BHG - What else?
 

I posted this a few threads back, but it may have been overlooked. I ordered the NAPA test kit and the fluid turned yellow, so yes, BHG. I have been driving the car about 2 or 3 times a week for short trips the last couple months with the reservoir overfill symptom. I do not have fluid exchanges, no coolant in oil. Can a lot of damage have occured on those short trips? Seeing how the car is being torn down, what else should be done? The Block Test mentions testing each cylinder, but how can you do that when the throttle body covers 2 of them? I was thinking the valves should be checked but dang, what will that add to the bill? This guy is charging $900 for labor, what can I expect to pay in parts? If anyone can think of any other info that would be useful to me, I'd appreciate it. This is my baby after all.

Scruff

I knew it!

Don't worry about causing damage driving around with the gasket like that, I beat the shit out of my car with a BHG. No warped head, no cracks, no damaged bearings. Mine was leaking for god knows how long, definately at least a couple of years.

Parts cost will depend on exactly what this guy replaces. In my case, I replaced every coolant hose that you can't get at unless the head comes off. I also replaced the timing belt and tensioner along with the tensioner spring. My cost for parts was around $1000 and that was with ARP head bolts. And every gasket, hose and part for these engines are dealer only, so you will be on a first name basis with your local toyota dealer parts department in no time.

And as far as "testing each cylinder" like the tester says, you just unplug each spark plug wire one at a time while testing. That method is only for V engines to determine which bank has the BHG. Don't worry about that part, you know you have a BHG and you only have 1 unlike a V engine which has 2.

Hey IHH
 

Your last paragraph makes sense, I only have one headgasket. The info provided with the test kit does say to try to pin point the problem area on an IN-LINE engine. Even gives instructions. Why? If the gasket has to be replaced it has to be replaced. What would be the advantage to knowing exactly where the leak is? I'm just curious to what their reasoning is. Could it in any way be helpful? I like to know as much as possible, and I always felt the stupidest question is the one not asked.

Scruff