Blown head gasket? NOPE, power steering air control valve!

Finally got the PS Air valve out! And even better news, the hose that leads up to the top of the engine was full of PS fluid. So that makes for great confirmation that that was the cause of the puff of white smoke on startup. If anyone else suspects they have a failed PS air valve, I'd recommend unclipping that hose and seeing if any red fluid drips out -- failed PS Air valve for sure.

I ended up cutting the valve off with a sawzall and 5 metal blades.
The metal stem inside that actuates (the valve, I guess?) must be hardened steel or something because it just was not cutting. period. Smoked up several metal blades and gave a prayer to the wrench gods before I re approached.
I ended up having to cut the plastic piece up ahead of the brass nut, then had to cross-hatch cut the remaining brass lip face on until I could jam a socket over it. Think of cutting a wide notch out of a board with a table saw, then knocking out the remaining strips with a hammer and chisel - same idea. Came real close to just taking the L and replacing the whole PS pump. Things got emotional.

Keep in mind all that cutting is done right next to the serpentine belt too, so now I need to clean off tons of metal shavings off it and the pulley. Also, you'll likely need to remove the airbox just to get yourself a bit more room to move the breaker bar. But once the socket was on, it came right off.

For anyone else, I'd recommend just trying longer wrenches first. I didn't truly need a breaker bar to remove it, a 12" open ended wrench probably would get it no problem as long as it doesn't slip.

Anyway feeling groovy now, just O2 sensor and LBJ's left. Might end up letting a shop do the LBJ's since I have an appt Oct 3, time is getting tight. Happy to be knocking down the bill as I go either way.
Oh, and I need to top up PS fluid

 

All positive news! Now you gotta update the title to "Blown head gasket? NOPE, power steering air control valve!"

Wish you lived closer, I'd pop by and help with the LBJ. 30-45 mins a side, no problem. Hardest part is popping the TRE and LBJ free, IMO.

 

Yeah I have no doubt I can get 'em. Honestly it's just at the point where I'd need to take it for an inspection anyway, and I want to get this thing running + legal before winter

Can't seem to edit the title sadly!

 

Go to the top of your thread, look for the Thread Tools button. Click it. Edit Title. Not saying you gotta, just saying "that's how you do it"

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Oh shit, thanks!

And I ended up finding time today and got both LBJ's replaced, smooth sailing.
Black bolts, 90119-10933, are only supposed to go to 37ft-lb according to the chart in the other thread right? Double checking before they fall off

I think that dealership are a bunch of scammers tbh. Neither LBJ was particularly loose or wobbly. I shook the tires when it was off the ground and neither had any wobble.

Not only that, but my GF took her '21 Tacoma in for an AC leak. They said it was leaking at the condenser O-Rings and insisted on replacing the condenser for $1,500 but wouldn't say why it needed replacing instead of just the orings
So we're taking it somewhere else and never going back

Cheers all, I guess this thread is wrapped up. Thanks for all the help, I'll see ya around the forums.
Next projects are valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, serpentine belt, and fluids!
Then I can start prettying her up


Not a head gasket leak, PS FLUID AIR CONTROL VALVE GITTR CHECKED!

 

Until the LBJ is disconnected, there is pressure on the joint and you won't be able to feel any play.

This is due to the design.