Great video, I was able to complete the head gasket replacement on my 2006 Tacoma and she started right up. I watched the video a few times and it was extremely helpful guiding me through the steps and order of removing everything. There were a few gaps but that is probably because I am not as familiar with so I wanted to add some of my comments in case anyone else has questions. I also put a list of pretty much all of the tools I needed. I had to buy a few but it was not too bad. Tools needed 12mm wrench 10-20mm socket (short and long if possible) Socket Extensions 22mm socket 8mm hex bit Torque wrench (loan a tool at auto store if you don’t want to buy) Breaker bar 90 degree needle nose pliers Marker Long flat head screwdriver to pry 12mm triple square Large hammer Magnet pick up tool Headlamp Silicone Notes 2:40 - My coolant drain plug was really tight, I realized I could loosen with a 19mm socket I believe 2:50 - For some reason these hoses look reversed compared to my truck, I took a picture and looked at other videos, I would make sure you take a picture of yours before you remove 5:40 - I would suggest lining up the harmonic balancer with the guide and mark with a marker. When you remove the harmonic balancer bolt it will not line up again but when you replace the harmonic balancer it will make it a bit easier to line up 6:15 - once you remove the harmonic balancer you can put the bolt back in, you will need it to rotate the engine and line up the timing marks later 7:45 - For the fuel lines the grey plastic cover just pops off with a bit of prying. Once off there are some tabs underneath that are pretty obvious you squeeze to remove the lines. 11:47 - The alternator has a total of 4 bolts, the two main and two smaller ones on the right side of the alternator 16:00 - It is possible to get the timing marks lined up without the links of the chain lined up, If you keep rotating the harmonic balancer bolt at some point the timing marks will line up and the links on the chain as well. It took me about 4 full revolutions to get them lined up. Also, the engine will turn easier when you remove the spark plugs. 22:00 - My head bolts were pretty tight, I had to bang the screws with a hammer and a point a few times and use a 21 inch pry bar to remove them. I would recommend not trying an impact gun. 26:00 - On the passenger side cam I kept the chain intact just like the video but when I set them down the right side would not set down completely because the 3rd cam from the front faced straight down into the valve. I believe I had to rotate counter-clockwise bit so they all sit and make sure the chains are lined up to the sprockets. The number 1 left cam on the passenger side should be pointing straight up at the 12 o’clock position and the number 1 right cam should be in the 7 o’clock position. Then you tighten the cams and then rotate the cam clockwise until the timing marks match up. The Toyota manual says they should be in that position when you remove them but I just placed them in that position when I put them back on. 29:00 - Before you put the timing cover on you can take the harmonic balancer bolt out. I would suggest marking the tip of the sprocket where that notch is that lines up with the harmonic balancer. Once you place the timing cover you will not be able to see the notch. If you look at the harmonic balancer you will see that little inlet where it aligns. 31:55 - This is where you need to install the harmonic balancer and torque it to 185 ft lb. If you can I would suggest finding a tool in advance, I rigged something made out of a 2x4 you can probably find on youtube. The part number is SST 09213-54015. Also, I would practice putting the timing cover on before to put the silicone on.

I did a 2004 4runner with a blown head gasket. Started the project about 2 weeks ago, put in about an hour every day, and followed this video step by step. I didn’t skip forward! And upon completion 2 days ago, she fired right up. I gotta hand it to you boys... 👍 On a side note, I did throw a P2111 on initial start up/idle, completely my fault (I probably didn’t handle with care the throttle body while I was cleaning it, I don’t think you’re supposed to manually adjust the butterfly) I pulled the throttle body back out, banged it on a wooden desk (maple?) and put it back in, cleared the code, and it’s running better than ever now. Took it around town, got some gas, drove it to work this morning. Hats off to the Gasket Masters, I could not have done it without these Champions. 🏆

I started this video feeling like the king of the world. My wife and kids would be so proud... Now I’m sitting on the couch feeling dejected, pathetic and looking for a mechanic.

I'm one of the "likes" for this video. Thanks for making this. I just completed this job and I do have some hopefully helpful observations for those attempting this. 1. This video provides an excellent overview of the job. In my humble opinion, it should NOT be used as the sole guidance to complete this job. 2. I have a fully equipped garage and years of experience working on cars (not Toyotas) and I had to go deep into my collection of tools, yet still had to buy some to complete this job (most notably, the 12-point Triple Square bit to remove the cylinder head bolts, and a machinist's straight edge to check the cylinder head and deck flatness). I would have been stuck if I attempted this job without a lot of tools,. 3. I would not attempt this job if I did not have a clean workspace where I could leave the car potentially for weeks. That includes clean shelves, or tables to store parts. Plan on it taking a few weekends or more. If you are rushed, do not attempt this job. 4. I purchased the Toyota factory service manual. It comes in 8 thick volumes for the 4Runner! ~$300, by the way. Volumes 1A and 2 are most relevant for this job. I would not have been successful doing this job without the factory manuals. I own a Chilton's manual. It was useless. This video, used with the factory service manual was effective. Even then, working with the dealership parts department was helpful (they provided exploded diagrams of parts and some consulting). The FSM has critical information about torque values, tightening sequences, and other details you need to follow. 5. Concerning cylinder head bolts: once they are torqued down (per FSM procedure!) they can not be reused. There are Internet postings from backyard mechanics that claimed they got away with reusing them. If you're going to do this job, do it right. The bolts (discounted) cost $160. 6. Once the camshafts are placed on the heads DO NOT ROTATE THE CAMSHAFTS. My 4Runner (1GFRE) is a "non-interference" engine, meaning you can spin the camshaft 360 degrees and the valves will not be pushed into hitting a piston (the definition of a disaster), but a general critical practice is NEVER to spin a camshaft without the timing chain connected. 7. Marking every hose, plug, and especially the camshaft positions relative to the chains and cylinder heads is absolutely critical. I did not do that and I had to disassemble the camshafts and reconstruct things from scratch. Take photographs as you go along. I found it especially useful to compare the completed timing setup with the setup BEFORE I took the engine apart. 8. I found it most cost effective to buy the engine gasket kit. I replaced every gasket, O-ring, and seal on the reassembly (including the fuel injector seals). It adds little time to the job and helps ensure the engine will be problem-free for a long time. I also replaced all coolant bypass hoses and vacuum lines (the biggest source of performance issues). You're in there, why not? This video, more than anything, is useful in getting a feel for the size of the job which can help one to decide whether it's something to take on or leave to the professionals. The benefit of DIY is that you will learn a lot about how your engine goes together, and when problems arise, it won't be intimidating to tackle them. But I do reiterate, if you do not have the time, tools, experience, space, and manuals, there is no shame in taking it to a professional.

When I start to feel like a mechanic for changing my own oil and spark plugs then watch this lol

One of the most rewarding accomplishments I’ve done in a long time. Did this on my wife’s first owned and beloved vehicle: a 2004 4runner SR5 with 204K miles. Just like the guy said, “ if you did everything right, it should start right up.” I can’t thank Gasket Master’s enough for posting this DIY video!

Great video! Just completed this repair on an '04 Runner following this video and, like they said, started right up. No leaks, no weird noises, but they sure do make the job look easier than it is! Thanks Gasket Masters, couldn't have pulled this one off without ya!

You explained so well that all my dreams about do it myself are gone... Thanks for sharing, now I will look for a real mechanic to do this lego thing on my FJ.

OMG I been looking into a write up for this and this is the most accurate of what has been described in the Toyota forums. Thank you so much

It's 4am & I can't sleep. I've been brainstorming on how to turbo my 08 tacoma. This video supplimented me having to go outside to get all the good angles & views of the engine bay whilst thinking about hot & cold piping. Thanks!

I just did my head gaskets last Saturday, It took me about 20 hours straight and a lot of coffee, I would recommend to get a repair manual for small detail that this video doesn’t show, but this video is pure gold, it helps a LOT, Thank you guys for this video 🙏

Thanks a million! Just finshed this job on my 2006 Tacoma and yes it fired right up! I watched your vid over and over and would not have done the job withot it.

My head gasket is fine, I'm just learning a lot about my engine from 2 chill pros. Damn good no bullshit way of explaining things.

You two are professionals for sure! Really enjoyed watching you guys tackle this 4.0

After watching this video I had to go and change the head gasket on my lawnmower. I don’t know if I would attempt that on my 2007 4runner. You guys really make it look easy thank you for taking the time.

How could anyone downvote this? Great work and thanks for taking the extra time to record and post.

Aloha! I have a 2005 toyota 4runner. A lot of new parts gonna be put in mine due to long amount of sitting it has been doing. New everything! I am stoked to be putting it together soon! Easy peasy!

Thank you guys both for taking the time and laying out a sweet repair video! I'm going to be tackling this job soon on my 04 4runner. Going to order up my parts and will definitely be watching this video on loop tell they get here! Thanks again gentlemen!

Just developed a leak between cylinders 4 and 6 on my 2006 Tacoma. No CEL yet but I'm feeding quite a bit of coolant into #4. Finding out this is a common issue for 05 to early 06 Tacoma with a head gasket flaw Toyota knows very well about yet won't do anything to correct. planning to take this on myself as well as replace the water pump, oil pump and timing chain while I'm in there. engine has 220k on her but I'm not too worried about the lower end. I've watched this video 5 times now and will probably watch it another 20 times while I'm doing the work. with this video and a good friends help, I am fairly confident I can do it and save a boat load of money.

I came here for a tutorial, and it looks like I'll be calling a mechanic now.

I'm B*lls deep right now on this. I think as long as you pay attention to torque specs when rebuilding you're all good. Keep yall updated.

thanks a ton! ripped apart my engine, had heads serviced(hole in exhaust valve), and got the truck running again! you guys are god sends for making this video!

Just finished mine - had to do a lot of cleaning of old oil cake - also had to take out the vvt oil filter from sides of head and clean - chains guides and tensioners replaced - water pump and thermostat throttle stuck on first run but cleared after checking fuses and connector - back sump and pickup can be removed and cleaned from underneath - great running so far

As I watch this video I’m thinking about the engineering that went into designing , developing and manufacturing this beast. Dam!

After rebuilding a Honda H22A4 , I was slightly intimidated by thinking about doing the timing chain on my 4.0 Toyota! Thanks to you guy's I am, no longer !

Thanks for the video! Notes: It is not a triple square! Toyota uses a double hex, and this motor is 10mm. A triple square has 90 degree points while a double hex is a less pointy 120 degrees. A triple square will only engage at the tips and damage the bolts and/or the tool. CTA Tools 9292 is the correct one. You’re not really supposed to remove or install both cams together with the chain. They’re supposed to be in/out when one set of lobes is vertical, so the other two sets have almost no spring pressure. You cannot do this with both cams linked with the chain. Doing them as a pair risks damage to the bearings surfaces (but you can probably get away with it). *If you ever want to turn the cams without the main timing chain installed, first turn the crank 40 degrees CCW from #1 TDC so all pistons are away from any valves!

This video helped me tremendously. There are still quite a few things to figure out that aren’t included in the video but to remedy that I would suggest going to your local auto parts store and purchasing the chiltons manual for your specific truck. Definitely a money saver to own.

I'm going to be working on my head gaskets for my 2005 Taco V6 4x4...what an Easter Weekend it'll be! HAHA! The gaskets got delivered today, and tonight I'm rounding up all of the tools that I'm missing (basically 3x of them). Wish me luck everyone!

Halfway through the job. Getting the heads off today. All I have is my tools, a manual. And this video. Wish me luck getting it all back together !!

You guys are champions showing us how to do it without wasting time telling us a bedtime story. Excellent. Subscribed

Badass. Amazing.. from a Toyota drivability Diagnostics technician & creator and owner of AZ 4Runners and 4Runner Mafia. Perfect video. I've been wanting to do one for years. Thank God for this haha.

Thanks so much for the quality content - I just sent you a little for your pizza fund. I would not have been able to get through this job without you guys and I wish you the most success.. Thank you! I did a 2006 4Runner with 172K miles.

I finished This job did this all on my own turned out great no problems 4 runner runs great now

Great and informative video, the only suggestion I have is, there is no need to have any music in the background. The music could potentially interfere with the dialog. With a complicated job like this it's important that all the instructions are clear.

Thank you very much friends from Venezuela. It is great that there are more people with the intention of teaching their skills and knowledge. thank you very much again.

Thanks for doing this video I'm currently working on my 05 tacoma and your video helped a great deal considering this is my first time ever doing a head gasket the dealership wanted 3300 you definitely save me a bunch of money but I do have to say that you make it look easy but it's much harder than it looks again thank you and I appreciate you taking the time to make this video

Would be cool to hear the symptoms, what it was doing, and seeing the failed spot in the head gasket

Man, the music is maddening. Seriously delete the backing track.

Good video, thanks for making it. One suggestion, music was a little distracting and got in the way of you talking.

Thank you for this detailed tear down. With this detailed video I can now be a 1GR-FE master mechanic. :-P You guy make this look so easy. Great job.

Super informative. I have been staring at the front of the engine since I got the water pump off. Reluctant to begin dealing with the power steering and ac compressor. Your video took the mystery out of it. I haven't watched the part where you did the timing chains yet- but I'm sure it will all make sense. Thanks so much!

thank you so much! I'm doing this tear down currently and I'm following every step mentioned.

The only thing I would complain about is this would of been a great time to change manifold gaskets and replace the hardware that go’s with it. I believe this is the best video on this particular job.

I love it.. great tutorial! And you keep it real when you gloss over the fact that halfway through the process...you run into the still connected battery 😂😂😂. Definitely an outside influence at play here

Aw man, thanks for the Harmonic bolt trick. I gotta do the front seal!!

Really don’t know how you could have made a better instructional video. Great job guys!! Thanks

Fantastic video guys, I watched video during engine rebuild, I have a 120 Prado in Australia, was so helpful, once again thanks heaps guys

I did my Camry and the timing chain cover space was so tight it was ridiculous This is great

I am about to do this so thank you for the excellent instruction. Two notes: did you replace any seals, and if not - why? What's up with the elevator music - it distracts and muzzles the words while adding no value whatsoever.

Great video...torque specs list in description would be helpful.

Super important beforr you start this process to check the pcv valve. I failed to notice something in your video that WAS NOT OEM that im going to try tommorow. I see you have a catch can. My problem is im having white smoke and am not loosing fluid of any sorts but noticed something with the drain plug. Theirs oil even at its tightest point. I see that white can that looks like an oil filter is your catch can. Im going to try that white canister first which is a catch can and let you know. Amazing video for a young mechanic such as myself. Using my gfs youtube account btw😂

My head is spinning just thinking about trying to keep up with all the parts pieces nuts bolts washers. Modern vehicles are more complicated than a rocket ship! This job would be a complete nightmare for me.

you need to show me how you torqued the crank bolt to 188lb. how you loosen the crank bolt with starter was great. but we need to torque it as well plz. !!

Thank you so much for the efforts to make wonderful tutorial video for every DIY enthusiastics!!

WOW,HOLY MOLY, JUMP'IN CATFISH,First time I've ever seen the inside of"ANY"forien engine let alone a japanese engine.It looks like a nightmare,all that (little)detail just to take the heads off.A big difference compared to a 1970 Pontiac Le Mans with a 350 ci engine which is a breeze to work on (my 1st car I ever owned,2 door,no a/c,63,000 miles when bought, All STEEL incliding full chassy frame,no unibody). But in about a week+, I'm about to get a 2010 Toyota 4 runner limited 4x4.Its got more bells and whistles than what I need.Comes with a 4.0L V6,3 timing chains like in the 2006 toyota tundra in your video,nice and beefy,better than the 2018 and newer toyota's 4 runner's timing belt, wouldn't give you the time of day for one of those.Just for Labor alone a shop will charge $500.00 to change the timing belt in a 4 runner,THOSE GUYS ARE ON DRUGS ! But I really enjoyed your video on the 4.0L engine head gasket,keep the videos coming in,thankyou.

Another great video. Im learning a lot about my 2012 prius. Still a little confused but i been studying you alls videos. Thanks for making these.

Just waiting for the gasket to set around the timing cover and I’ll be anxiously getting ready to start mine to see if it all went well. 😂

very nice video my 2004 Toyota 4 runner is blow Head gasket now is in my friend shop I learn from this video a lot Thanks again

I don’t leave many comments on KZfaq, but this video deserves one ! ..... you guys did a awesome job on this video VERY INFORMATIVE, thank you for taking he time to make it I am researching if I need to take the head off to remove the pipe as I think mine is leaking. Would you know if this is possible?

I think this is the best how to vid on youtube well done

this is you tube at its finest bravo ! thanks for the soothing video

Excellent video. You guys have a lot of skills and patience.

Looks easy enough thanks for showing me what Im getting into. We appreciate the effort of making the video

I want to thank you for this video, very instructional and helpful guide. I used this video and the manual for some parts for reference. Not going to lie but I also have a brother that is a mechanic that I called when I had questions so it's definitely not for beginners, but can be done with someone else. Thank you

Good video...but dude...that "music". For 30+ minutes? Looped? WHY?!!!

I need to do a valve cover job on this motor on my Tacoma. Awesome video! Should be a breeze now thanks to you guys!

Thank you for this. Followed along with the video. 2007 FJ Cruiser with same engine. Needed to find specific and detailed instructions for timing and torque. Cakewalk after your instructions. Subbed and promoting. Thanks again.

That video was Awesome! You guys are really excellent mechanics, thanks for sharing.

Excellent video guys!

What gasket kit did you purchase? Would you recommend replacing the timing chain? Can you give a list of tools required?

I’m doing this on my own on a 2004 Toyota 4Runner right now

Great video. Maybe you should show the part of the video when you do the valve cover gaskets. I cant find one on this type of engine.

Thanks guys great repair video, one of the best I’ve seen. Cheers

"and if it didn't... well were not liable " 🤣

Great video Thank You guys.

Great video! But don’t forgot to install the camshaft bearing when reinstalling the cams.

Excellent repair video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

Absolutely superb video resource guys, thanks so much for making this!

Excellent video! Will be really helpful when I do this to my 05 V6 Tacoma. Thank you guys you Rock!

Need advice with what i see concerning drivers side head: it appears darker than the cylinder head on the passenger. Seems like its a lot dirtier and not th golden beauty i see on the passenger side head. Any ideas? Im doing this step my step and its going great so far. Update: followed this video. Watched it about 6 times and i now have my new head gaskets installed and i couldnt be happier with the instruction. A few small nu-onces like timing marks but i put it on top dead center and lined up the marks on the cams and crankshaft with th chain links that are marked. Great video. Will update tomorrow once i get the job finished and ill report my results.

I can't find any videos on head gasket replacement for 2010+ 4runner, FJ Cruiser which has almost same but improved 4.0 engine with dual VVT-i. Do you think I can follow this procedure and it will be the same or is there anything else I should be aware of? Also, if you find any links to videos, that would be helpful. Thank you!

Great work! Looks like I'll be attempting this soon. Any recommendations for a gasket set/kit to pick up for this job? Brand etc.

Greatvid. Convinced me i need back up truck if i attempted.

best video ever- these dudes are great mechanics

what about the seal on the front of the timing chain cover by the oil pump

Great video I have an 05 4runner with the same engine. Very useful !

Excellent video! I've been looking for one on the 4.0 and kept finding 3.4 videos. Maybe it is my lighting or phone screen, but do the cams (driver's side in particular) appear to have experienced excessive heat and show bluing?

Did you guys have the heads resurfaced? Watched orher videos saying its not a good idea on timing chain engines becuase it will throw timing codes because timing might not lign up.

Thanks for this excellent video! I noticed that from 20:36 until 21:58 you loosen the dreaded No. 1 Water Outlet Pipe and move it back about 3 inches. Do you think this would provide enough space to get to the knock sensors without having to remove the cylinder head?

Hey brother, thanks for the videos... if by any chance you happen to do a timing belt kit for 97 Mitsubishi Eclipse non-turbo automatic you'll be a life saver. When I start the car you can hear a loud screeching however as the engine warms up the sound lowers but when I put it in drive it almost goes away completely. Another piece of info is when I get my ear close to the middle of the engine I can faintly hear a ticking (similar to when removing a spark plug). Originally while purchasing the car the guy told me it's just a water pump but the thing is I don't hear anything coming from the timing cover side. Appreciate any advice

Good video I like that bump the engine technique lol 👍🏿

I was thinking about changing this myself, but with the way my back is set up. I think I'll just pay someone to do it

Incredible detailed video!! Thanks guys!!

I have a blown head gasket on my 02 tacoma v6. She has 260,000 miles and was told if i do the head gasket with this many miles, the compression will change in the motor. Running the risk of harming the lower end of the motor.... how serious is this risk? Do i really have to replace the motor now or should i just change the head gasket anyway? If anyone could give their opinion on this that would be great!!

Excellent video, thank you much, not yet ready to this big project, where is your shop located if I can ask?

Incredible DIY video, great details and you go out of the way to make sure nothing is overlooked. I've heard you can do this without removing the oil pan, any comments you can provide regarding this? And also heard it's best to pre-oil the motor w/ a pressurized hose, is this ok to do without this procedure? Thanks again, I feel much better about going through this with your most helpful video!

i see this alot, how many miles are or were on that block? Love your vid showing all the steps and what it took to film. When I have a gasket leak and it is cresting the 150 to 200 thou mileage, i will just long block the whole thing, would hate to stick it all back and a lower main starts spinning. Really appreciate the vid helping alot of folks out there!!!

🤞🏼 Done, about to start it up. Thx 4 your video 👍🏼

Thats a complex job. I definitely will NOT be attempting this at home. So I dont get ripped off how many hours labour on average should a mechanic charge to do this job?

Thanks mate.keep up the good work.cheers from melbourne