12H-T Mileage: Is This Too High? Advice Needed...

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dogboy2

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Jul 8, 2004
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In my quest for knowledge and lust for a 12H-T, I'm learning that these motors can go for several hundred thousand kilometers before being considered "high" mileage.

At what mileage point is this motor considered to be too high without having to do a rebuild? Or at what point is a rebuild typically needed with these motors?

I have an opportunity on a 12H-T with 235,000 km on the odometer -- higher mileage than I've seen on some of the JDM takeouts, and not sure if this particular engine is too well worn for my purpose of swapping into a U.S. spec gasser. Any thoughts?

Also, what would be considered a fair F.O.B. price for a complete half cut, full drivetrain, all engine accessories, etc... to the U.S.?

Thanks for improving my education in the world of diesel,

-dogboy- '87 FJ60
 
I have an HJ61 with 330,000 on the clock.. I bought it with 208 and have had no issues engine-wise at all. (knock on wood) The engine still runs stong, doesn't smoke and I get the same power and mileage I did at 208..

Been running mostly 15w40 dino with the odd synth blend inthe winter months.. I also run Howes in every tank.. So yeah, its a pretty reliable engine in the upper K.. :) It all depends on how it was treated...

As far as price goes, I can't help ya on that one...
 
it depends .. all is about the care and maintenaince .. I know some H engines with 500,000 km on it and still running well
 
I had one that had just ticked over 300000 klms and it blew no smoke,except for a puff of black when you floored it , and it had great power.
It used no oil.
The glow screen wasnt working but it cold started within 2 seconds,always.
I sold it to a young guy at a suspension shop and his boss who has owneda 61 before thought the power was like new.

At 235k its like 1/3 of its life is over if it has been looked after. Price?,these go for what people are prepared for these days.
The price is going up at aussie wreckers and they want $7K_8K for something with unproven klms.
 
maintanence is more important than milage, a poorly maintained engine at 50,000 would be a worse deal than a 300,000 well maintained km engine...at least in my books...
 
My 2H has got 481,000km. It smokes white on start-up and black on acceleration. Once warm it does quite well. No oil consumption to speak of. Everything else is falling apart.
 
crushers said:
maintanence is more important than milage, a poorly maintained engine at 50,000 would be a worse deal than a 300,000 well maintained km engine...at least in my books...
Click to expand...

Unfortunately this particular motor is overseas and the maintainence history and vehicle care is unknown.

Supposing compression numbers are all within spec, what else would be a good indication of the motor's condition (keeping in mind that it will be sight-unseen)? What are some of the common problems or problem components with this engine? Other questions to ask?

You guys are great -- my diesel IQ is increasing daily -- many thanks!

-dogboy- '87 FJ60
 
roscoFJ73 said:
At 235k its like 1/3 of its life is over if it has been looked after. Price?,these go for what people are prepared for these days.
The price is going up at aussie wreckers and they want $7K_8K for something with unproven klms.
Click to expand...

So this might not be too bad.... that's 146,022 miles x3=438,066 miles life expectancy. Given an annual average of 7,000 miles driven, it will take approximately 21 years to double it's existing mileage, and roughly 42 years until the motor effectively wears out if properly maintained. Considering our Cruiser typically averages 4 - 5,000 miles per year, at that rate it will make one hell of a coffin or a great legacy heirloom. And if I am still able to drive at that age, it will have proved to be $$ well spent. :D

Even at $7 - $8K Aussie, that's still significantly cheaper than any U.S. supplier is currently quoting. Have any good websites to chase Aussie parts? :)

Gotta live while I'm still "young",
-dogboy- '87 FJ60
 
dogboy2 said:
Even at $7 - $8K Aussie, that's still significantly cheaper than any U.S. supplier is currently quoting. Have any good websites to chase Aussie parts? :)

Gotta live while I'm still "young",
-dogboy- '87 FJ60
Click to expand...
I used to direct people to APRAA but the site seems to have closed down. It was a list of aussie wreckers and engine importers
Ive found wreckers are reluctant to compression test an engine.
Im not saying they necessarily out to sell you a POS.
They know someone will buy it and if they are confident the engine will last till the end of a short warranty period thats all they are concerned about.
I tried argueing with them but they just say if you buy it and its no good we will fix it or refund you:rolleyes:

If your in North America ,I would try G&S 1st

You can try sending these an email. I have no experience with them
http://www.qldcruisers.com.au/index.html
http://www.perth4wd.com.au/japimports.html
http://www.4wdspares.com.au/WebPage/WebPage.asp?Ref=3956
 
Last edited:
G&S charges a bit more for their engines but they stand behind them, they test them beofre sale, have great advice and support... i can not suggest anyone i would use besides them. their reputation is impecable, honesty ledgendary and true cruiserheads, not just in it for the buck they also support the community, attend event, functions and runs.

sometimes there is more to consider than just the bottom line. support goes a long way into a successful install...

just my opinion.

cheers
 
The opinion that I write in the post it's only based in my experience buying 2nd ( and more ) hands cars.

When you see a rig ( not only a cruiser ) that you like ..

The interior speak me about the owner. The care with care, take a view on details .. it dosen't say nothing about the engine but IMOP is a good guide.

With a worse interior .. seats, cracket dash or buttons .. this car it's used as car.. maybe not care or poor maintenance with cheap oils and parts ..
 
crushers said:
G&S charges a bit more for their engines but they stand behind them, they test them beofre sale, have great advice and support... i can not suggest anyone i would use besides them. their reputation is impecable, honesty ledgendary and true cruiserheads, not just in it for the buck they also support the community, attend event, functions and runs.

sometimes there is more to consider than just the bottom line. support goes a long way into a successful install...

just my opinion.

cheers
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more... ;)

Just exploring all of the options at this point, it's my nature, and sometimes I get really lucky on an outside bet.

HEY GREG!

did that 12H-T land yet? :)

-dogboy- '87 FJ60
 
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