Unfortunate incident with Head Gasket on 1GR-FE

[Jan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Jan]

Hi Everybody

I am new to the forum and this be my first post.

However I was a bit unlucky after buying my 2004 v6 Prado with 225000km on the clock 2 weeks ago.
After having the car for 3 days I realized the car running hotter than it should and took it back to the Toyota Agents where I bought it and after inspection and tests done they reported a blown head gasket and said that they will fix it for me.

Now I want to know if this is fixed properly (which I believe will happen) how reliable are the motor and how much mileage should I get before the same problem occurs with the same gasket?

Just for info, they are also replacing the water pump, radiator, thermostat and of course all gaskets in the headset.

Regards
Jannie

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

Jannie it's certainly some thing that IS NOT common on this engine. Once fixed and fixed properly (as you hope it would be) you shouldn't have any further issues. Some times you can be just unlucky. Luckily your under warranty so won't cost you a cent otherwise I reckon you would be seeing north of 3 grand. I'm also not 100% but if done properly both heads would be required to be done not just one bank. I'm sure some one on here will verify this. Also need to find the cause in the first place of why it happened. Maybe the original owner new of the problem and new the cost of repair hence why they have traded it ?? Does it have log books ??? If so it may contain the original persons details you may be able to contact them and ask a few questions as to the history of the vehicle. I have done this myself before and never had any issues. As far as the life of the engine normally these engines besides being a bit thirsty are extremely reliable, plenty of go, and normally cover high klms without major issues. This said, again comes down to history eg servicing, treatment, etc. I would expect to see more then 400 hundred thou without major problems. Sure you would need new water pump, discs, radiator, etc but actual engine eg bearings, rings etc I would expect no issues again comes down to treatment, servicing of the vehicle. I would rather buy something with 200thou on it and had thorough servicing then some thing with 50 thou and no oil changes.. Bit disappointing for you but once up an fixed enjoy it. There a great vehicle..... Cheers Steve

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

The V6 is a good engine. I would be a little concerned that the head has warped if it has been like this for a while. See if you can have a look at the head before they refit it (if you are mechanically minded) and ask for them to run a straight edge down across the head.

[Jan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Jan]

Thanks Steve

Yes the vehicle has a full service history at the agents and because I was so confident in these motors ( also have a v6 Fortuner ) I did not bother to phone the previous owner, but that's water under the bridge. I did phone the workshop this morning and they did remove both heads and send then to a engineering shop to be machined. They say that the gasket at the no 6 silinder was just in the beginning phase of blowing and that's why did not notice it for the time they had the vehicle.

So at this stage it seems that I'll get a properly fix car back. ( glad I bought the car from a Toyota Dealer )

[Jan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Jan]

Hi mjrandom seems if they have everything under control, thanks for the advise.

Jannie

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

I heard on the grape vine that mjrandom had an unfortunate accident involving head too?

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

HIS head I meant! I hate iPad keyboards.....

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

I don't know what to say, yes my head was warped. My mum dropped me. Repeatedly. Thanks mlc. I know what you mean. Finished licking that house clean yet? Don't worry Jan, it's a diesel thing.

[Jan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Jan]

Oops ok !

[Jan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Jan]

Ok, Toyota phoned me this morning, said I can get my vehicle tomorrow. I will keep posting over next few weeks and months for interest sake. Hopefully my problems is something of the past.