2008 Toyota Tacoma Leaky Head Gasket

Tiny
BRETTINVA
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA
  • 71,000 MILES
Accumulation of what appears to be old, gunky oil between the head and the block. This is right next to the oil dipstick. What really concerns me is the difference in color on the block (see pics). After researching this issue I learned that milkshake oil in the oil cap can be a symptom. I did notice this when the vehicle was brand new, but have not seen it for quite awhile (I've done all but 2 oil changes on my vehicle). I use Mobil 1 fully synthetic. Spark plugs were replaced at 58K, oil @ 5K intervals (as recommended), air filter changes at recommended intervals as well.
I have not noticed any reduction in coolant level, only a decent amount of condensation in the tail pipe, and steam until the engine is running at temp. My driving as changed lately, as my commute as greatly increased from about 20 miles a day to over 100. Engine seems to run smooth at speed. I want to say I feel it runs a little rougher at idle since I changed the spark plugs, but I'm not sure. It may just be my imagination. Toyota tech I knew briefly said he thought it sounded and felt fine.
Wednesday, October 9th, 2013 AT 7:04 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
I dont see any pics attached? Every vehicle will have a slight bit of milkyness under the oil fill cap. Thats normal condensation. Any moisture in your oil will boil off at 215degrees, and the steam rises-usually to the fill cap. There should be much. As far as your headgasket goes, have a block test performed to check for any combustion chamber leaks.

You stated you think it runs a little rougher at idle since plugs were replaced? Did you replace with the same as the factory recommended?
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Wednesday, October 9th, 2013 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
BRETTINVA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the quick reply. I'll try to attach pics to this reply. I did not replace spark plugs with same brand. I didn't know which ones to use until after I had removed them. I did replace with best Autolites I could get, and gapped them correctly. Funny thing they actually cost more than the OEM ones.
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Wednesday, October 9th, 2013 AT 8:03 PM
Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
That little bit of seepage? I wouldnt worry about it, however do keep an eye on it. Once you start getting a shiny fresh leak, I would have the gaskets replaced. In your pictures, the leak looks like your valve cover gaskets, and not head gaskets.
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Wednesday, October 9th, 2013 AT 8:07 PM

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