Other parts to replace while replacing Head Gasket

[VanCo]

I'm currently running a turbo with head bolts (not studs). Since I'm running a turbo the likelihood of head gasket failure is high. That being said, I have not had good luck with composite gaskets, aftermarket or Toyota, they don't hold up. I'm currently running a 4y forklift stainless multi layer steel (MLS) gasket off eBay. I currently experience head lift at around 12psi, but the MLS gasket seals right back up. Composite gaskets distort into water passages, and permanently leak from then on. Same if overheated.

Using this gasket is a bit more advanced on the diy scale. You'll notice missing water ports on the gasket that are needed for the van head. I punched these out myself. Also MLS gaskets need a mirror flat surface on the head and block. A machine shop can help with that.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F112980402458

[MyToy]

For sure Tim, I just checked it myself also. Never saw this one but yea, same thing months out. So not for me I have to get this puppy back on the road.

Did you have any thoughts about the covered up passage ways I showed in the head? You must have used an original Toyota head with your history, ever notice this? I am tending to think I should cut them clear.
Any thoughts on that?

mt

[MyToy]

I'm currently running a turbo with head bolts (not studs). Since I'm running a turbo the likelihood of head gasket failure is high. That being said, I have not had good luck with composite gaskets, aftermarket or Toyota, they don't hold up. I'm currently running a 4y forklift stainless multi layer steel (MLS) gasket off eBay. I currently experience head lift at around 12psi, but the MLS gasket seals right back up. Composite gaskets distort into water passages, and permanently leak from then on. Same if overheated.

Using this gasket is a bit more advanced on the diy scale. You'll notice missing water ports on the gasket that are needed for the van head. I punched these out myself. Also MLS gaskets need a mirror flat surface on the head and block. A machine shop can help with that.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F112980402458

Interesting, I will have to follow this one also. So you punched yours out? Hmmmm.

Thanks for the input
mt

[VanCo]

Interesting, I will have to follow this one also. So you punched yours out? Hmmmm.

Thanks for the input
mt

The smaller and missing holes in the composite gaskets made for the 4yec are supposed to be like that. You don't need to modify them.

The MLS gasket was missing the holes that even the composite gasket had. Not sure why but its missing pretty much every large cooling hole. Must be because it's for a forklift 4y. You can see it in the pic on eBay.

I used a die and press to add the holes. Interestingly enough, the holes I made were still smaller than any composite gasket coolant holes. Even so, the cooling is better and more consistent than I have ever experienced while running a turbo.

If it works for a turbo engine, it should be bomb proof for a naturally aspirated engine.

[timsrv]

I wonder if it would seal against the factory mill marks on the deck surface of the block??? I'm guessing that would be a bit iffy. Thoughts? I'd probably go this route if I had the engine torn down and at the machine shop (I'd have them make the head and the deck surfaces smooth & shiny). I'm thinking this mod is probably not for the guy doing a head gasket in his garage with the block still installed in the van. Tim

[VanCo]

The surfaces need to be extremely smooth. I don't think it would seal right on mill marks. There are techniques to get a smooth surface without a machine shop, but a machined surface is best.

With a properly prepped surface and MLS gasket no gasket prep or spray is needed; however, you can use copper spray gasket if the surface is less than perfect, but that is not ideal.

[timsrv]

The OEM Valve Grind Gasket Kit (04112-73035) I ordered from ToyotaPartsDeal.com arrived today. MyToy, you might want to call them and have somebody double check status on that part number. I have doubts on the one I ordered from Amazon though as when I check my order status it only says "Arriving August 13 - September 24". I also ordered 2 of those MLS gaskets off of eBay and they are on their way. I guess I'm all set for head gaskets for a while now. Tim

[MyToy]

WHAT!!!!!!

These SOB's
I have been on the phone with these idiots all week long with several orders in since I have staged my garage and people to finish this head work this long weekend. Everyone came through except ToyotaDeals. They have no brains.
Now I have the van torn down to the block, other cars out of the garage to allow for extra tables and tools with just a Flo Pro gasket kit and you tell me this??
Oh crap, I really fear putting this Flo Pro in. I guess I will have to eat crow AGAIN and call them on Monday. So I close down the project until I have some lead on a gasket.
Tim, again can tell fill me in on this MLS gasket from eBay in case I fail to come up with one from Toy?
Is it as good as theirs?

What a Joke
Thanks for the heads up Tim.

[bushcat]

Do people recommend getting the timing chain replaced when doing the head gasket? van has 205k miles, timing chain may be original. If so, is after market ok for this?

[timsrv]

Because these are "old school" engines without overhead cams, the timing gears/chain does not need to be messed with to replace a head gasket. That being said, 200 k + miles is starting to "get up there" and if I had to do a head gasket on one with this many miles I'd most likely pull the entire engine and do much more (including the timing set). 200 k miles isn't extreme though, so if you decide to chance it, I could also understand that approach. It basically boils down to you, your time, your budget, and your future plans/goals for the van.

If you do replace the timing set, you should read the following post before doing so: https://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/...2491#post12491. Good luck. Tim

[bushcat]

Thanks Tim for the info. I have one question before ordering the valve grind gasket set. I have a 3y and as mentioned earlier in this thread the part number for that is 04112-73054. When searching for my van on toyotapartsdeal I came across 04112-73010 which says it was replaced by 04112-73054. The weird thing is that the part that replaced it 73054 is discontinued yet the original part 73010 is showing as available. Am I ordering the right part for my 3y with 04112-73010? I searched this forum for part number 04112-73054 and found nothing.

https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/...0=YR27LV-MREA)