HZJ73 - Service Suggestions

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J

Johnny Quest

10 Year
Joined
Mar 19, 2015
Threads
3
Messages
12
Hi All!

I just purchased a 1990 HZJ73. It has 135K kms (about 84K miles). The importer changed all the fluids but they used NAPA Gold oil filter, NAPA air filter, and the radiator filter is greenish. Also, the oil looks really dark and thick. They changed the front & rear diff. fluids to 75/90 synthetic.

Other things they did:
Transmission and transfer case fluid changed
Replaced thermostat
New heater and radiator hoses
charged a/c
greased drivelines, ujoints, steering and knuckles
Replaced timing belt, pulley tensioner, and water pump
Replaced Radiator

I'm not familiar with the diesel engine. Should I flush and put Toyota red in? Should I change the oil? If so what should I be using? I use 15W50 for my FJ80 and I'm in Phoenix, AZ. Also should I be changing the filters to OEMs (I use them for the FJ80). They also put NAPA fuel filter in.

Engines is really loud (I know diesels are supposed to be) and there is some exhaust smoke when first started. Is this something I should be concerned about?

The PO also put in own aftermarket steering wheel. Any suggestions on how to get an original?

Thanks for in advance for any suggestions.
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Johnny Quest said:
I'm in Phoenix Arizona area.
Click to expand...
First of all congrats on the purchase.
Secondly the go to guys for parts and perhaps information are Onur (Beno on 'MUD) or Dan (Cruiserdan on 'MUD).
Lastly, your Cruiser will run much better after you're registered here.... U.S. 70's Registration.
 
Gun Runner 5 said:
First of all congrats on the purchase.
Secondly the go to guys for parts and perhaps information are Onur (Beno on 'MUD) or Dan (Cruiserdan on 'MUD).
Lastly, your Cruiser will run much better after you're registered here.... U.S. 70's Registration.
Click to expand...


Thanks! I get most my parts from Cruiserdan for my FJ80 already. I'll certainly register. I'm pretty excited and a little cautious since its the first diesel I've ever owned.
 
Congrats! Just remember three things:
1. Use the green nozzle
2. Enter on right
3. Turn signals on right....or is it left?
(You can order/replace turn signal & headlight controls)
Enjoy - :)
 
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Probably can't go wrong with a 1HZ. :)
 
wardharris said:
Congrats! Just remember three things:
1. Use the green nozzle
2. Enter on right
3. Turn signals on right....or is it left?
(You can order/replace turn sit & headlight controls)
Enjoy - :)
Click to expand...


Yes forgot to mention its RHD - definitely taking me some time to get use to. It's feels much wider than the exterior looks and perceptions from the right side is strange...and yes turn signals on the right!
 
Johnny Quest said:
Yes forgot to mention its RHD - definitely taking me some time to get use to. It's feels much wider than the exterior looks and perceptions from the right side is strange...and yes turn signals on the right!
Click to expand...
This is what I have learned from owning a RHD Cruiser.....
When you walk up on the passenger side (you will) just lean down and pretend you're looking at something. Then walk around to the correct side and get in. No one will be the wiser.
 
wardharris said:
Congrats! Just remember three things:
1. Use the green nozzle
2. Enter on right
3. Turn signals on right....or is it left?
(You can order/replace turn signal & headlight controls)
Enjoy - :)
Click to expand...
PS - I know a guy that can swap your steering from RHD to LHD... :)
 
wardharris said:
PS - I know a guy that can swap your steering from RHD to LHD... :)
Click to expand...
RHD greatly increases your "street creds" so stick with it. LHD is a sign of weakness. :)
 
Johnny Quest said:
Hi All!

I just purchased a 1990 HZJ73. It has 135K kms (about 84K miles). The importer changed all the fluids but they used NAPA Gold oil filter, NAPA air filter, and the radiator filter is greenish. Also, the oil looks really dark and thick. They changed the front & rear diff. fluids to 75/90 synthetic.

Other things they did:
Transmission and transfer case fluid changed
Replaced thermostat
New heater and radiator hoses
charged a/c
greased drivelines, ujoints, steering and knuckles
Replaced timing belt, pulley tensioner, and water pump
Replaced Radiator

I'm not familiar with the diesel engine. Should I flush and put Toyota red in? Should I change the oil? If so what should I be using? I use 15W50 for my FJ80 and I'm in Phoenix, AZ. Also should I be changing the filters to OEMs (I use them for the FJ80). They also put NAPA fuel filter in.

Engines is really loud (I know diesels are supposed to be) and there is some exhaust smoke when first started. Is this something I should be concerned about?

The PO also put in own aftermarket steering wheel. Any suggestions on how to get an original?

Thanks for in advance for any suggestions.
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View attachment 1177615 View attachment 1177616 View attachment 1177617 View attachment 1177618
Click to expand...


Indirect diesel injection causes oil to soot up a bit quicker, so they are normally changed every 5-6000klms. 15-50 would be ideal in Arizona temps, about the same as Western Australia.
I would leave the green coolant in for a year then change it to red. Mine has had green coolant for years from the previous owners and the water pump is just getting to the point where it needs to be changed at 250000klms(most 1HZ pumps go about then)
Unfortunately for budding home mechanics ,once a 1HZ is set up properly ,there is not much to do until the next service.
A 1/2 second flash of whitish smoke is normal on start up.
I have never used OEM filters on any Toyota engine, lots of good aftermarket types out there
I couldn't a see fuel filter on your list, that should be changed.
At 135000klms ,it is unlikely the injectors have ever been done. It is a 100000klms service job.

I'm a bit surprised when you say its loud. IDI engines are fairly quiet engines as far as diesels go. Is it the muffler or an exhaust leak?

You will enjoy it more with the proper wheel, I dont know why people use those horrible aftermarket types.
 
roscoFJ73 said:
Indirect diesel injection causes oil to soot up a bit quicker, so they are normally changed every 5-6000klms. 15-50 would be ideal in Arizona temps, about the same as Western Australia.
I would leave the green coolant in for a year then change it to red. Mine has had green coolant for years from the previous owners and the water pump is just getting to the point where it needs to be changed at 250000klms(most 1HZ pumps go about then)
Unfortunately for budding home mechanics ,once a 1HZ is set up properly ,there is not much to do until the next service.
A 1/2 second flash of whitish smoke is normal on start up.
I have never used OEM filters on any Toyota engine, lots of good aftermarket types out there
I couldn't a see fuel filter on your list, that should be changed.
At 135000klms ,it is unlikely the injectors have ever been done. It is a 100000klms service job.

I'm a bit surprised when you say its loud. IDI engines are fairly quiet engines as far as diesels go. Is it the muffler or an exhaust leak?

You will enjoy it more with the proper wheel, I dont know why people use those horrible aftermarket types.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the tips Rosco. Appreciate it. Yes the importer replaced the fuel filter too (after market). I will look into the injectors. As far as the noise goes, its loud when I hit the accelerator, in low gear and idling, but sound goes away when I'm at cruising speed. Almost like a knocking sound within the rest of the sounds. I'll see if I can record at and attach. The sound comes from engine not in the back but I'll check muffler/exhaust.

Yes the smoke is about what you mentioned at start up.

The importer changed the oil but I'm assuming its mineral, and its dark and thick - is this normal for diesel? I'm use to synthetic in my FJ80 which of course is light in color.
 
Congrats on the purchase. I certainly mean no offense, but maybe you should have educated yourself on that drive train before you
jumped in. There is a LOT to learn about that engine. You need to be educated to protect it as much as possible, as there isnt someone
around the block to go to should problems arise. Timing belt, water pump and injectors are your main issue at this point.
 
T belt and water pump is a simple replacement items, idler pully is usually in the kit. Con rod bearings should be done as per always.

Injectors with that many miles is not even a concern and as for the noisy engine, the 1hz is a very refined motor that is generally very quiet. I would check for exhaust leak, although some peoples idea of noisy compared to another one is far different.

Definitely one of my favourite engines and that model year and up they made some very nice interior improvements mostly upholstery.

Bumped into this guy last weekend with AT tires and not even air down and dual lockers, he worked that truck way less than I did my BJ42 with 33 MT KO2s air down to 10 psi and no lockers.
cruiser shots 020.webp
 
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