Toyota: Need Tech Help with 1999 4runner -

I have a '99 4Runner SR5 with 57K miles. For the past couple of years,
I've noticed a slow loss of coolant from the resevior jug. I've taken
it to two different Toyota dealerships on 4 different occassions over
that time, including the one where I've been going for 8 years and
seeing the same tech.

Today I took it in for an oil change and had them check it again
because it seems its loosing fluid quicker now. There are NO visible
signs of leaks, I've had the thermostat and radiator cap replaced.
I've also had pressure tests and acouple of "block checks". Today my
tech did another block check and said he found no signs of
hydrocarbons.

The dealership suggests I get Toyota involved and possibly pull the
head to inspect the HG. My tech said it has to be something internal
becasue nothing else turns up.

Funny thing is that before I bought this truck, I tried to make sure
the HG thing was over and I wouldn't get nailed. 1-800-Toyota said my
truck is not flagged as being recalled for the HG problem.

My question is if the block check shows no signs of hydorcarbons and
there is no signs of leaking, then should I take the chance and have
the head pulled and find no signs of damage? Could it be something
else? I hate this because I love the truck, but don't want to take
the chance and just drive it when I could overheat it 500 miles from
home, be stranded and ruin the engine. Also, what if the HG is bad?
What good will it do to replace it if the one they put on is the same
bad design??

Any help is appreciated....

not much help, but...I always carry 2 gal. water and 2 gal. anti-freeze with
me, also oil, etc.


"james randall" <net> wrote in message
news:google.com...
| I have a '99 4Runner SR5 with 57K miles. For the past couple of years,
| I've noticed a slow loss of coolant from the resevior jug. I've taken
| it to two different Toyota dealerships on 4 different occassions over
| that time, including the one where I've been going for 8 years and
| seeing the same tech.
|
| Today I took it in for an oil change and had them check it again
| because it seems its loosing fluid quicker now. There are NO visible
| signs of leaks, I've had the thermostat and radiator cap replaced.
| I've also had pressure tests and acouple of "block checks". Today my
| tech did another block check and said he found no signs of
| hydrocarbons.
|
| The dealership suggests I get Toyota involved and possibly pull the
| head to inspect the HG. My tech said it has to be something internal
| becasue nothing else turns up.
|
| Funny thing is that before I bought this truck, I tried to make sure
| the HG thing was over and I wouldn't get nailed. 1-800-Toyota said my
| truck is not flagged as being recalled for the HG problem.
|
| My question is if the block check shows no signs of hydorcarbons and
| there is no signs of leaking, then should I take the chance and have
| the head pulled and find no signs of damage? Could it be something
| else? I hate this because I love the truck, but don't want to take
| the chance and just drive it when I could overheat it 500 miles from
| home, be stranded and ruin the engine. Also, what if the HG is bad?
| What good will it do to replace it if the one they put on is the same
| bad design??
|
| Any help is appreciated....