How bad is the 2-LT?

[maddslacker]

I had planned to buy a 94 or 95 KZJ70 in a couple of years with the 1KZ-TE diesel, but I find myself coming into a little bit of cash now and I'm starting the process of importing a European 87 LJ70 with a 2-LT.

So my question is, is this engine as bad as the forums seem to say it is? Will it blow up if I look at it funny? Or can I just drive it with proper maintenance until if/when the head goes, replace it, and get on with life?

It'll see duty as a daily driver with weekend offroad exploring. I do not plan to install a lift and it will be pushing 265/75 16's so nothing too outrageous. It will never tow as we have my wife's big SUV for that.

Thanks in advance for any info. I can't wait to join the club!

 

[Gun Runner 5]

@joekatana might be able to offer some additional insight into that engine.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Forums are where people congregate to swap bad stories. While the 2LT does not have a stellar record, good maintenance and understanding it's limitations of power will probably keep most engines reliable.
Whats happened to a 32 year old between new and now may have some bearing on how long it lasts.
I would probably stick with smaller tyres.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

The early rocker head version (pre 1989) with the mechanical injection pump is known to be a pretty decent version. Just don't over heat it and maintain it well and you should be fine (depending on condition you get it in). They were actually sold here in Canada new in pick-ups for a few years. Lots of them still running around with over 400,000km on them.

Basically the 1990-1994 version or so had the worst cylinder head problems. The later generation cylinder heads swapped on were much better though and last at least 2-3 times as long.

 

[jmylie]

I have a 91 LJ77 with over 310,000 km on it and I drive it regularly.

As stated in many post, use "water wetter" or a similar product and watch the temp. Mine has always run cool.

I picked it up last year in St Louis MO at the end of Aug and drove it home to CT, about 1100 miles without any issues.

Good luck with your search.

 

[ALEXY]

inspect the cooling system properly, change thermostat for tridon high flow, add/change the silicone oil in the fan hub and install egt and coolant aftermarket gauges.
dont try to drive it faster then 100km/h on dash (wont reach more then 120km/h anyway).

I have 400000km on same engine and valve seals seem to get tired, rest runs. but I change gears on highway by looking at egt values.

expect some parts to be discontinued and some crazy expensive. but its a lovely little truck.

 

[maddslacker]

install egt and coolant aftermarket gauges.

Any recommendations on the parts for this? I searched here but didn't turn up much. I was probably not searching for the right terms

dont try to drive it faster then 100km/h on dash (wont reach more then 120km/h anyway).

It's a Land Cruiser, not a Land Racer I have the wife's Nissan Armada for when I'm in a hurry ...

 

[AndrewHadji]

>>Any recommendations on the parts for this? I searched here but didn't turn up much. I was probably not searching for the right terms
autometer and a few other folks have quality egt and coolant gauges. dont cheap out here

 

[maddslacker]

Is an add-on intercooler worth it?

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Is an add-on intercooler worth it?

A quality and efficient intercooler absolutely transforms these motors. Drops EGT's by a huge amount. Allows tuning for better power safely.

 

[ALEXY]

I used auber meter. ebay has also some meters that are looking identical with auber, some functions are different.

auber will read a vdo temperature probe (which I installed in an adaptor inserted between thermostat and radiator.

you will find info that says to put the egt probe before the turbo, but its just very easy to install it after.

for me, auber type meters worked best because they are small and fit in the slot above the radio.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Ive had these Engine Watchdogs on my last 2 landcruisers and I think they are great. You can install them in 15 mins and very easy to program. I have mine installed on the head next to outlet to the radiator, so Im getting cyl head coolant temps almost immediately.
The ideal place for the gauge is under the dash on a narrow flat section just forward of the t/case lever on RH drive 7* series.

 

[maddslacker]

Engine Watchdogs

Thanks! I'd probably do this in addition to an EGT gauge. Is there any value to installing it at the thermostat housing bolt?

 

[roscoFJ73]

If its the closest point to the coolant exiting the head, then yes.
I have mine set on 2 temperatures. The first beep tells me the t/stat has opened at 80c and the other at 100c. The temps showing on the gauge are probably a few degrees cooler than what it actually is, but they are the same all the time so if there is a problem you notice it.
The newer type have 2 sensors, so you can monitor another part of the engine, such as where the coolant enters the engine which tells you how much the coolant dropped in temp going through the radiator. Or you could put it on the transmission.

 

[maddslacker]

What is yours bolted to? ... Now that I read up on how it actually works.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Mine is bolted to the coolant outlet on the head. The 1HZ has the t/stat on the coolant inlet, so its not much point having it there.
Not my engine, but i have it fixed to the bolt circled in blue.
The red arrow is the coolant temp sensor on an Australian 1HZ, other markets have it elsewhere. I was able to loosen the nut with the engine cold and fit the sensor without any leaks

 

[maddslacker]

So I talked to my Italian coworker and it turns out the dealer with the vehicle I am interested in is right next to the office. I had him translate some questions for me as they didn't reply to my inquiry that I sent in English.

's about to get real!