,

so does that mean my head gasket is reliable on my 3.0 v6?