1988 SX5 Turbo Diesel

[BitchBruiserJoe]

Hey everybody, just bought a 1988 land cruiser sx5 turbo diesel with 135k, perfect condition body, and studded winters on rims.

The only complaint with the vehicle is the speedo doesn't work, which is probably the reason the odo won't flip either. The guy i bought from claims that a speedo cable replacement should fix the issue. I have a provider, however I'm not sure of the "BJ-" name of the sx5 trim.

My question is, what is the applicable "BJ-" name of my sx5 trim, and is a speedo cable switch something that I am capable doing myself? Also, how much should I be spending for one?

Thanks, she runs like a beast and I'm happy that there's a community for her upkeep.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

From your description, it's hard to tell what Landcruiser you have. Sounds like you might have a LJ71 by the SX5 you mention.

You can confirm the type by looking at the information plate (in the engine bay on the fire wall). It'll have all the info you need to get a speedo cable.

It could just be that your cable is disconnected from the gauge cluster. Might be worth a look to see what the problem is before buying a new one.

If you do indeed have an LJ71, be aware that the engine's are prone to head failure. Do some searching if you'd like to learn more. There are ways to avoid this.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

As the saying goes .... It really doesn't exist until you post photos.

 

[roscoFJ73]

-" name of my sx5 trim, and is a speedo cable switch something that I am capable doing myself? Also, how much should I be spending for one?

:

It will be an LJ78 I think. You can use just about any Toyota speedo cable from that era. Just make sure its long enough.
Toyota gearboxes and speedos are made by a Toyota subsidiary called Aisan,so they conveniantly use the same fittings
Its a bit fiddly feeding them through the dash.You can tie a bit of wire onto the old one as you remove it,then tie the wire to the new one and pull it back through.
I paid about $20 last time for an aftermarket type

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

It will be an LJ78 I think.

A moot point, but I don't think they made the LJ78 in 1988.

 

[BitchBruiserJoe]

Here he is, BitchBruiserJoe, named after my license plate. an LJ71, with a 2L-T.

I tried to look for info about this head problem with the engines and can't find anything. It's an import, so sad I can't read japanese. I'll look into the cable situation, I wish there was some simple directions I could follow. I bought the car because I really want to learn about mechanics, besides the fact that it's absolutely beautiful.

Also, are there any resources I can learn from about winter maintanence and how to start this thing in -30? I live in Canada, I want to make him unstoppable!

 

[roscoFJ73]

Also, are there any resources I can learn from about winter maintanence and how to start this thing in -30? I live in Canada, I want to make him unstoppable!

Basically you need a good battery with all your glowplugs working.
You will probably have to glow the plugs twice

 

[Phil in BC]

Put a lower rad hose heater in and you'll be fine. easy to install, works like a charm!

 

[BitchBruiserJoe]

Put a lower rad hose heater in and you'll be fine. easy to install, works like a charm!

Is that the same thing as a block heater?