Anyone tried Evan's waterless coolant?

[Diesel Cruiserman]

....this would solve my problems....

Cable lockers and winch are added bonus.

Back in the day you could of asked top dollar for those cable locked axles, the whole cable locked axle stigma has disappeared...prolly get about 3500 if you were lucky..


Great engine tho..

 

[ForealBoreal]

yeah if you were lucky.
8 grand for that jesus.
I should sell my 77, bank the money and drive that thing.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Back in the day you could of asked top dollar for those cable locked axles, the whole cable locked axle stigma has disappeared...prolly get about 3500 if you were lucky.. Great engine tho..

The Auto is a bit of a turn off, but with 12ht and cable lockers, I could put up with it.

yeah if you were lucky.
8 grand for that jesus.
I should sell my 77, bank the money and drive that thing.

Why? Your 77 is an incredible rig!

Talked to the wife about that 61, and she's actually into it believe it or not. She's tired of me 'stressing' on every camping trip about the bloodly 2lte, haha.

I have a few concerns with that 61, and 60's in general though:

- I'd be going from something with 180,000kms to 300,000kms. Not sure how long 12ht's last? Depends on maintenance?
- Parts supply for 12ht is dwindling apparently? Where 2lte is easy to get parts for.
- I'm leery of potential frame/body rot developing over time? Undercoat it I guess? Plug holes where dirt gets in?
- I REALLY like my 78 (except when towing). Would really miss the little rig.
- Will loose serious bucks invested in my 78 when I sell it. May have to part some of it out and put it back to stock (intercooler, meth etc.) before selling the truck.

 

[ForealBoreal]

s*** I didn't realize its an auto. In that case I don't want it.
I'm not getting rid of the 77 anytime soon.
You have a few options.

In my opinion with the 60 your getting a little more rustic interior wise.
12h-t is a great motor, no timing belts or s*** to worry about. I hear waterpumps are expensive and stuff is getting harder to get.
As for the frame get a waxy undercoat. Don't plug holes, let stuff be able to drain out.
This is what I am using. I still need to apply more of it in a few areas.
http://www.proformproducts.com/en/products/coatings/rustproofing/wax-based-permanent-rustproofing/

I hate autos personally. They are known to be a weak point in these trucks hense why I am biased to the 81.
Monstaline that 81 and your golden! Coils ride a heck of a lot nicer than leafs.
Either of the truck you should fit a front mount intercooler. With that 81, you could make a custom plenum, front mount an a big turbo.
Thing would be a tow machine....

I would pull the meth. Keep the intercooler in it.
They are all money pits. The amount I have invested in my 77 with general maintenance and wanting to modify it I am in deep.
Money pits.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Nick, might sound crazy, get a class C and tow the 78.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

**** I didn't realize its an auto. In that case I don't want it.
I'm not getting rid of the 77 anytime soon.
You have a few options.

In my opinion with the 60 your getting a little more rustic interior wise.
12h-t is a great motor, no timing belts or **** to worry about. I hear waterpumps are expensive and stuff is getting harder to get.
As for the frame get a waxy undercoat. Don't plug holes, let stuff be able to drain out.
This is what I am using. I still need to apply more of it in a few areas.
http://www.proformproducts.com/en/products/coatings/rustproofing/wax-based-permanent-rustproofing/

I hate autos personally. They are known to be a weak point in these trucks hense why I am biased to the 81.
Monstaline that 81 and your golden! Coils ride a heck of a lot nicer than leafs.
Either of the truck you should fit a front mount intercooler. With that 81, you could make a custom plenum, front mount an a big turbo.
Thing would be a tow machine....

I would pull the meth. Keep the intercooler in it.
They are all money pits. The amount I have invested in my 77 with general maintenance and wanting to modify it I am in deep.
Money pits.

Crap, here I was talking myself into that 61, and now you have me doubting the A440.... That said, my A343F is holding out just fine in the LJ78.

I looked pretty close at the 81 you linked to above. To be honest, it's too run down for me. As much as I'd love the manual trans, that truck looks tired and is rusty. 81's get very expensive when they are tired. Also, seller never got back to me; so I'm wondering if it's sold anyhow.

Maybe I should just run the evans next summer season, and in the mean time save $$ to invest in a more ideal HD cruiser. Maybe something like a locked 1hdft h151 81 with low kms? (kidding, don't think I can ever afford one).

You are so right though. Cruisers are all money pits. That is part of the reason I'm reluctant to go for a older high km unit and repeat so much of the maintenance I've already done.

Nick, might sound crazy, get a class C and tow the 78.

That's hilarious Jon!! Haha. Maybe a diesel pusher something like this eh? (joking) http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/1992-38-Cummins-Diesel-Motorhome_23017559

 

[cruiserpilot]

Mid 90's Ford V10. I have relatives who tow to Jeep jamboree in Moab every year with it. Gets about the same mileage
as you do towing I expect.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Mid 90's Ford V10. I have relatives who tow to Jeep jamboree in Moab every year with it. Gets about the same mileage
as you do towing I expect.

Really? You're saying Ford's triton V10 moves a Class C rig and a tow vehicle for 15-17mpg (imp)? Thats pretty good if so. I would have thought something more like 5-12mpg.

I'm looking back into the 1uzfe swap option. There are so many people with Prado issues, that if I figured out the wiring etc. for this swap, I could probably do swaps for people. Win/win, as I'd be helping improve Prados, and making some $$ on the side.

 

[seapotato]

Back in the day you could of asked top dollar for those cable locked axles, the whole cable locked axle stigma has disappeared...prolly get about 3500 if you were lucky..

What's absurd about this, is you fawking cruiser parts shysters that don't consider 3500 top dollar.

Talked to the wife about that 61, and she's actually into it believe it or not. She's tired of me 'stressing' on every camping trip about the bloodly 2lte, haha.

I have a few concerns with that 61, and 60's in general though:

- I'd be going from something with 180,000kms to 300,000kms. Not sure how long 12ht's last? Depends on maintenance?
- Parts supply for 12ht is dwindling apparently? Where 2lte is easy to get parts for.
- I'm leery of potential frame/body rot developing over time? Undercoat it I guess? Plug holes where dirt gets in?
- I REALLY like my 78 (except when towing). Would really miss the little rig.
- Will loose serious bucks invested in my 78 when I sell it. May have to part some of it out and put it back to stock (intercooler, meth etc.) before selling the truck.

12ht's allegedly last a looong time.


Parts supply for all 30 year old vehicles is dwindling, I wouldn't sweat that part too much...

Rust? 60's don't rust....it's a myth.

Seems to me you need to do an engine swap. Selling a prado isn't exactly easy...almost all of the ones for sale for more than 5k have been for sale for ages. Even the ones at 3k linger on the market. For the $$ lost there, you could buy a pretty nice little diesel for the truck.

Mercedes, small cummins...there's some different options out there. 3b would be dead easy. Almost no wiring, although I get the feeling you like that part...

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

12ht's allegedly last a looong time.

Parts supply for all 30 year old vehicles is dwindling, I wouldn't sweat that part too much...

Rust? 60's don't rust....it's a myth.

Seems to me you need to do an engine swap. Selling a prado isn't exactly easy...almost all of the ones for sale for more than 5k have been for sale for ages. Even the ones at 3k linger on the market. For the $$ lost there, you could buy a pretty nice little diesel for the truck.

Mercedes, small cummins...there's some different options out there. 3b would be dead easy. Almost no wiring, although I get the feeling you like that part...

Thanks for the input Ryan. Sounds like a deal is already pending on that 61; so probably ain't going to happen. I'll be keeping my eye out for similar deals though.

If I keep the Prado, I'm not sure I have the time to figure out and do a unique swap to another manufacturer diesel. I like the 1UZ idea, as it is already popular with the Kiwi's, and leaves the drivetrain and engine bay completely intact other than the engine. It's one of the best gas engine's toyota has ever made. Once I figure it out, I could make wiring harnesses or something for others on the side. Sticking diesel is my ideal, but may just prove too expensive and time consuming in the end.

 

[Diesel Cruiserman]

What's absurd about this, is you fawking cruiser parts shysters that don't consider 3500 top dollar.

Back in the day GS would sell a set of axles for 5K.... We never sold one set of axles the whole time I was at the shop I think three sets of cable locked axles not reside over at Extreme Bends in Van..Got 5K sucka..

12ht's allegedly last a looong time.


Parts supply for all 30 year old vehicles is dwindling, I wouldn't sweat that part too much...

Rust? 60's don't rust....it's a myth.

Seems to me you need to do an engine swap. Selling a prado isn't exactly easy...almost all of the ones for sale for more than 5k have been for sale for ages. Even the ones at 3k linger on the market. For the $$ lost there, you could buy a pretty nice little diesel for the truck.

Mercedes, small cummins...there's some different options out there. 3b would be dead easy. Almost no wiring, although I get the feeling you like that part...

VW diesel, tuned to about 200ftp would push that little truck around...

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

VW diesel, tuned to about 200ftp would push that little truck around...

It's funny people say the prado is 'little'. The soft front end can be missleading. Truck weighs in at 2150kg empty. Not much different than a 60. Only a bit less than a HZJ77. Think a VW could push 2150kg+500kg+1400kg (truck,loaded, and trailer)? My 2lte is probably making 240lb/ft torque right now; must say, I would not want any less for my needs.

 

[cruiserpilot]

I would think they got 12 mpg, but they can pass traffic going up the Malahat, towing your 78! Besides, how far have you
really gone towing your trailer? Especially on the island.

 

[AJAEbj42]

I only tow my utility trailer which might have 500-1000 pounds tops in it but even with a turbo, the truck is still slow going up grades.

Personally, I wouldn't plan to tow anything significant with a 3B. Sure it can be done; anything can be done if you go really sloooow.

I like the idea of a 12HT or 1HDT better for a towing role.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I only tow my utility trailer which might have 500-1000 pounds tops in it but even with a turbo, the truck is still slow going up grades.

Personally, I wouldn't plan to tow anything significant with a 3B. Sure it can be done; anything can be done if you go really sloooow.

I like the idea of a 12HT or 1HDT better for a towing role.

Thanks for the input. At the moment I'm looking very seriously at crossing to the dark side (gasoline, haha). 1UZFE 4.0L V8's are a popular and proven swap into the Prado's in New Zealand. They make good power, and are really economical for a V8. They are also a bullet proof engine, well documented, and bolt to my existing drivetrain. I'm actually shopping around for a LS400 donor, or an imported Celsior right now.

 

[seapotato]

Thanks for the input. At the moment I'm looking very seriously at crossing to the dark side.

You do realize, that in the most famous instance of someone going to the dark side, they got their arms and legs chopped off, fell into a volcano and caught fire?

Just sayin...


If it were me, I'd reinvent the wheel and do something else, but then I do have a habit of going about things the hard way.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

You do realize, that in the most famous instance of someone going to the dark side, they got their arms and legs chopped off, fell into a volcano and caught fire?

Just sayin...


If it were me, I'd reinvent the wheel and do something else, but then I do have a habit of going about things the hard way.

Bahaha; that's hilarious man.

So, if you were going to drop something diesel into a Prado that could handle high loads all day long and make decent power, what would you put in?

For me the good/bad of the 1UZ in a Prado:

Good:
- Very affordable - can get a whole donor car for $1000 - Provides Engine, viscous fan, wiring, ECU, fuel pump, bell housing, TC, all accessories, bigger alternator, etc.
- Hightech V8 - DOHC 32V all aluminum
- Very light - 400lbs
- Leaves lots of room in the engine bay
- Economical - Kiwi's see typically see 9-13l/100km on the highway in Surf's and Prado's.
- Powerful - 260hp/260lb/ft - will be nice for the towing I do
- Bolts to A343F transmission without changing trans mounts, driveshaft lengths, etc.
- Longlasting engine - easily last 500,000kms
- No turbos/intercoolers etc. Just nice cool uncluttered normally aspirated simplicity.
- ECU controls Prado A343F trans
- Factory headers fit between frame
- Viscous fan matches prado Rad/shroud
- Coolant inlet outlet easy to route to Rad
- Air intake matches prado filter housing
- Don't have to worry about expensive diesel maintenance like rebuild of injectors, turbos, and rotary injection pumps
- More suitable for short trips city driving, which my truck sees lots of
- Smooth and refined
- It's a Toyota engine of same vintage as the vehicle
- Looks good in the engine bay, sounds good and oil will stay clean longer

Bad:
- Have spark plugs, ignition leads, and sensor maintenance to deal with
- Installation: have to make custom engine mounts, modify oil pan, and integrate the wiring
- Can't do deep water crossings - not that I really do anyhow
- Fuel economy won't match a modern diesel - especially in town driving
- Might get me some speeding tickets
- Will eat through tires quicker
- Is more of a revving V8 (oversquare engine) as opposed to a torquey V8 like a 2UZFE
- Wheeling economy probably not as good as a diesel, although the Kiwi's say it's not bad
- If society collapses, I can't run it on cooking oil, used engine oil and heating oil

Here is my engine currently with all the life support s*** it needs:

Here is how a 1UZ looks in a Prado engine bay:

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Well, truck has kept my busy the last few weeks. Thought I should update this saga.

I went to the Evans Waterless Coolant early this year. First hot tow the truck still pushed some coolant and filled the expansion tank. So I realized the issue was not localized boiling, but more likely a head gasket or cracked head.

So I pulled the head last week. Took me 6hrs to get the dirty heavy bastard off. NO CRACKS!! But headgasket had a small channel through the paint between #1 cylinder and a coolant port. As I had assumed the head would be cracked (common problem with the 2.4) I had already ordered a brand new updated casting OEM Toyota 2LTE head and full gasket set with head bolts etc. from mustang connection in Armstrong (great guys BTW).

So, new head is now at JB machine shop at Keating getting the old parts cleaned up and installed (valve grind, shimmed, and cam shaft polished). The parts are actually all in nearly perfect shape.

Once I had everything apart, I could tell the old head was not the original, and had been replaced in Japan before the truck came to Canada. It's a Toyota genuine head, but looks like the job was rushed, which is probably why the headgasket would leak under high load high temps.

So, hoping to get the new head back today or Tuesday. Will start putting all together in time to tow again this weekend...hopefully. Will be a good test, as we are heading up to Rathtrevor in what looks like it will be a VERY HOT weekend.

I'm going to keep running the Evans, and beat hard on the little motor.

Will get the old head hot tanked and magnefluxed and throw it up for sale used to try to recover some $$.

Good times. If it were winter and I was not so rushed, I would have done the V8 swap. Probably would not have cost any more than what I've spent fixing the little diesel.

 

[cruiserpilot]

The good news is, you can trust the mechanic. HaHa! Lets hope all the little holes and things line up
and it doesn't throw any surprises at you. See you Wednesday. J

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Got the engine all back together with the new head yesterday. Done just in time to be able to drive it to the VI Cruiser meet last night. The meet was far enough away I was able to give the motor a good test run. Ran perfect even with a drilled out rad cap with the Evans Coolant. I'm very very happy.

If anyone is curious, here is a picture of what was causing me all the grief the last three years. This was like this before I bought the vehicle, and I believe is the result of a rushed head job in Japan.

Here is where the gasket was leaking:

Close up picture of the leak on the head:

Close up of the leak on the top of the head gasket sitting on the block just after I took the head off: