I have an 02 Toyota 4Runner 4WD with 175k miles. I've been saving to have the timing belt and water pump replaced but noticed some crud build up around the head of the engine. Asked my mechanic if the head gasket needs replacement and he said not yet since its not actually dripping. I live in CO and have to rev up the engine to maintain highway speeds in the mountains which I feel makes it worse. Should I prioritize the timing belt and water pump or get the head gasket replaced?
Thank you!
I feel like they're both very important. Search the internet to see if you have an interference engine. That could really ruin your day.
The 3.4 engine is non-interference which means if the timing belt goes out, there won't be any damage to the engine.
The crud build up you mention could be a leaking valve cover gasket. Get a compression test to verify if it's a head gasket.
Assuming both need to be done.
This is how I would go about it. If the belts need to come off for the head gasket, I’d do the head gasket and swap the belts out while I am at it. I don’t know if that is the case though.
I agree.