I have a 1992 Toyota 4runner with a 3.0 V6. I think I have a bad head...

[jeffreyk]

...gasket. But there is nothing in the oil? I just traded this for another vehicle. All was well and then it got real cold and it over heated. I found out that the radiator was bad and the belts were loose. I tightened all the belts and put in a new radiator and thermostat. I have added 3 gallons of antifreeze so far. When I took off the hose for the thermostat there was not much antifreeze that came out. It was more like muddy water. Is 3 gallons too much to fill the entire system and engine block? Any help would be great.

 

[jetfan2]

Cant be happening its a Japanese car right? They are supposed to be superior to American made.

I never thought so, do a compression test on the cylinders and see how they are, 3 gallons seems about right for coolant, do you have an owners manual? If not call Auto Zone and see if they can tell you how much it should take for the cooling system. It sounds like the coolant was neglected, it should not be muddy looking, is it running ok? If so you may just have to do some maintenance that is long over due, and it sounds like you are doing it. I hope that it will help you in what you are doing. A bad head gasket usually will let coolant enter the oil, but not always, is the water pump working correctly?, Is the radiator cap good also.

 

[billtdollarbillt]

Is your Toyota losing anti-freeze when you are driving?. If so that is one indication of a blown head gasket....the only way to really tell is with a commpression check of all cylinders.....3 gallons of coolant seems way too much to me, but better check with a technician....good luck