T180 Head Gasket Failure

[78Portellen]

Evening all, I'm new to the forum and new to Toyota, having just purchased a 56 plate 2.2 T180.

I'd heard about the potential for HG problems, but didn't realise how common it was.

I bought the car about 4 weeks ago and yes - the HG curse has struck, well early signs anyway. I reckon the previous owner knew, but what can you do...?

I'm now shopping around (Liverpool) to get the job done next week. My usual mechanic hasn't got the time or space to do the job so it's a step into the unknown. If any of you reside on my patch can you recommend a reputable specialist or garage?

I'm not bothered about the price. The price needs to be good of course, but more importantly I want the job done right. My mechanic said he's had so many HG jobs gone wrong due to poor quality engineers.

So a decent engineer and a decent garage for all the extras that go with the job! Can you help?

Also, once the job is done, is it likely to go again? What d'you recommend to prevent HG problems again? I'm a careful driver anyway but if I've got to stay below 2000 revs I'd rather get rid!

Thanks for your help folks - Joe

[FROSTYBALLS]

Hello Joseph - welcome to Toyota Owners Club.

Have a look at the following thread - http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/132178-charliefarlies-guide-to-the-toyota-2ad-diesel-engine-and-its-issues/

[78Portellen]

Hello Joseph - welcome to Toyota Owners Club.

Have a look at the following thread - http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/132178-charliefarlies-guide-to-the-toyota-2ad-diesel-engine-and-its-issues/

Thanks mate; although I don't think mine qualifies for Toyota's extended warranty - it's older and done more miles. Mine has 134K on the clock.

[FROSTYBALLS]

If you read through some of the linked thread you will see that the usual repair for these engines once the head gasket goes, is a replacement engine.

[Duggerz]

There are extensive posts here on the issue. In many cases the head gasket is a symptom of oil consumption that results in buildup on the pistons and stretching of the cylinder head bolts. Replacing the head gasket will cure the symptom bit the underlying fault will remain and at some point the head gasket will fail again. Do you know if the vehicle uses oil? If it fits, you have a much more difficult decision I'm afraid, because the cure in these cases is to renew the internals of the engine and possibly the whole engine.

[78Portellen]

If you read through some of the linked thread you will see that the usual repair for these engines once the head gasket goes, is a replacement engine.

Thanks Mike, that's bad news. I feel as though I've made a monumental mistake! Might just get the HG job done and sell on.

[78Portellen]

There are extensive posts here on the issue. In many cases the head gasket is a symptom of oil consumption that results in buildup on the pistons and stretching of the cylinder head bolts. Replacing the head gasket will cure the symptom bit the underlying fault will remain and at some point the head gasket will fail again. Do you know if the vehicle uses oil? If it fits, you have a much more difficult decision I'm afraid, because the cure in these cases is to renew the internals of the engine and possibly the whole engine.

Nice one Duggerz. I'm not sure if it's using oil to be honest. Looks like I might get the job done and move it on. It's a shame because otherwise it's a really nice car. I'm waiting to hear from the local dealer service shop and I'll get their opinion on the underlying cause. I thought I'd get some mechanic recommendations by now. Never mind, I'll keep searching.

Joe

[stubb]

reading thru these T180 topics and all the get it done and sell it on advice is creating a mine field for people coming along wanting to buy cars a bit older ,,

 

almost need an own up list of registration plates so we know cars to avoid

[Mike169]

Hi Joseph, on the fitting a new engine from Toyota rather than just the head gasket you are looking at around £7000+ yes very expensive. The cylinder heads can't be skimmed as the tolerances are too tight already so if you have the gasket done you have to hope the surface of the cylinder head is in good order, have you considered trying to part exchange it onto a car dealer hoping they won't know about the head gasket issue? Mike.

[stubb]

its posts like this one suggesting parting it out that have stopped me going and buying a T180 avensis this morning,, i just cant risk getting a bad one,,,, was so looking forward to owning one as well,

[Mike169]

Hi Mark, it only applies to models sold between 2006-2009 to be safe, diesels only, outside of this period it should be ok. I have a Rav 4 150 2012 and all being well they are trouble free. The T180 was fitted to the Aventis and Rav. Mike.

[FROSTYBALLS]

The dates in the following guide are production dates. So in the case of the Avensis, a car built in February 2009, which may be affected, may not have been sold until a few weeks or months later.

 

[Heidfirst]

 

1 hour ago, Mike169 said:

Hi Mark, it only applies to models sold between 2006-2009 to be safe, diesels only, outside of this period it should be ok. I have a Rav 4 150 2012 and all being well they are trouble free. The T180 was fitted to the Aventis and Rav. Mike.

Stubb was looking at an Avensis T25 T180 specifically. Any Avensis produced in the later "safe" period would have been a T27.

 

p.s. Joseph posted in 2015 

[Mike169]

Heidfirst, thanks for commenting this was an old post, I had never noticed, Mike.

[Kennycab]

The head gasket failed on my car, I went through all the same options before repairing it.

The head can be skimmed if you can get a thicker gasket to make up for the amount skimmed off. It depends which gasket is on the engine now, mine was ok with 0.1mm skimmed off.

Looking at buying an older T180 then perhaps look for one where the owner has had the car a long time and can tell you how much or little oil it uses. You have no idea buying from a dealer. Also, is the T180 engine the same as an ordinary 2.2 or another more common 2.2 ? I know it produces more power but is that just due to different tuning and turbo etc. or the internals of the engine ? Perhaps you could get a used engine from a later model (2010 onwards) car from a reputable breaker and have that fitted if the head gasket goes.

Despite the gasket having gone on my car I would have another Avensis, considering a 2010 onwards model for next car.

[Heidfirst]

2 hours ago, Kennycab said:

Also, is the T180 engine the same as an ordinary 2.2 or another more common 2.2 ? I know it produces more power but is that just due to different tuning and turbo etc. or the internals of the engine ?

They are slightly different mechanically - differences include injectors, compression ratio & DPNR (or not). 150bhp 2.2 is 2AD-FTV, 180bhp is 2AD-FHV.

I did buy another 2.2 Avensis (head/head gasket did not go on my 2007) .