Hey dudes, bit of a read but please don't vague out half way through and close the tab hehehe :P
Just purchased a project which will eventually become my other half's car. AE92 auto w/4AFC, 268 thou on the clock & with what I suspect is a blown head gasket :( Oil floating in the coolant, but no coolant in the sump? I was always under the impression that when a head gasket allowed two galleries to mingle that everything got everywhere? Can anyone confirm this?
Weird thing is, the car still runs fine, just was low on coolant when I picked it up. The header tank was basically empty besides oily brown sludge, opened the radiator cap and found more of the same. Filled both up and it drove ok. Didn't overheat, if anything it lost and gained temp most likely due to lack of thermostat. Sound about right?
Now I'm no stranger to spanners but I've never done a head gasket before. This is my 1st Toyota so thought it best I join the hallowed members of Toyotadom on this fine site and hopefully pick some brains, mebbe get some help from the local gurus?! I'll also be grabbing a manual online but I just wanted some tips from those who've done it.
I've found a VRS kit on UK eBay here. Is this all I'll need when doing a head gasket? Timing belt was done at 230 thou apparently so that should still be ok.
What else should I do with the head off? Water pump? Any other seals?
Will I just need the head rebuilt/skimmed etc but the block should be fine to accept a new gasket?
If I was supposed to chuck up a member's ride or intro post first, my apologies and I'll take care of it asap. I searched around and didn't spot obligatory requirement for either. Also searched for info about 4AFC head gaskets and didn't find anything definitive like a guide. So...
Proof I'm no stranger to mechanical frustration and because I know you all love pics: