Head Gasket Failure?

Hey everyone! I own a 2005 SR5 Tundra with the 2UZ-FE Engine. Recently we noticed that the temperature at Idle would randomly spike to under the red mark, then a click, then would fall. Ive noticed that i'm slowly loosing coolant. There is no loss of power at all. However, the engine oil looks normal and is not milky. When driving no issues. We noticed recently that the truck takes much longer to to blow heat once at normal temp (50% on the temp) I wasnt around when this happened but when my relative was driving, they were stuck at the train station waiting for a large train to pass. He noticed the temp gauge went up and there was a loss of heat. The water pump and T Belt is original. The truck has roughly 260K. There is an oil leak we think on the valve cover. What do you guys think? I know the head gasket failure isnt common on these engines. Thanks!

 

Sorry, Forgot to add these

 

Do a test for combustion gases in the coolant, coolant system pressure test, and a cylinder leakdown test.

If all 3 come back good put a new water pump, timing belt, thermostat, and fan clutch on it.

At 260k it wouldn't be surprising if the water pump isn't putting out full flow at idle.

 

Thanks! I'll take it to a shop and try to have them do that. What if the tests fail? How likely is it a head gasket and what about the oil leak

 

I see oil weeping at the valve cover, not the head...that should have not effect on the coolant or cooling ability.

 

That's awesome to hear I was fearing the worst. It's got 260k and I wanna take it to 350k - 400k

 

If you want it to run to 400k why haven't you replaced the timing belt? A miracle you've made it this far. It's supposed to be done every 90K. Most recommend replacing the water pump with the timing belt. If you take it to a shop, do not let them use aftermarket parts. Buy the kit off Amazon and take it to them.

 

The truck has been driven very hard almost all of its life (not by me but my relative). I guess this just shows how good Toyotas engineering was

 

I haven't read of too many 4.7 needing head gaskets unless they were overheated for a length of time.

With the slowly losing coolant and loss of heat at idle I'd guess the water pump is weeping and on its way out.

Also with yours being an 05 you may want to consider having the cam seals done with the timing belt if the valve covers are leaking oil. If it's done at the dealer I'd expect you to be looking at $1300-2000 depending on your area.

 

Shockingly nope, ended up being the radiator, but we are replacing the belt and pump soon