Are some of the coolant passages from the engine block to the head blocked by the head gasket on anybody else's truck? It looks like the wrong gasket was put on. This is a 92 3.0 xcab. I don't get it why put the passages in if you don't need them? This is right where mine has a crack.

 

I too had a similar question when I received my gasket set and was installing my recent head gasket replacement set. The set of head gaskets I received was a set of DJ Rock Engine Overhaul Gaskets from engnbldr.com 's Toyota's Hot Licks website.

After installation I called to confirm my questions. They assured me that these were the improved gasket and yes, some of the cylinder block kidney shapped holes are blocked with small round versal oval holes i.e. restricted and or completedly sealed off by the gasket.

My 94 4 Runner v-6 is running just fine. The improtant thing is to put the right side and left side gaskets on correctly. Mine were labled top side right and top side left. I also have the factory service manual. I can't explain why some are restricted or blocked. Give Todd at engnbldr.com or Ted his dad and they can reassure you. Enjoy the repair, I did!

 

I just know that somebody here at yota tech can explain why the replacement gaskets seal off some cylinder block kidney shaped holes. Explanation requested for peace of mind(s.)

 

i know that the factory gaskets do this on a lot of engines, i think it has something to do with directing the flow of coolant. i know i scratched my head when i saw it on my head gaskets, but was reaffirmed when i looked at the old gasket and saw it was the same.