For all the gearheads out there

[gregzz4]

Thanks guys !!

The intake and heads are aluminum so the gaskets were torqued to 25lbs both last time and this time. I started at hand tight, then 15, 20 and finally 25 twice
The port openings on the head are less than an 1/8" taller than the manifold
I think it's the gaskets being a smidge too big for the application and not getting enough purchase on the inner of the ports

I hope it's the last time I have to do it but as I said if it's an issue again, I'll get the factory gaskets from GMPP

[mike31154]

Good stuff, relatively easy fix. I've been driving a Japanese import Toyota Surf (4-Runner) with a 2LTE diesel engine for a few years now. Should have done a bit more research on that engine prior to the purchase! The early production years had problems with heads cracking. Yep, I had to replace the head several years ago. More than a bit of a pain since I had just replaced the timing belt at 100,000 kms. Anyhow, new head, figured I should be good for a few more winters now. Not too likely. Early November there's a pool of diesel under the vehicle and it's leaking from the injector pump. Hard to see exactly where the leak is, but looks like on the side of the pump up against the engine block. No easy fix, have to pull the pump which means dismantling the front of the engine (again), radiator out, timing cover off etc...

Sure enough an o-ring under a plate that houses the timing piston in the injector pump comes out in pieces, totally dried out & flattened. Local diesel injection shop can overhaul it, but because it's the EFI model of pump, can't bench test it. A new pump from the place I purchased the vehicle is $1700. The overhaul would likely also cost about $1K, & without bench test, doesn't make much sense, since other than the seal, the pump was working great. No one local has a seal kit, it's too cold outside now to be working on the thing in an unheated car port, so I now have a new truck!

Older vehicles are a continual challenge & cold weather will often make bad things happen. If this had happened during the warm season, I probably wouldn't be driving a new truck now. On the plus side, it could have happened in the middle of winter on the highway between Golden & Kimberley or some other god forsaken road & I'd be stranded. Now that I have a new ride, I can take my time, replace the seals next spring & have a good winter beater for many years to come. New vehicles are pricey though, beans & wieners for a few years now for dinner.

Cover plate off


Knackered seal


Cover plate on other side of pump. This one could have been changed without pulling the pump. I should be so lucky, but judging by it's condition, I'll be changing as many seals as I can without getting into the guts of the pump, which is best left to a pro


The other seal. Wouldn't have lasted much longer either. All remaining seals I could easily check looked ok.