Head Gasket

[JL1300]

Hi, My first post but quite a troublesome one. I have owned my Avensis Estate since 2009 and have been delighted with it. No frills but good and reliable up till a while ago. I think the trouble started when coolant seemed to blow out of the reservoir and I just thought the cap was faulty....it seems that the Head Gasket has failed and the Engine gasses are being forced into the cooling system and pressurising it, causing coolant to be released.I have found out that a problem exists and Toyota have extended the warranty and fit a 3/4 engine to fix the problem.

I however do not qualify as I service myself and 102,000 miles now. I am looking at recon. engines.

Any tips/ ideas most appreciated. ( 2.0 l D4D 6 speed manual Estate)

[JL1300]

I will let you know how it will be dealt with as nobody wants to make a comment right now

[JL1300]

Great forum speaking with myself

[syncview]

get a kit that tests for exhaust gases in the cooling system.. don't cost any more than 10usd..

confirm the presence then move ahead

[Konrad C]

Great forum speaking with myself

Hi Joseph,

It may be because the people who may have ideas, are not always looking at the forum 24/7.

From your post, you seem to know the gasket is blown, and looking to fix/replace the engine.

You have one advice regarding the sniffer kit. Can I assume you did the sniffer test to confirm the head gasket is blown?

If yes, then the next step is to get the head off and see if the cylinder head mating face has not warped. If there is no warp then you can go next route of replacing the gasket, otherwise it is a replacement engine. Again you may have thought of this.

Hopefully somebody on the forum who lives local may be able to assist.

I hope you get this problem fixed soon and welcome to the forum.

Konrad

[syncview]

even if the head is warped

you can 'machine' it yourself

get lots of 320 grit water proof sand papers

a table on which a 12mm glass sheet is placed

a supply of water while you drag the cylinder head on the sand papers until you straighten it out

to check the straightness.. you need a straight edge and a feeler gauge.. and service manual for the procedure. :)

[Heidfirst]

Toyota say that these heads should not be skimmed.

For the OP, your last 2 posts were in the wee small hours when most people are asleep.

Your initial post seemed more statements than anything (btw the Toyota extended goodwill offer is/was for 7 years or 112k miles whichever came sooner - your car went out of that window in 2013).

Your options imo are 1) sniff test/remove head to see if gasket/head has failed. If you can't remove the head yourself then it's going to cost quite a bit in labour just for that. 2) consider a replacement engine & whether the cost of fitting one is perhaps more than the car is worth?

[fastbob72]

I'd say with almost certainty from your description of the coolant blowing out of the resevoir that you've blown a head gasket (or cracked the head).A pressurised cooling system like you talked of is a classic symptom.

Why go for a recon engine, it would be cheaper and to be honest not much more time consuming or hassle than swapping the engine yourself.

[JL1300]

Thanks for your replies. I am in London. Is this a global forum or U.S ? I do appreciate the advice so far.I'm not in a big hurry to fix the car as I have Motor Bikes. The car still driving well if needed.

Thanks again. I will keep you posted on progress.

[Heidfirst]

it's open to anybody but it's mainly a UK forum.

[mcorban]

A leak down test would narrow it down for sure and would indicate further wear in the engine like rings, valves, guides etc..

Something like this http://www.ebay.com/bhp/leak-down-tester