[jjordan128]

I have came to the conclusion that the head gasket has blown on my 1993 Previa LE with 291,000. She was driving great up until a couple of weeks ago when someone (NOT ME, for the record) accidentally left the coolant reservoir cap off, not realizing the mistake until the van had been driven 30 miles and turned off because it got so hot. At this point he filled the system up with water and used what he had available to act as a makeshift lid to the tank. The van drove fine for 25 mile. About a mile before the exit to our house, there was a strange noise near the gas tank/back driver's side tire. The van cut off and was parked on the off ramp to the interstate.

Thinking it was the coolant, he walked home and then returned with water and the cap. It didn't work. I got it towed home and upon inspection noticed what I thought was the main issue. The crimped fuel hose on the left side of the engine on the fuel rail had somehow failed; obviously preventing fuel from ever reaching the engine.


I know that it is a high pressure system, and needs a crimped hose. But I fixed it to where I thought it would at least get me to the junkyard so I can pull a fuel rail. But it hasn't ran in 4 weeks.

I removed the spark plugs and immediately noticed water inside the cylinders and coming out of the exhaust. The most water was in the second cylinder from the left hand side of the engine. I drived to engine and exhaust system out. still no luck.

So I conducted a compression test. All 4 cylinders were between 0-10 psi.

I was told by a mechanic friend of mine that the engine needs to be rebuilt if I want the van to run again.

Another one said I should take a look at the timing first?

Anyone have any advice for me? My next step is to buy the valve grind gasket kit and give it a go.

PS I also found a loose cam lifter behind my valve cover.

HELP

 

[Bitter]

If you have water in the cylinders then the head gasket is failed likely due to a warped head from overheating. A new or rebuilt head is probably going to be required at minimum and the block should be inspected for warpage due to overheating as well, which means pulling the engine and sending it to a machine shop.

 

[Esoteric Image]

^^

this


But IF the van is in good condition, trans has been taken care of, rebuilding the engine is still alot less than buying a new car.


Shaving the block and head will bump up compression which will give you better throttle response and increased MPGs


Deglazing the cylinder walls for new rings will keep the compression stable.


New bearings on the mains and rods is def needed. Probably a good idea to get a new oil pump and water pump as well.


These will all be taken off for a proper rebuild. Replacing with new parts is just part of the process. Still cheaper than a new car.