Ok to use head gasket stop leak to diagnose issue?

I have a 2006 Tacoma, 4 cyl. I've noticed coolant being consumed but no leaks externally. Also had burning smell under hood with some white vapors upon startup for about a month. Thought it might be valve cover leak. Mechanic noted slight oil leak at valve cover but nothing notable that needed repair yet. The smell has gotten more frequent in last week or so and had to add coolant twice. Collectively with these two symptoms wondering if I might have a head gasket leak. No rough idling or misfires though. I am thinking of adding a head gasket stop leak product into the coolant reservoir to use as potential diagnosis of head gasket issue. Will this stuff hurt my engine if there's no leak? Any recommendations on quality brands? Thank you for any help.

 

I'd only use that crap as a last resort. Like, it's either this or I tear the entire engine apart.

 

All stop leaks are advised against. Is there coolant in your oil? White smoke from exhaust? The coolant has to be going somewhere. Has the system been pressure tested by a mechanic?

 

No do the proper test.

 

It sounds like a head gasket to me. Instead of using stop leak, run and then check your plugs. If one or more look wet then you guessed right

 

Do a block test to determine if exhaust gasses are present in the cooling system. The kit is pretty cheap and it doesn't take long to do.

 

Oil looks normal on dipstick and haven't noticed anything from exhaust. I'll check plugs for wetness and look into other suggested kit. I travel full time in the truck and not in a place where I know a trustworthy mechanic. Trying to diagnose before taking so I can inform someone of what to look for and not get screwed over (I prefer to look credible considering my gender and past experience.)

 

So thank you all for helping me look credible btw

 

Can I assume your gender?

 

I've used Bars Leak successfully in the past.... like 30 years ago. No way would I put it in a modern engine.

 

Not really no. I prefer to be considered a third gender. My mechanical and analytical skills well exceed any engendered and assumed domestic abilities. Unfortunately society still sucks ass and assumes you don't know anything if you look female. Just had to vent.

 

Word...

 

Have you seen today's males? They are bigger bitches than most females. I assume nobody knows anything.

 

This!!!!!! You wouldn't believe the number of grown ass "men" that can't put air in a tire without assistance. Or even drive a 5 speed manual.

 

Never use those stop leak things unless you need some leak to stop dripping right before you sell a vehicle.

 

Thanks again for all the input. I'll stay away from the stop leak and try out ways to diagnose as suggested.

 

You may have just read my mind but only if it comes down to it.

 

That stop leak works by plugging basically everything, then hardening. It is only to be used if you don't care about the engine, and HAVE TO get somewhere.

It will plug up the small coolant ports & passages in the heads, plug up radiator passages, mess with the water pump.... ask me how I know, if you really want.

 

Also, @ides98 , take a peak underneath the water pump. There is a weep hole which tends to leak.