Head Gasket Replacement 3vz-FE

[DarkSideMoon]

After several months of cooling issues I think I've ruled out just about every part of my system except for the head gaskets, so I'm going to do a compression test to confirm my theory. Assuming the gaskets are bad, what else should I replace while I'm down there? I have a haynes manual and the service guide, a week of time, my dad's help, and your normal array of tools. Is there anything else in specific I should pick up beforehand?

[Mister_Perkins]

you should put the motor at TDC and run a leak-down test as well. Open your radiator cap and monitor the coolant. If it starts bubbling, air is pushing past the gasket into the radiator. you can also do a Hydrocarbon test which is easy to do as well. This test will tell you if there is exhaust gases in the coolant.

Make sure if you do end up replacing the head gaskets to have the heads checked / re-surfaced by a machine shop. No sense in putting a new gasket on a cracked or warped head.

Good Luck!

Edit:

Worst case scenario on the coolant problem is you may have a Cracked water jacket. If this is the case, you will have to replace the block. (This is rare and usually isnt the case though)

[rusty9]

Indeed, leakdown test is much better than a compression test for a small gasket leak. I still had 200+psi on all 6 cylinders when mine was bad.

You'll most likely need a full gasket set, and while you have the intake manifolds off its a good opportunity to soak them in a big tub of simple green and scrub them nice and clean on the insides with a long bottle brush, or a cheap toilet brush :P. Be sure to get new head bolts too, DO NOT skimp on this and reuse the old ones.