If I were you, I would also google your town and "Land cruiser" and see what you find. TLCA Events | The Toyota Land Cruiser Association - https://tlca.org/events/ seems like that page has the listing of someone who might be a land cruiser person in your area and might know of a good cruiser mechanic.
HELP! What are my options?!?!? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter EDWARDSR
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John McVicker
SILVER Star
One of the very best in the business in every single way is 90 miles from Tulare. Georg at CruiserBrothers Stockton,Ca.
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It's entirely possible they are yanking your chain and you do not have oil in your coolant. Since you said it "overheated", they're going to take you to the cleaners because you're ignorant.
It could be that you just need to refresh your cooling system (hoses, fan clutch, thermostat, radiator) and do the proper PM.
Most dealerships are stupid on these. If they can't plug it into the computer, they have no idea because few can actually diagnose a problem otherwise based on troubleshooting.
It could be that you just need to refresh your cooling system (hoses, fan clutch, thermostat, radiator) and do the proper PM.
Most dealerships are stupid on these. If they can't plug it into the computer, they have no idea because few can actually diagnose a problem otherwise based on troubleshooting.
Flank
American by Birth, Texan by the grace of God.
I agree with @BILT4ME - that dealerships will not take the time to diagnose on a 25 year old vehicle - they don't have the time or patience, love of the vehicles, or in some cases education / knowledge on the old iron to do so - it's not profitable to do so.
I've even had dealerships tell me they only trust 1 or two techs to touch the alignment or axles on my truck, because the "new guys aren't taught crap" about the old iron. And those techs owned cruisers.
Find a cruiser shop or at least a shop that specializes in Japanese cars / engines - does not have to be a dedicated cruiser shop. When I could not find a Cruiser shop to swap my engine (I was very much in the same boat as you, but I self diagnosed a non-overheated bad head gasket at the #6) I found a Japanese service shop that gave me a very fair deal on swapping mine with a great used motor I was fortunate to find from @Delancy .
It never hurts to at least let them know you've done your homework and offer up info you've learned from researching - not to guide them in their job, but to let them know you're not a Noob who is willing to blindly write a check out of desparation. My $.02.
I've even had dealerships tell me they only trust 1 or two techs to touch the alignment or axles on my truck, because the "new guys aren't taught crap" about the old iron. And those techs owned cruisers.
Find a cruiser shop or at least a shop that specializes in Japanese cars / engines - does not have to be a dedicated cruiser shop. When I could not find a Cruiser shop to swap my engine (I was very much in the same boat as you, but I self diagnosed a non-overheated bad head gasket at the #6) I found a Japanese service shop that gave me a very fair deal on swapping mine with a great used motor I was fortunate to find from @Delancy .
It never hurts to at least let them know you've done your homework and offer up info you've learned from researching - not to guide them in their job, but to let them know you're not a Noob who is willing to blindly write a check out of desparation. My $.02.
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Check there is indeed oil in your coolant! Check for a blocked radiator, a faulty thermostat, and the fan. When the engine is cold take off the radiator cap and check for bubbles when the engine is running. Worst comes to worst the head will have to come off to check the gasket and head for any cracks.
Did you witness oil in coolant?
What prompted a trip to the shop? Was it the overheating?
There's a few things that could cause overheating. Head gasket is far more likely than a cracked head or block.
I had a head gasket fail between cylinder 1 and water jacket. In my case, this hydrolocked the engine. Not good, and a definite risk of more damage if you keep driving it.
If it was running and idling smoothly before you took it to the shop you are probably OK to drive it, but I'd avoid driving it more than absolutely necessary.
Its possible a head gasket can fail between water jacket and oil gallery, but a little unlikely. I think (memory??) there's only one pressurised oil gallery passing oil to the head.
These engines commonly overheat due to engine fan hub not up to scratch (or aftermarket fan hub installed), radiator choked up, thermostat not fully functional.
Overheating going up a step grade could be head gasket, or cooling system issue.
Oil in water could be head gasket, or oil cooler as mentioned.
Cracked head can happen, but I don't think it's all that common.
Cracked block can happen, but what was done to diagnose this? Borescope cam down plug holes? If so, they should be able to show you pics.
The fact they are saying could be cracked block OR cracked head suggests they are simply guessing and haven't diagnosed it.
With 154k miles on it, that engine stood have a lot of life left in it, unless it's been neglected
What prompted a trip to the shop? Was it the overheating?
There's a few things that could cause overheating. Head gasket is far more likely than a cracked head or block.
I had a head gasket fail between cylinder 1 and water jacket. In my case, this hydrolocked the engine. Not good, and a definite risk of more damage if you keep driving it.
If it was running and idling smoothly before you took it to the shop you are probably OK to drive it, but I'd avoid driving it more than absolutely necessary.
Its possible a head gasket can fail between water jacket and oil gallery, but a little unlikely. I think (memory??) there's only one pressurised oil gallery passing oil to the head.
These engines commonly overheat due to engine fan hub not up to scratch (or aftermarket fan hub installed), radiator choked up, thermostat not fully functional.
Overheating going up a step grade could be head gasket, or cooling system issue.
Oil in water could be head gasket, or oil cooler as mentioned.
Cracked head can happen, but I don't think it's all that common.
Cracked block can happen, but what was done to diagnose this? Borescope cam down plug holes? If so, they should be able to show you pics.
The fact they are saying could be cracked block OR cracked head suggests they are simply guessing and haven't diagnosed it.
With 154k miles on it, that engine stood have a lot of life left in it, unless it's been neglected
Get it out of the dealership. They are blindly guessing. Unless they can show oil floating on top the coolant in radiator OR coolant in the oil pan (more likely) then I wouldn't put any stock in what they are saying. Even IF that is the case it is MUCH more likely a head gasket (possibly a oil cooler issue) than it is a cracked block or head.
- Thread starter
- #28
update to everyone involved, and thank you so much for your help and comments in the matter. I have taken the vehicle back from the dealership and have voicemails into the 2 nearest cruiser specialist shops to see when I can get the vehicle flatbedded over to them. I just bought this unit and don’t want to risk anything. My first priority for a shop is Nelson’s Garage over in Cayucos CA as he specifically specializes in 80 series. Will update everyone as I know more.
Now...you're cookin'
@Shoppy has worked on my rig & is a stand up guy. Very bizzzy though but will get your 80 the right intensive care.
My bet is a head gasket..... you should think about other while your in there stuff like fuel filter, new hoses & maybe oil & water pumps....
Another is making sur the electrical wire are away from the EGR pipe.
My bet is a head gasket..... you should think about other while your in there stuff like fuel filter, new hoses & maybe oil & water pumps....
Another is making sur the electrical wire are away from the EGR pipe.
They are exactly Techs not mechanics they are parts tossers who throw parts at things until they stick, got see georg @valleycruzier he will take care of you
- Thread starter
- #32
Update for everyone! Mike over at Nelson’s garage in Cayucos CA has gotten the chance to do diagnostics. Here’s what he told me
“Edwards, I got to checking it out more thoroughly, and found the head gasket is blown on the truck. It not only is intermixing oil with the coolant but also has substantial amounts of hydrocarbons (burnt Fuel) in the cooling system. This can only happen when the either the gasket blows between the cooling system and the cylinders or a crack develops.
A crack is highly unlikely (but possible). Out of the very many we have had apart and rebuilt, I have yet to see one cracked. I am working up estimates to get it all dialed for you.”
“Edwards, I got to checking it out more thoroughly, and found the head gasket is blown on the truck. It not only is intermixing oil with the coolant but also has substantial amounts of hydrocarbons (burnt Fuel) in the cooling system. This can only happen when the either the gasket blows between the cooling system and the cylinders or a crack develops.
A crack is highly unlikely (but possible). Out of the very many we have had apart and rebuilt, I have yet to see one cracked. I am working up estimates to get it all dialed for you.”
Once i came to a dealer to check timing (spark distributor) with stroboscope. After 30 mins of discussion, explanation to different idiots and the answer was "we dont fix old cars".
Have a good mechanic at an independent shop 100% check the cooling system- Pressure test is my preferred method. *IF* all ok without any coolant leaking *ANYWHERE*- coolant-oil/Coolant-external engine /coolant-combustion chamber, then have them 100% check radiator, fan etc etc.
Mike over at Nelsons did the head gasket work on my 97 last year. I could not have been more happy with the experience. If he is willing to do the work then I would give him the job. I had him do a lot of "while you are in there" work as well and we feel the truck is now ready for another 300k miles. He is extremely knowledgeable and seems to be as honest as they come. He gets a big recommendation from me.
- Thread starter
- #37
Sorry I didn’t update! My rig is with mike and he is going to dial everything in for me! Full gasket job along with timing belt timing change job etc etc etc. he told me that my rig will be ready for another 200K easy after he’s done with it!
Right on. He did my timing chain as well during the head gasket job. You are going to be happy! He is a good dude.
- Thread starter
- #39
He’s has been nothing short of amazing in his customer service and transparency with his explanations and recommendations. Especially as I am in my infancy knowledge stages of being an 80 series owner!
alia176
SILVER Star
Congrats brother, you're in good hands, er, that sounds like an Alstate commercial.
To be honest, you're approach to this problem has been nice and you've humble. Much kudos go to you, young Padawan. For some of us old timers, when a young buck struts strutting his stuff, things tend to go sideways and the issues don't get solved but feelings get hurt.
Welcome to the madness, er, I mean 80 ownership. You and your daughter will be making tons of memories in this rig and I speak from experience. My daughter started to drive it at age nine and now wants it, after she puts me in a home, that is.
Might I add that you look at the "clubhouse" section of this forum and acquaint yourself with your fellow brothers and sisters in your area?
