I can't remember how I found this site but it was when trying to fix (my mechanic can't) a problem with my Toyota Tercel.

Should have a 3A engine but has a 4A Japanese import motor. Head gasket blew and five weeks later it still can't be fixed. I've been through six different gaskets and the latest is that the head has had three steam holes welded closed and it now boils with a thermostat in the water pump.

Any help very much appreciated.

Well, it seems you may want to try a toyota forum for the most relevant advice. They would know the ins and outs of that particular engine and any specific problems that they have.

What are these steam holes you mention? you mean the water galleries in the head?

The head could be warped, which would explain the head gasket issue.

www.toymods.org.au - click on FORUMS at the top.

They will be able to help you more specifically

Sounds like maybe severe timing malfunction causing to run overly hot??? Is it setup properly?

or as reuby said the head may not be up to the task either due to lack of hardness, cracking or warpage.

Most commonly the head (or block deck) is warped.

But there could be another cause for the overheating -- like if the radiator is partially blocked or othewise bad. Severe overheating will cause the gasket to blow. If you replace the gasket, but don't solve the real problem, it will simply occur again.

4A-C and 3A-C are the same motor just different bore sizes 1.5 liter vs 1.6 liter. In Corollas both engines were fitted.

Thanks to you all for taking time to reply. As I said in my my first post I have no idea how I I found, and bookmarked, your site. There must have been a post about Toyota 4A's being used in a Datsun.

Got the car back with a $1,400 bill! Boils with a thermostat in place and as soon as the revs go over 2,200 (without a thermostat) it just stops sucking from the radiator.

thedevils - link doesn't work? Thanks anyway.

Five mechanics have looked at this (I'm a bloody chippy).

Just google Toymods mate

or try http://www.toymods.org.au/forums