2L-TE overheating. How far to go? (1 Viewer)

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Lee777.......on a serious note....I am truly sorry your LJ78 let loose and I hope you can find a reasonable remedy to the engine issues.
.........1978HJ45 (1990 LJ78)
 
Thanks 1976HJ45.

Ya it does suck. But I will get this engine running again. It will probably end up being close the the cost of a new engine when you figure in labour and new head parts. A 1PZ seems like an option at this point but the budget is stretched to the max. I'll likely go this route down the road.

I dont blame anyone but myself for what has happened. Its not like I dont believe everyones experienced advice about the unreliability of the 2L-TE. But there are some 2L-TE owners out there that dont have any problems with their engines, and I decided to roll the dice. I tired to minimize my risk by installing a pyro, boost, and temp guages, and driving it appropriately. But who knows what the PO did to it before I bought it. And lost the gamble, I take full responsibility for that risk.

When anyone loses a bet, your entitled to whine a bit, but I can also laugh at the situation Ive put myself it. Was my decision to buy a 2L-TE rational? Probably not, but then again, i didnt think it would happen to me!

Ill keep you guys posted about the rebuild!

Take it easy
Lee
 
lexus swap ??

Hi, As a current owner of a 91 prado that had a blown head and was fixed. I did not have that much info before.
I have a suggestion. Depending on the downtime that you afford.
How about swapping a v8 lexus 1UZ-FE engine,transmission. It can be mated to the landcruiser transfer case as well. This has been done countless times in Aus, NZ and some swaps in 4runners/hiluxes in the US. you get 250hp/torque, silky smooth engine, and keep it toyota.
It is available from importers in Canada. there is lots on support through the lextreme site (electrics etc)
I have researched this quite a bit and if one does the work themselves, It could cost b/w 2-3 thousand.

That is what i have in mind if my engine ever misbehaves again.

You should think your options before you commit your self to a 2-3 thousand dollar expense, and you can spend either to get the same performance/risk , or go for a better product/performance.

Thank you,
Ali C.
 
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another option is to sell the brand new head and put that towards the cost of the engine swap.

just and option.

also the 22R gasser returns better power, same fuel economy, cheaper to fix, no elec to screw with.
 
Hey Guys,

Thanks for the options. I agree it may be worth holding up and weighing out the options before bolting ahead.

Thanks!
Lee

another option is to sell the brand new head and put that towards the cost of the engine swap.

just and option.

also the 22R gasser returns better power, same fuel economy, cheaper to fix, no elec to screw with.
 
I DO NOT have enough tech/engine savvy to suggest which route you should take. You obviously have access to powerplants that are not easily available here in the States however my 3L head was installed at 70,000 kms and the Cruiser now has 162,000 with no issues. Again...I am not suggesting anything....just providing information. ...........1978HJ45 (1990 LJ78)
 
1978HJ45,

I'm wishing all the best for your engine. May it be run into the ground with dignity

Lee

Those who know me well would argue the dignity part but thanks anyway:) .....1978HJ45
 
so when i say "at Christmas time, that must suck" then i am saying it sucks extra bad since Christmas time is supposed to be 'money out the window for gifts' time.

sheesh, try to be a nice guy ... bah humbug.

Some people are just misunderstood, ain't that so Wayne lol.

Swapping UZ's into Surfs (I know, I know, not the same truck) is getting common in the UK - the LS400 are going for less than $1000 (US) - and that's for a running vehicle. Selling the spare parts helps fund the swap.

Have a look on here

Board Index - Daemon4x4 - 4x4 & Off Road Technical Board

Search for a member called Bushwhacker - he's done about 5 conversions. Great guy, very helpful.
 
Thanks for the suggestion!

Does anyone know of a thread on mud where someone has done a 2L-TE to 3B conversion (with turbo) on 1991 Prado EX5?

Thanks
lee
 
That's disappointing news Lee.

I own an LJ78. I bought it after the head had been done so I haven't had to experience the pain or the costs. I drove it from Calgary to the Okanagan. Did well on the hills.

In spite of the head being done, I'm waiting for my day to come when I have to throw a money tree at a mechanic and burn some more in a ritualistic ceremony to keep the truck running.

I must say, the truck is a pleasure to drive when it's not acting up.
I also love the utilitarian design and function of the truck.
 
Hey mark

I agree.

I'm really liking the image of having our Prado with a turbo'd 3B engine.

My truck only had 100k on it when we bought it and now its at 115k. Very little rust, all the electricals are in good condition. I think with a 3B turbo, it would be the ultimate because there may be a chance that the body would live as long as the engine for once (lol). Pics

50804fj_20.jpg

02154cj_20.jpg

2844gge_20.jpg


Lee
 
Hello all,

Here is the update on the Prado, the news is good, to summarize what I have done since it overheated and was beating it to death like a dead horse:deadhorse:

1) Replaced 2L-TE with one which was pulled from a Surf that was rear ended and didnt have a history of overheating (110,000kms)
2) New belt, tensioner, idler, cam, crank seals
3) New Heavy duty water pump
4) New thermostat
5) New radiator hoses
6) New steering belt
7) Radiator flush and pressure test

Truck was run but with high EGT issues. Then:

8) Installed new 2.5" exhaust from flexpipe to tail with a high flow muffler.
9) Plenty of fuel injector cleaner treatments.

The truck is running great after the fuel injector cleaning and widened exhaust! :steer:While driving up the 4km steep grade from Nelson to the ski hill, in overdrive, EGTs dont ever climb over 1000 F, at 60-70km/hr and no need to drop the gear out of overdrive. Before I had to drop it out of overdrive and crawl at 50kms with EGTs pushing 1000F. Now on gentle inclines/flat/decline EGT's are improved at 600-800F in overdrive, 90-100km/hr. Before I would have to take it out of overdrive on a couple sections, and my max speed was only 80km/hr with EGT's at 1000F.

I'm happy with the EGT situation. I have a manual boost controller on order. When it comes in I'd like to dial in the boost to see if anything happens with the horse power or EGT but like I said, Im plenty happy with the current results!

I'm currently a very happy camper but all this leaves me a bit guarded/ paranoid :whoops: but elated :smokin:the rig is running so well. I believe this graduates me to Stage 4 of "Johns Prado Ownership Timeline (TM)":clap:
 
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I'm currently a very happy camper but all this leaves me a bit guarded/ paranoid :whoops: but elated :smokin:the rig is running so well.

All good then!

The paranoia will not subside for about 2 years - mine didn't after I blew the head on mine. But one day you will stop checking for water loss and leaks every single time you drive the truck, really, you will......

:cheers:
 
Muffler

Lee,

What work was involved for the muffler. I am going to increase my trucks exhaust to 2.5". Any special parts needed?
 
Hi Mark,

I had a custom exhaust done by guy name Mode in Nelson. He kept the stock flexpipe and started just below it and ran 2.5 all with way back to the tail. I can take some pictures of it tonight. Surprisingly it wasnt too much louder.
 

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