[MR2] '95 Toyota PU -high oil level - low water level

[Aaron Willis]

22Rs and 22Res do tend to go through head gaskets after a certain age, and will often continue to do so once the first one pops.  We tend to suspect the repeat failures are due to several factors, most of them budget related; in other words, people tend to replace the head gasket with an aftermarket part (i.e. Fel-Pro or similar), often do not replace head bolts (or use aftermarket bolts if they do), and often fail to properly check or repair the block and head surfaces.  Slamming a cheap head gasket in an R-series engine with little or no prep is a great way to guarantee a return visit for another BHG.

As others have mentioned, there are more scientific ways to verify a blown head gasket, such as checking for hydrocarbons in the cooling system.  It's a common enough failure on this engine to warrant a thorough examination before jumping to conclusions either way.


Aaron Willis, Parts Dept. - Lithia Toyota Scion of Springfield, OR
541.736.3221 (direct) - 800.888.6305 (toll free) - 541.747.4174 (fax)
Official vendor: www.mr2oc.com and www.mr2.com


-----Original Message-----
From: mr2-bounces at mr2.com [mailto:mr2-bounces at mr2.com] On Behalf Of Gail King
Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 8:54 AM
To: mr2 at mr2.com
Subject: [MR2] '95 Toyota PU -high oil level - low water level

You all have given me so much help with my '91 MR2 through the years ~ Thanks to you, it is still running great!  But now I have another problem and don't know what to do next... Can anyone offer any insights to my sad story below?
 
I have a 1995 Toyota Pick Up with the 22 RE engine and 204,000 miles.  The mechanic believes that oil and water is mixing, because he found the oil high (approx 1/2 qt) and the water low (approx 1 qt).  He said it could be one of three things, the head, head gasket or intake (something) and could cost between $1K and as high as $4K and recommended getting a new truck.  I have limited funds and prefer not to go in debt for a truck at this time.  What is the most cost effective way to determine what this problem is, to help make the decision of repairing it or buying a different truck? 
 
I just drained the oil to examine it, and could see no signs of water. What else could cause the oil to be high and the water low?  To be honest, I haven't checked the water for some time but I personally changed the oil 300 miles ago and am sure that I did it exactly like I always do.. 4 1/2 quarts with the Toyota filter, which has always put it exactly at the Full line.  
 
I don't know if it matters but I noticed the truck exhaust pipe dripping water (a good while after it was warmed up) while it sat idling.
 
Thanks, Gail
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