I own a celica with an 18RG, which I rebuilt (standard) the motor in. After about 20000kms it did exactly the same thing. The head gasket was burnt something chronic between 3 and 4. My advice would be not drive the car until you get it fixed, as driving the car will &^%* the head between the two bores.
If you have a spare 2 to 3G lying around then do a complete rebuild. If not and the engine still shows good comp on 1 and 2 then pull the head and check out if the heads warped. If the heads ok whack on a new gasket with plenty of Hylomar, and dont forget to re-tension the bolts after 500 to 1000kms. (Obviously clean all surfaces thoroughly b4 re-assembly).
While it is apart you could check out the 'slop' in the bores and ridge build up on the top of the bores, this will give you a sign of what condition the engine is in.
I think a new gasket was about $60-$70 and the Hylomar $14.
If the head is warped badly then expect to fork out $400 plus to have it str8nd. Cheaper to get another head.
Fri, 16 May 2003 12:16
