 |
| 3 block threads known to fail |
Wrongly described and diagnosed all over the internet... The steel head bolts don't strip, the threads in the aluminum short block the steel head bolts screw into strip (see red box in picture). The three threads that fail are located at the thinnest part of the block, thin to accommodate the curvature of plastic intake and a layer of insulating foam. The foam insulates the plastic intake from the heat of the block, but it also traps heat, creating a hotspot. Unlike the other threads there really isn't much aluminum to insulate/dissipate heat because of the coolant channels. So in these years maintaining the coolant is critical.
 |
| Dual Layer |
 |
| HG failure |
The Head Gasket on the 2AZ-FE is dual layer steel, thicker at the edges to "give" a little during expansion and contraction. Toyota changed the HG design in 07, adding more metal to the HG (in the area the finger above is pointing to). Exactly where the HG failed in that pic. More metal means less chance of a failed HG, less pressure on the threads during expansion and contraction.
There is no definitive trigger, but based on above one can assume that the trigger is low/poorly maintained coolant or a blown HG which leads to an overheat. depending on how bad the engine was allowed to overheat, the aluminum gets very hot, expands, the block threads cant hold and strip
Diagnosis:
If you've caught it early, haven't overheated, its possible that you've only suffered a bad HG and the threads themselves are fine. A gurgling sound from the dashboard, gradual loss of coolant, running hot, and fouled oil are signs of a failed HG. The symptoms of stripped block threads are more dramatic. A rapid, sudden coolant loss and overheat, strong smell of coolant, wet intake manifold insulating foam. The key is inspecting the foam. There are several sites where you can add your VIN to verify short block part number Your looking for PN 410-09050 which is the problem block. Used on some models until 06.
Toyota states TSB EG015-07 for updated short block. Thats extremely costly, basically replacing and rebuilding the engine for thousands of dollars. What needs to be done is drill and tap the holes and install a threaded steel sleeve for the head bolts to screw in to. Just like new, even stronger! Its a forever fix. There are different types, I would stay away from the helicoils only go with a known as a timesert or even better, the Huhn kit specifically designed for the 2AZ-FE. This kit can be purchased on eBay. NS300L 2AZ-FE HEAD BOLT THREAD REPAIR KIT
Prevention:
Drain and filling the coolant every 40k. 4qt drain gets 90% of capacity (6.5qts). Don't mix. Use the factory Toyota Long Life Coolant (Red). Its concentrated, so once its diluted 50/50 with distilled water, its relatively inexpensive. DO NOT head down to Walmart for some cheap-ass coolant, its a big mistake! Zerex Asian Formula is another option. Replacing the thermostat and pressure cap every at 80k is a good idea. maintain the same temp thermostat, lowering thermostat temperature is undesirable in a modern Toyota engine. Many engine operating characteristics including VVT-i are set via engine temps. And if it starts to overheat don't keep driving. Don't ignore it, or it can cost you big. You can't blame Toyota for that.
