Scotty I have a 91 toyota previa with 247k on the clock - it's been losing coolant and I believe it's either due to a bad piston or a blown head gasket - is there anyway you can tell me how to tell what is actually bad? I don't have any overheating issues as of right now, and not much white smoke either, but can see a small drip coming from my tailpipe - and everytime I add coolant it pretty much just goes back down to the level it was at after driving for 10-15 mins. Goes to just under the low level on the overfill. Do you know what the problem may be?? And do you think I should fix whatever the problem may be? Plz help {black}:idontknow:
it's been losing coolant and I believe it's either due to a bad piston
Coolant should never touch pistons. Only oil.
can see a small drip coming from my tailpipe
As it should. water is one of the products of hydrocarbon (gas) combustion.
If your coolant always settles down the cold line, then I'd say things are working exactly as they should. Happy driving.
The piston has nothing to do with the coolant loss....you need to pull the engine to remove head gasket.
https://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?552-Replacing-a-Previa-head-gasket
How much longer do you think it can be operated like this? It's my second vehicle I use it to tow a little trailer to do lawns on the weekend- I have to save up a little bit before I can put it into shop but do you think it will be okay for say another 500 or so miles?
You can continue on but you MUST check the coolant level daily to make sure that its FULL else if you don't..the engine will over heat and could seize up. That would be the end of it. Just understand as you continue on...the leak will incrementally get worse as it leaks more fluid by volumn. Thats why you have to be on top of checking the coolant level at ALL times. Well alright just be aware and don't get lazy... Good Luck and Happy New Years as WELL!
Thank you so much for help! Happy new year to you as well!!