2000 4cyl - blown head gasket or no?
Lazy John
11-15-2006, 03:00 PM
A week ago Sunday, my "check engine" light came on. My vehicle now idles a bit rough and has lost a few miles per gallon in gas mileage, and it seems to have more power than it did before the "check engine" light came on. Friends who have driven it seem to think it's an oxygen sensor. The local dealership is trying to tell me it might be a blown head gasket (which they charge thousands to fix), but I've done some research and my vehicle is not exhibiting even one of the classic blown head gasket symptoms. The oil dipstick is not bubbly. There is no white exhaust coming from the engine. There is no liquid coming out of the tailpipe. The vehicle is not running hot.
Any answers?
L J
Any answers?
L J
fourwd1
11-15-2006, 11:53 PM
Have the codes read to find out why the Check Engine Light is on, and you'll probably have your answer. And it doesn't sound like a blown HG, but a pressure check of your cooling system and/or an engine compression check would tell you for sure.
Lazy John
11-16-2006, 10:05 AM
My AC has not worked for a year (probably a leak in the line), so I doubt that's a factor. I will have my mobile mechanic check the engine compression, though. Thanks!
L J
L J
4Wheel
11-16-2006, 03:10 PM
Pull the code FIRST!
Are there bubbles coming from the radiator overflow tube in the OF tank? This is another sure sign of head gasket problems (once at operating temp)
He was referring to a coolant system "leak down" test this will tell if there is a compromised cooling system. (head gasket leaking).
This is around 14lbs pressure compared to around 100lbs compression test so if the head gasket has only a slight leak it wont show up on the compression check.
Are there bubbles coming from the radiator overflow tube in the OF tank? This is another sure sign of head gasket problems (once at operating temp)
He was referring to a coolant system "leak down" test this will tell if there is a compromised cooling system. (head gasket leaking).
This is around 14lbs pressure compared to around 100lbs compression test so if the head gasket has only a slight leak it wont show up on the compression check.
Lazy John
11-16-2006, 03:56 PM
My mechanic will pull the code first. I have none of the classic blown head gasket symptoms, including the one you mentioned. Thanks for the clarification.
L J
L J
4Wheel
11-17-2006, 12:16 PM
Post back with what the code was and resolution. Im interested to see what it was. Good luck
Lazy John
11-25-2006, 02:44 PM
It was an 02 sensor, just as I thought.
byerjv
11-25-2006, 07:32 PM
A week ago Sunday, my "check engine" light came on. My vehicle now idles a bit rough and has lost a few miles per gallon in gas mileage, and it seems to have more power than it did before the "check engine" light came on. Friends who have driven it seem to think it's an oxygen sensor. The local dealership is trying to tell me it might be a blown head gasket (which they charge thousands to fix), but I've done some research and my vehicle is not exhibiting even one of the classic blown head gasket symptoms. The oil dipstick is not bubbly. There is no white exhaust coming from the engine. There is no liquid coming out of the tailpipe. The vehicle is not running hot.
Any answers?
L J
From what I've heard - Stay away from the Toyota Service Centers. Ask your friends for a trusted mechanic and get a second opinion. It does not sound like a blown head gasket. A small hand held computer shoud reveal the problem. Is the gas cap on tight?
Any answers?
L J
From what I've heard - Stay away from the Toyota Service Centers. Ask your friends for a trusted mechanic and get a second opinion. It does not sound like a blown head gasket. A small hand held computer shoud reveal the problem. Is the gas cap on tight?
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