Head Gasket problem

[scooter1975]

Hey, I was wondering if anyone out there has ever heard of Heal-A-Seal or has ever used it. I have read everywhere about all of the problems with the head gaskets in the toyota 4-Runner's somewhere between 90' and 95' or so. I have a 91' and have a blown head gasket and when I was searching the net to find info on replacing it I came across this product. Any info could help me out so that I can save time if I have to fix it myself or $ if I decide to just take it in to be fixed. Thanks.

[Brian R.]

No, I've never used it or heard of anyone using it. If you want a gut feeling about it, here it is:

The ad you linked to states the following:

"First, some basics about the Engine Cooling System and its functioning methods:

What takes place within the Cylinders of every Internal Combustion Engine (Gasoline or Diesel) is a 'Controlled Explosion' of the fuel which is powering the Engine. The energy that is created pushes the Pistons downwards which is then turned into a Rotational movement, and which movement is then further transferred to its final form where it turns the wheels of the vehicle.
The significant by-product of the Combustion Process is a creation of a tremendous amount of heat. This heat energy must be dissipated in the most efficient way... as any excessive temperature which is beyond the capacity of the materials used for the construction of an engine would eventually cause the destruction of those components and the engine itself.
Thus there is a need for a reliable Cooling System as close as possible to the Heat Source - the Engine Cylinder Block and the Engine Head!
And that is exactly what gets damaged when a failure of the Cooling System occurs!"

This is a really basic description, as you can probably tell. What this means to me is that they are marketing this product to people who know little or nothing about engines and are hoping to avoid a costly repair job. This type of marketing suggests strongly that the product would be rejected by anyone with a modest knowledge of engines - and maybe for good reason.

I suggest you don't waste your money and time, and possibly cause further damage to your engine, by trying this product. There is a smell to this ad that I don't like.

JMHO

[scooter1975]

Thank you VERY much for your input and response. I do agree with you, after posting this on here I had thought about it more and figured that if anything that it would probably do more damage than good. I mean say I go ahead and use it and then later down the road I have another problem that I have to address that is inside somewhere and I have to remove the head from the block again. Well from the sounds of what this product does, I would have a heck of a time trying to actually be able to even seperate the parts. I mean it says that it hardens to a 'bulletproof' and 'fireproof' mass which then serves as a permanent separation between the Combustion Chamber and Coolant Passages within the Heads, Cylinder Block and/or Head Gaskets. HAHA I would have to bet that this stuff would be pretty hard to have to get off your block or head if you ever had to get back inside. So, all and all, like I said I would have to agree with you on this. Waste of time and money. Thanks again!!

[Brian R.]

You're welcome