coolant on pistons!!!!! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

eishiba · 09-21-2010, 04:39 PM

So I know I'm going on about my 91 corolla coolant bubbling. I wish I could have taken a video but pics will have to do. I got the head back off and all four cylinder pistons have coolant on them although in this video of compiled pics only two cylinders are shown. The head gasket has burn or tear marks. I'm not sure which or if its something else. I don't see any major cracks on the under side of the head. Will I need to flush the engine somehow to get the coolant out?

You Tube

Please help.

ELUSIV Rolla · 09-21-2010, 04:59 PM

Just try get as much as you can out with a cloth or whatever, then I'd suggest an oil change after you've replaced gasket. Should be alright.

eishiba · 09-21-2010, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ELUSIV Rolla

Just try get as much as you can out with a cloth or whatever, then I'd suggest an oil change after you've replaced gasket. Should be alright.

I was also wondering. If you look at the "backside of number 3." Along the bottom there is a U shaped mark where the top of the block rests. There is also similar marks above on the bottom of the head. The first two cylinders have cut out in them like water is supposed to travel through the gasket where the U shaped mark would be at on the 3rd cylinder. but 3 and 4 don't. Except for a small small small tiny hole. Does water not travel by all four cylinders?

SuLLiVaN88 · 09-22-2010, 11:13 AM

you could you a shop vac to get coolant out of the cylinders

***SCT*** · 09-22-2010, 07:39 PM

You can use paper towels to soak up the moisture in the cylinders. A few drops in there when you install is nothing, it will get burned out (evaporated is the proper word). As long as they're not full of water/ liquid, you'll be fine.

You can buy a straightedge from the autopart store, may be expensive. It's a perfectly straight ruler-like tool. And buy a set of feeler gauges. All to check for warpage on the mating surfaces of the head and the engine block. Warpage is basically a non-flat surface pertaining to the mating surfaces of the head and block. Warpage can cause head gasket failures between cylinders and water jackets or both... then you have your power loss, shitty engine, etc. etc. troubles.

eishiba · 09-26-2010, 08:55 AM

should i try to scrap off any old gasket left behind on the block or bottom of the head if there is?

SuLLiVaN88 · 09-26-2010, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eishiba

should i try to scrap off any old gasket left behind on the block or bottom of the head if there is?

Definitely! Use a razor blade to get the old gasket off the block and head be careful not to nick the metal with ur razor.

If you leave old gasket your new gasket will not seal properly amd that will cause premature failing of the gasket

eishiba · 09-26-2010, 10:43 AM

any razor blade will work? does gasket sealant really help? or is it not worth wasting money on?

SuLLiVaN88 · 09-27-2010, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eishiba

any razor blade will work? does gasket sealant really help? or is it not worth wasting money on?

a straight edge blade is best but any will work to clean it

as far as the sealant. i wouldnt suggest it. when i built my 7mge(toyota inline 6 motor) the factory manual said to only use a sealant(rtv was my choice) where the timing cover and block meet but not over the whole surface of the head.

if you get the mating surfaces clean and properly torque the head down it should seal on its own with no problem

eishiba · 09-27-2010, 01:32 PM

What should I torque the head bolts down to?

SuLLiVaN88 · 09-27-2010, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eishiba

What should I torque the head bolts down to?

the torque specs for both the 4afe and 4af ( i think you have the 4afe) is 44 ft lbs

sequence for head bolt torquing for 4af is:

sequence for the 4afe is:

eishiba · 09-27-2010, 04:52 PM

id say its time to go out and get me a torque wrench.

SuLLiVaN88 · 09-27-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eishiba

id say its time to go out and get me a torque wrench.

id have to agree lol. you dont want to overtighten those bolts otherwise they will snap or you will crack your head. neither is fun to fix

eishiba · 10-01-2010, 03:03 PM

he he he he he it runs! it doesn't bubble! I even took the thing out on the highway for a spin. Alot more fun than my 89 century i bought. time for another question. 3rd gear grinds. i guess the synchro is out? i guess thats what everyone calls it. when it grinds, is it the flywheel thats grinding? or the clutch? is it easier to fix this or just get another transmission?