Bought the Gen2 diesel 4 years ago and it had a good service record. For the last 110000kms, all services were done in time with Delo400, 2stroke for clean burning, and an EGT gauge with an alarm for those unwanted temp oopsies... Currently the odo is standing on 290000kms. And I drive it sedately like a diesel, never above 3000rpm on the open road, keeping EGT's absolutely below 650'C, normally running at 350-450'C.
Noticed last week the temp gauge to find normal running temp within 1 km driving home from work (4km trip). That is odd, I thought, having driven around the Cape two weeks prior on holiday break (1200kms odd). Next day, same thing, but then saw the temp gauge rising to 2/3 500m from home, EGT showing normal 250-300'C. Check oil, OK. Check water, bottle OK. Check radiator, takes 500ml. Drive around the block, temp gauge on 2/3 again, water coming from bottle overflow, engine missing slightly and a white puff around the last corner? Check all fluids again, find no mixing, however, I park it dreading the worst and try and enjoy new years eve. Took it to local mac for pressure test yesterday, white smoke on startup... Mac confirms top gasket gone, and car now has absolute miss after pressure testing.
From all I can find on the net, it seems the head should be replaced now that the gasket is blown. And here is the rub. Since NO overheating (egt and water temps confirm this) took place for the last 50000kms since I had it, why would I therefore expect the head to be damaged at all? All indications are the the gasket simply blew because of age - what is your take/advice?
PS. If having to replace the head on my millage, I would rather invest in either an import as replacement, or a lexus conversion from the start - but let me first tackle the question posted....
