Symptoms
Coolant disappearing with no external leak, white exhaust, overheating, cylinder 6 misfire. 4Runners.com members call blown gaskets almost inevitable on an un-repaired 3VZ-E.
The fix, step by step
- Drain coolant and oil, remove the intake plenum, exhaust crossover and timing belt, then the cams and both heads.
- Have the heads checked for flatness and resurfaced if needed — MLS gaskets want a very smooth deck finish.
- Refit with new gaskets and head bolts or studs, and replace the timing belt, water pump and thermostat at the same time.
- Use OEM or reputable Aisin/Denso parts, as owners advise.
Tools & part numbers
- Full metric socket set
- torque wrench
- cam pulley holder
- LCE MLS head gasket set or MLS head gasket & stud kit (3VZ)
- 3VZ timing belt kit
Where to buy the parts
MLS head gasket set — 3VZLC Engineering ↗Amazon ↗
MLS head gasket & stud kit — 3VZLC Engineering ↗Amazon ↗
Timing belt kit — 3VZ 1988–1992LC Engineering ↗Amazon ↗
Timing belt kit — 3VZ 1993–1995LC Engineering ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Toyota 4Runner 2nd Gen parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.