I have some white smoke/steam on start-up that goes away after 1-2 min it does not have the sweet smell. I have the swish sound in the heater core under the dashboard. I have slight roughness when idling but could be due to a FI seal. 0 driveability issues and no problems with oil pressure or engine temp. Vacuum is good and stable. The problem is the 4runner uses water. about a pint a week or so. No oil in water, no water in the oil. Besides a leak in a pipe or the water pump somewhere what am I looking for to cure the water usage.

I also put on a new radiator cap.

Yep its the dreaded Headgasket I had the same problem Not that hard to change , just sucks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I agree with medic, if not a gasket thats in the beginning stages of failure, then possibly a crack...but we wont go there. Both start off with the symptoms of slow coolant usage, white smoke on startup and rough idling on initial startup. If not addressed soon, it will progressively get worse until it finally blows fully. Then your engine will not start, and the result of coolant in the oil can lead to bearing damage. Suggest you get on it sooner than later. And as mentioned, not all that hard to fix, more of an inconvenience.
~Darin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, I've done HG's before, and I didn't really want do anymore. I might just bite the bullet and pay someone to fix it. Does anyone know any good shops in Silverdale/Bremerton, Wa area?

I know it sounds like a pain but do it yourself save the money that you would have to pay someone else . Or while you are at it change out your T-chain and throw on a new oil pump just for the fun of it you will still be money ahead and be good to go for many miles .

Btw... I think he has a V6... not exactly the easiest head gasket around....

Anyway... I have the same symptoms... except no more white smoke than has always been normal at startup. My engine runs fine at startup... yet I'm loosing coolant!

Tho I do smell it on the outside when I turn my truck off... but my mechanic buddies can't find any external leaks anywhere!!!

LOL- you are schidting me right? Hell my office is in Silverdale, and I live in Port Orchard. I do all my own work, but lil brother took his 86' to somebody local a few years ago and they did a great job. Hell, Id almost say bring it over and I'll tackle it...but the wife would say different Im sure. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
Give me a day or two to get ahold of him, and see what I can find out okay. Seen your profile showing SanDiego...let me guess- Navy?
~Darin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Yep, Navy. I guess I should update my profile. I'm a HM2 on the Carl Vinson. I don't get much time between work and duty so any help would be immensely appreciated. NAy chance on doing the 3.4 swap instead??

Swap?? You would be the envy of the board! Trick to that though is to find one local in good enough shape to make the time invested and $$$ worthwhile. Few months ago a 7K mile 3.4L complete with trans and wiring went cheap on EBAY. Guy was located over near Seattle. Not too far fetched and in fact one or two guys on here have done the swap. $$$ and time is the key factor. Welcome to the area.
~Darin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />