advice needed -inspecting '09 LX today

[cruisermaine]

I'm going to look at a truck today. I've had an 80 and a 100 previously. Truck has about 130K on it and looks good cosmetically. Carfax is clean with a solid dealer service history. Water pump, blower motor, and radiator fan were replaced at about 100K. I'll check to see how the radiator looks at the weak point. My first check is going to be rust - that is how I lost the 100. It rotted out from under me even with frequent winter chassis cleaning . What is the forum's consensus on Fluid Film? I am planning on being more pro-active this time...

While there are numerous dealer service summaries that note "fluids checked" and occasional "differential serviced", there's no mention of AHC flush or service. I'm going to assume it has never been changed . The service history shows routine dealer oil changes every 5,000 miles or so. brakes were done multiple times over the years. My primary concerns from looking over the 200 forum are: AHC, radiator, starter, leaks. Is it easy to spot the cam tower leak from above or do you need a lift and have to pull tires and splash guards? Anything else specific I should look for?

This is a third vehicle for us to be used for accessing our remote camp over forest /logging road. No extreme build required but height control will come in handy at times. May change wheel /tire set to get more sidewall.... Also to be used during severe winter storms. Hopefully all will work out. Any advice greatly appreciated

 

[chipsterguy]

AHC is pretty robust. You should perform a fluid flush on the system. You will notice a difference in performance.

If the radiator has been done, you should be good. I don’t recall seeing radiator problems after the initial replace.

Cam tower leak cam be inspected by raising the vehicle to H via AHC, and inspect the engine bay through the wheel well. Look for the lower part of the heads. If you see oil then you likely have the cam tower leak. Most often observed on the passenger side.

Good luck with your LX!

 

[cruisermaine]

Thanks for the info / quick reply. How do you like your Geolanders on the 18's?

 

[chipsterguy]

Loved them. Sold the truck (2010 LX). Just bought a 2015 LX. Had the dealer put the Geolanders on the 20” wheels. So far, so good. Excellent snow traction up at Whistler!

 

[SteveL]

I purchased an 09 LC with same miles, no leaks, no rust, fan clutch was done, good service history. I have installed a NEW starter as preventive maintenance, have a new water pump on hand and like you watching the radiator. So far no crack, no cam tower leaks either. Ordered new solenoid for old starter and have it in a local facility for rebuilding as a spare. All good, love this thing...

 

[cruisermaine]

truck had no rust - southern transplant from Texas. Awesome! but.... lots of overspray present on front skids and at the rear so it had paintwork (poorly done) at both ends. had 4 brand new tires but noise and vibration was constant throughout test drive at speeds ranging from 20 to over 70. It was a high frequency vibration accompanied by a low frequency hum. Felt like I was driving a bus. I paid a Toyota dealer to do a PPI but that turned out to be a waste of money as they were no help diagnosing the problem. I passed on this one. A bit of a disappointment as I was getting excited about getting it and had "Cash" in hand...

 

[gentimmy]

truck had no rust - southern transplant from Texas. Awesome! but.... lots of overspray present on front skids and at the rear so it had paintwork (poorly done) at both ends. had 4 brand new tires but noise and vibration was constant throughout test drive at speeds ranging from 20 to over 70. It was a high frequency vibration accompanied by a low frequency hum. Felt like I was driving a bus. I paid a Toyota dealer to do a PPI but that turned out to be a waste of money as they were no help diagnosing the problem. I passed on this one. A bit of a disappointment as I was getting excited about getting it and had "Cash" in hand...

sounds to me like it was involved in an accident