Hi Scotty,
Thank you for your videos - I have been watching a lot of them lately!
I have a 1999 4Runner (4 cylinder - NO 4 wheel drive) which I purchased new beginning of Sept. 1998 in California - now 23 years old. I moved back to Michigan almost 4 years ago now. So the 4Runner was born and lived 19 years in Cali.
At 170K the check engine light came on and P0302 code was found. I had a bunch of work done by a Toyota specialist including head gasket and head replacement ($3,300).
Now at 200K, the same thing happened - check engine light and P0302 code. I took it to three people before they said the white smoke on cold start up is indicative of head gasket leak or cracked head and quoted me $4,700 to fix.
I used Bar's Leak for Head Gaskets - following all the directions.
My question is how long do you think it will last? What do you think I should do?
I have seen that you suggest changing the radiator cap, also seen where you suggest buying a new engine from a junk yard.
It's just not a good time to buy a new or used vehicle and I need something to replace it that will pull my boat... I'm looking for another 4Runner or FJ based on your reviews. I've heard Lexus RX350s parts are really expensive.
Funny that I have seen another 4Runner for sale (2004 with 190K) with the same issue and wonder what is causing the overheating/head gasket issue?
Thank you!
Katie Davis
It won't last very long. When you had the head gasket replaced the first time, you should have specified ARP head studs. The head bolts Toyota uses are cheap and only get torqued to about 55 ft. lbs. The ARP head studs get torqued to 85 ft. lbs.
That sealer will not last long if it works at all. Hopefully it will not plug up your radiator or heater core. The first mechanic must not have done a very good job if it failed again only 30K miles later.
