anyone replaced head gaskets on early 1992 era ES 300 without removing engine? Got fuel problems solved (new injectors) and misfire/blue smoke gone with new ECU. But as one of you mentioned now I have white smoke coming from exhaust. Highly expect to see head gasket problem. New motor $3000.00 plus install. Would like to try myself by just changing gaskets and having heads gone over. Bad idea or okay idea?

It can be done but makes the job much more difficult. Your back will hate you especially when working on the bank firewall side.

you are jumping to a very expensive conclusion that the head gasket is gone very prematurely.

there are several tests that you should do first to determine if it is indeed the head gasket.

One such test test is to have your coolant checked chemically to see if there are any combustion byproducts in the coolant. You can have a radiator shop perform the test for you, or buy a kit yourself at an auto parts store.

you can also send a sample of your oil to an oil analysis lab, to determine if there is coolant in the oil. They will send you a full written report back.

Do a google search to determine which other tests could be performed if necessary.

Phil.

Thanks PFB and Lexus2000 for your replys. Will try to get a coolant test kit, unfortunately have changed the oil and disposed of it since there was such a gas smell in it. Have been afraid to run vehicle so as not to cause damage. Have found the number one plug to be tan on one side and clean on the other. Have not pulled 3 and 5 yet as of course hard to get at. 2, 4. and 6 are all light tan all around. Haven't come up with any other causes of the white smoke as it is very prevalent. Will run it and check for a drop in coolant level as Lexus 2000 had previously suggested. Many thanks

It is not uncommon for the 3VZ to eat coolant but a block testing kit shows a negative result. You could put some dye in the coolant then in a couple of days look for staining on the plugs.