I have a leaking head gasket on my 2005 4.0L V6 1GR-FE Tacoma with ~166k miles and am planning to replace both gaskets myself. I'm also going to replace the water pump and thermostat at the same time. As far as I know, the engine never overheated. I discovered the problem when I opened my radiator cap during an oil change and saw that it was 1.5-2 liters low, and have done some tests since then to confirm the problem. I don't have access to a hoist or engine stand though, which means I'll have to do this with the engine still in the truck. I've never done this kind of work on a modern aluminum engine, or even an OHC engine to be honest, and I have a few questions:
1) Is this repair possible or advisable without removing the engine?
2) Do I really need to remove the front differential housing?
3) Will I need any tools other than ordinary hand tools (sockets, wrenches, pliers), a torque wrench, and an ordinary harmonic balancer puller?
4) Is it OK to reuse the head bolts?
5) Is it OK to skip taking the heads to a machine shop if I check them with a straight edge and they are within tolerance?
6) Is there anything else I should know? Any tips from people who have done this?
Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks!
1) Is this repair possible or advisable without removing the engine?
2) Do I really need to remove the front differential housing?
3) Will I need any tools other than ordinary hand tools (sockets, wrenches, pliers), a torque wrench, and an ordinary harmonic balancer puller?
4) Is it OK to reuse the head bolts?
5) Is it OK to skip taking the heads to a machine shop if I check them with a straight edge and they are within tolerance?
6) Is there anything else I should know? Any tips from people who have done this?
Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks!