Toyota Pickup V6 Coolant Loss

TOYOTA PICKUP
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LOSONE
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I see many posts for Toyota trucks with a V-6 engine with problems with losing coolant, pulsing water in the radiator, water inside the engine or unknown engine misfire.

Toyota has known for a long time they have had problems with their headgaskets. They have issued a non-published recall (VO-6)to correct the problem.
Apr 22, 2006 at 11:42 AM
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SKYWALKER165043
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I have been reading about the head gasket problem and would like to know if it is particular to one side or the other. My 5vzfe with 95,000 miles, is running strong, but has a loud valve tappet at the number one cylinder. I am losing coolant from the recovery tank slowly, and cannot find any external leaks. I have a lot of condensation coming from the exhaust during warn up and strong sulfur smell. My next test would be a compression/cylinder leak down. I just replaced the plugs "Bosch twin Platinum" and oil change to Mobil 1, 5w30. Mileage is getting better, around nineteen to twenty mpg. I just replaced the timing belt and water pump, original pump was weeping. Have been looking at replacing both HG's with Felpro kit. And then adjusting valves. No oil leaks. Do you recommend valve grind, head resurfacing before assembly?
Mar 3, 2007 at 2:28 AM
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LOSONE
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It is a common failure on your engine. I strongly recommend you visit a Toyota dealer ship and get the job done free under recall VO6. Number one or two cylinders are the first to go and then it will need gaskets.

Toyota recognizes the problem. Make sure you replace the knock sensor when the job is accomplished as it is under the intake.

Do not wait too long. Water is not compressible and you could suffer piston and head damage. I have seen Toyota replace both heads at no cost.

Good Luck and let me know.

Losone
Mar 3, 2007 at 3:03 AM
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SKYWALKER165043
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I thought about that, but was not sure if my truck would be covered under the recall? The local Toyota dealer is just up the street, I should make an appointment. Thanks.

I have never been a big fan of the dealership maintenance. I have always done all my own work, but this seems to be very involved work and time consuming. what would be a average estimate for them to complete the job? Would they do both heads? I just spoke to the dealer and they told me my VIN number was not covered by the recall. said that i could ignore the loss of coolant and if it gets worse would basically have to pay for the repair. I have read that some customers have gotten stiffed by their dealers too!
Mar 3, 2007 at 3:19 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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I am going to chime in on the knock sensor. It is usually the pig-tail lead that goes from the sensor to the main wiring harness that goes out on those, have it replaced for sure.
May 27, 2007 at 1:36 AM
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CHERRYJERRY
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How can I find out information on this recall? I have a 1991 pick up, V6, four wheel drive, five speed.

I see many posts for Toyota trucks with a V-6 engine with problems with losing coolant, pulsing water in the radiator, water inside the engine or unknown engine misfire.

Toyota has known for a long time they have had problems with their head gaskets. They have issued a non-published recall (VO-6)to correct the problem.
Oct 22, 2007 at 7:00 PM
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2CARPRO JACK
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There are a couple of earlier posts with links to some of the information. Best bet is to go to Toyota dealer and talk to them, be the squeaky wheel, and you will get greased. Spent a few years at a dealer and seen it many times. Do you have maintenance receipts for the cooling system and such? that would help your cause if the truck was not neglected, just poor design.
Oct 23, 2007 at 12:55 AM
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Suggested Repair

Have a Toyota dealer check VIN coverage for campaign VO-6 and press for both head gaskets if eligible. If not covered, do not ignore slow coolant loss: confirm with a compression or leak-down test and repair both head gaskets promptly to avoid piston or head damage. Replace the knock sensor and its pigtail while the intake is off. Maintenance records may help a goodwill request.

Conversation Summary

Owners of Toyota V6 pickups reported coolant loss, radiator pulsing, water in the engine, misfires, exhaust condensation, and a sulfur smell, linked to known head-gasket failure. One owner with a 5VZ-FE and about 95,000 miles had no external leaks, a noisy No. 1 tappet, and was considering Fel-Pro gaskets and valve work after a timing-belt and water-pump job. Experts said cylinders 1 and 2 often fail first, advised prompt gasket repair because coolant can damage pistons and heads, and recommended replacing the knock sensor and its pigtail. A dealer said one VIN was not covered; another owner with a 1991 V6 was told to ask the dealer directly and bring cooling-system service records.

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