Low coolant, but it refills itself.

[AJ'S 88NA]

Compression test and block test are different. Block test kit you can get at NAPA, it will test for compression gases in the coolant. Compression test and leak down test most times will show a BHG.

 

[suprarx7nut]

I got the cheapo gasket kit from Mizumo auto parts on ebay. I used a Toyota OEM head gasket straight from the dealer. DO NOT use an el-cheapo head gasket. Honestly, for the intake gaskets I don't really need to have the nicest gasket. The exhaust manifold gasket, however, you may want to buy from toyota. Up to you.

Block test is very different. Compression tests the cylinders for pressure(tests rings, walls, valves and head gasket), while a block test or combustion gas test checks the coolant for exhaust gases which can be a tell tale sign of a BHG. the kit should be about 50 bucks and gives you some special container with vacuum hose and some [usually blue] fluid. It will have instructions on how to use it.

Feel free to PM me with any questions. I'm generally pretty busy, but I dont mind answering quick questions to help some members here out.

 

[Phantom]

So, an update is that the motor is still running.

My plan now is to rebuild the motor while taking an engine repair course at the city college. I will be enrolled in a few months. Still have got to figure a few other things out before then, such as what I'll be able to drive while rebuilding the motor or whether to buy a junkyard 7MGE and rebuild that while I'm driving my Supra with the existing motor still running.

Still haven't decided which gasket kit to go with, but I suppose I'll be going with a Stone kit or a ITM kit. Debating whether to use the head gasket that comes with those kits or to just get an OEM head gasket from Toyota. Are the head gasket in the Stone kit or ITM kit good? I would assume so, but any inputs would be appreciated.

For sure I have to get ARP head bolts.

 

[Rennat]

partsdinosaur.com

had zero issues with any of their gaskets... except the throttle body one... which everybody has a problem with. nothing a razor blade cant fix.

but if your going to go through the trouble to use arp head bolts/studs, then get a metal head gasket, the cometic has a "rougher" finish spec. i believe its 50RA. and the hks is 30RA.

If you can, get a junkyard engine and fix that, that way your not going to be stranded for a long time.

 

[Phantom]

partsdinosaur.com

had zero issues with any of their gaskets... except the throttle body one... which everybody has a problem with. nothing a razor blade cant fix.

but if your going to go through the trouble to use arp head bolts/studs, then get a metal head gasket, the cometic has a "rougher" finish spec. i believe its 50RA. and the hks is 30RA.

If you can, get a junkyard engine and fix that, that way your not going to be stranded for a long time.

I thought I would have to machine the cylinder head and the block for a metal head gasket. My budget would not be able to fit any machining work.
If I can install a metal head gasket without any machining work that would be great. Is it okay if I did this?

I'm going with the ARP head bolts because I wouldn't be able to torque the stock Toyota head bolts to 72 ft. lbs.

Or could I actually retorque the factory Toyota head bolts up to 72 ft. lbs.?

So the only modification for the ITM kit was just the one throttle body gasket?

 

[jgcable]

I thought I would have to machine the cylinder head and the block for a metal head gasket. My budget would not be able to fit any machining work.
If I can install a metal head gasket without any machining work that would be great. Is it okay if I did this?

I'm going with the ARP head bolts because I wouldn't be able to torque the stock Toyota head bolts to 72 ft. lbs.

Or could I actually retorque the factory Toyota head bolts up to 72 ft. lbs.?

So the only modification for the ITM kit was just the one throttle body gasket?

You should order new bolts from a Toyota Dealer if you don't want to spend the extra bucks for ARP bolts. You can tork them to 72 ft.lbs. no problem. Don't reuse your existing factory bolts. Also.. make sure you do a retorque after around 5-7 heat cycles or a few hundred miles.

 

[AJ'S 88NA]

No you can't use a MHG without machining the block and the head.

 

[jdub]

If the head bolts on the motor right now are at factory torque, I'd re-use them in a heartbeat
Torque to 70-75 ft/lbs and call it a day.

If you get ARP bolts, use the ARP spec...75 ft/lbs on an aluminum head using moly for lube. ARP studs are better...the spec is 85 ft/lbs using moly.

The block and head decks MUST be flat regardless of the type HG used...you need to check both!

Make sure you chase the block bolt holes regardless of the head bolts used.

You can use copper spray on an OEM composite gasket...a couple coats, wait till tacky and lay it on the block deck using the index pins for alignment. You get one chance to do this right.

 

[Phantom]

Thanks everyone.

I might be going towards an ITM engine gasket kit.

jdub, I am guessing that "chase the block bolt holes" means to clean the bolt holes.

Thanks for the bolt specs.

 

[jdub]

It does do that, but requires a tool similar to a tap. And it's called.....a chaser! :biglaugh:
It deburs the threads and preps the hole for the longer thread length studs.