Engine Performance problem
2001 Toyota Corolla 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 70,000 miles
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Have a question for you, well its a bit more complicated than that. We have a 2001 corolla (bought it used 2 years ago at Langley Toyota). Lately its run poorly when cold, then the other day it stalled out, and the engine light came on the next day or so.

Langley Toyota looked at it and said that the code indicated multiple misfires (which makes sense). They pulled the plugs, 3 were tan colour and one was white. The mechanic is thinking that the head gasket is leaking, and antifreeze is causing the spark plug discolouration. (ugh). Then he motioned that if the head is warped, basically they would recommend replacing the entire engine (double ugh), as the head cannot be machined.

At this point they have the car overnight at the dealership so they can scope the cylinder when its cold in the am, and see if there is antifreeze getting in there.

Considering that we only have 70000 km on the car, it all seems a bit bizarre! Have you ever heard of this issue with the corolla?

Every think is possible

did you had any signs of overheating
and or white smoke out the exhaust
did you need to add any coolant
if you answer is yes then its very possible to have a bad gasket






… its uncommon!!!


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Head gasket,s just do,nt go bad, If you,re car had overheated do to a loss of coolant or cooling fan,s not coming on then maybe. Like bmrfixit said you would have coolant loss, white smoke out tail pipe etc. Plug wires are more likely the cause, or plug,s them selves.They only last about 70,000 miles or so and A complete t-up is in order.Stay away from dealers as they will alway,s want to sell you a new engine(less hassle for them) and most will try and talk you into a new car.Yes you can replace just the head gasket, and you can machine the head a little, but if too much replace just the cyl. head.

Hi ghocking,

Get a second opinion.