1985 Toyota Pickup Diagnostic test for Cracked cylinder blo

Tiny
SOCCER34REF
  • MEMBER
  • 1985 TOYOTA PICKUP
Engine Mechanical problem
1985 Toyota Pickup 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 146K miles

Truck overheated, no coolant in radiator. Engine stalled. Have water and oil on dipstick.(Cappucino color) I'm thinking blown head gasket. Mechanic pulls spark plug and finds it dry.
States that could be head gasket, but has to take it apart and examine closely. But there is a possibility after they replace head gasket and reassemble, may still have problem, which means a cracked cylinder block which mean replacing the motor.

Is there a diagnostic test to determine a cracked cylinder block? I hate spending money on labor and parts on a blown head gasket. Only to find out I have to replace the motor. Seems like a waste of money.

Thanks
Saturday, June 20th, 2009 AT 3:33 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
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The test for checking a cracked block is to magnaflux it, this means taking it apart anyway. You can try this, but I havent. Let me know if you try it. What happens when you refill with water? Pressure test been done?
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Saturday, June 20th, 2009 AT 4:22 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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The have the head pressure tested for cracks if the blown head gasket isnt obvious. If head is bad, block is good. Otherwise Merlin nailed it, total disassembly for amagnaflux check.I personally havent heard of a22R or 22RE cracking ablock. Many cylinder head issues though. Also check to see if hte iming chain guide has broken, this will let thechain grind through thetiming cover, causing coolant loss and chocolate milk like you describe
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Monday, June 29th, 2009 AT 2:22 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
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Just to clarify this answer, I am not recomending any product, only suggesting you could try it as a last resort, if the next stop is the junk yard. I HAVE NOT used this product, and only suggested it as a way of saving money, the rest of my answer still stands, good luck with it!
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Monday, June 29th, 2009 AT 5:43 PM
Tiny
SOCCER34REF
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To 2 car pro jack,

Hey, my mechanic found exactly what you suggested the timing chain bracket ground a hole in the timing cover. Good Call

However Mechanic suggested to resurface head while they had it apart. They sent out head and reported the camshaft was not good. My mechanic states they wouldn't know of this normally with out disassemly of head. I get the feeling I might be getting bad deal here. Anyway I have to replace camshaft and install new head. Is my mechanic right? Just wondering I'm getting taken for a ride?

Appreciate a response. Thanks, Verne
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Monday, June 29th, 2009 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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Did they say was wasnt "good" about the cam? Those 4 cyl Toyotas are one of the most durable engines, but things can go bad. Have them pressure test the head, just to be absolutely sure it is good. Those rot out around the exhaust ports internally and dont always leak into the engine or the cylinders, best to check now while it is apart. As far as the cam goes, ask to see what is wrong, I cant really giver an opinion without seeing it. I do strongly suggest a new timing chain, tensioner and guide set as well while it is apart
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Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 AT 7:42 AM

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