Ideas for improving the 2LTE (1 Viewer)

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The problem is, it could be very good, right up to the point that it's very bad, and then your turbo is pooched. All it takes is something falling into the resevoir and jamming in a nozzle, and the water doesn't atomize properly, and game over.

Alright, I think what I'll do is begin with a single nozzle system (post intercooler), and see how it goes. In the future if I feel I can afford the risk, I may play around with a pre-turbo nozzle too.
 
Pull it out and drop a 12ht in, job done

As good as they are; too old of an engine, too heavy and too long. One thing the 2lte has going for it is it's relative light weight, and all of it behind the front axle. Great for wheeling.
 
Hello....... Another Lj78 here

GTS thanks for the amazing info on the LJ!!

I'm just putting in gauges right now, and was wondering where the best place for temp sensor is? Do you just replace stock and use that location?

Thanks Mattnorr
 
Hello....... Another Lj78 here

GTS thanks for the amazing info on the LJ!!

I'm just putting in gauges right now, and was wondering where the best place for temp sensor is? Do you just replace stock and use that location?

Thanks Mattnorr

Hey, I'm embarrassed to say that I never did put in an aftermarket temp gauge. I've found my factory gauge works well for my needs. I just never let the gauge get above half. Normally it sits around 1/3 with an 82C thermostat. Here is some good info that you could read through on pyro/temp gauges for the LJ78 Prado: https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/lj78-water-temp-pyrometer.391721/
 
OK, guys, did a lot of updating to the first post in this thread. I've learned a lot over the last couple of years since I first wrote it.
 
I'm running a 3L with a turbo so I'm probably in a similar boat. I'm running a top mount intercooler which allowed me to add fuel and boost with no heat issues. I'm also running a larger full aluminum radiator with water wetter.
 
Hey guys,
Noobie here.
I have just purchased a 1991 Toyota Landcruiser Prado SX5 So far with the 30 minutes of hitting the interwebs I pretty much ask myself what my username says.....amifked? I read nothing but bad reviews about the 2l-te. To make things worse, the car I have bought has been sitting for approximately 1 year. What steps do I need to take to make my prado an urban warrior (I'm not an offroader, still might get a snorkel though). I know the oil probably should be changed and a coolant flush. What should I do about the diesel? It has been sitting with half a tank for a year. Should I fill the other half with new diesel or pump the old stuff out? Sorry about all my questions. Pretty bummed out that this thing may be a ticking time bomb. Its at 230 XXX KM right now. I live in Canada, any winter maintenance for these turbo diesels? ALSO if the head does crack, I don't want to be going through heads like a barber's comb, I probably will be looking to replace the engine, any good suggestions (diesel) ?

Sincerely,

AmIFked
 
No your not totally screwed, but you do need to address and run proper coolant mix (50/50) and monitor it regularly unlike every few years like most folks, or never. If I were you I'd increase the boost and perhaps dial back the fuel to run it cooler than stock. Get and install an egt gauge. Basically do what you can to protect it from heat. Others here have more expertise than I do with this, but it's my 2cents. If you do what everyone else does your engine will die eventually, but I personally feel you can take a different path.
 
Hey guys,
Noobie here.
I have just purchased a 1991 Toyota Landcruiser Prado SX5 So far with the 30 minutes of hitting the interwebs I pretty much ask myself what my username says.....amifked? I read nothing but bad reviews about the 2l-te. To make things worse, the car I have bought has been sitting for approximately 1 year. What steps do I need to take to make my prado an urban warrior (I'm not an offroader, still might get a snorkel though). I know the oil probably should be changed and a coolant flush. What should I do about the diesel? It has been sitting with half a tank for a year. Should I fill the other half with new diesel or pump the old stuff out? Sorry about all my questions. Pretty bummed out that this thing may be a ticking time bomb. Its at 230 XXX KM right now. I live in Canada, any winter maintenance for these turbo diesels? ALSO if the head does crack, I don't want to be going through heads like a barber's comb, I probably will be looking to replace the engine, any good suggestions (diesel) ?

Sincerely,

AmIFked

With that many questions you'll get a lot more answers by starting a new thread specifically about your vehicle (rather than tacking onto an existing thread like this). Also, the answers to nearly all your questions are on this forum. Start searching and reading.

My recommendation, have a good read through the first post in this thread. It's possible to make these into fine little engines. Do the required maintenance/repairs, then begin improving it. In hindsight, the number one thing I'd recommend as an improvement is going to Evans waterless coolant. This will prevent the localized boiling that cracks the head (ie. will prevent your head from cracking even if you run it way too hot). Second thing I recommend is a front mount intercooler coupled with more boost and fuel. Third would be new exhaust.

Where in Canada are you?
 
Another option is running good coolant with Redline Water Wetter, performs a similar function to Evan's waterless in avoiding localized boiling and hotspots in the head, and increases cooling system efficiency. I'd do exhaust before I'd do an intercooler, they both serve to lower EGT's, but I'd prefer the exhaust 1st, and the IC if you still want more. Either way, you want an EGT gauge, and a few more pounds of boost to cool things off. You want to do things to keep it running cool and happy, and it should be good to you.
 
Thank you for the replies guys. My spirits are up after doing some research. Just have to keep this bad boy cool. Another thing I have read about how my rig (91 Prado 2.4) is not made to be run on long trips. I'm thinking of a trip to montreal , about 500 and change km's. 1000 kms round trip at let's say an average speed of 110km/h. Will it make it with minor things like the coolant flushed, exhaust done and the boost jacked up a couple notches?
 
With that many questions you'll get a lot more answers by starting a new thread specifically about your vehicle (rather than tacking onto an existing thread like this). Also, the answers to nearly all your questions are on this forum. Start searching and reading.

My recommendation, have a good read through the first post in this thread. It's possible to make these into fine little engines. Do the required maintenance/repairs, then begin improving it. In hindsight, the number one thing I'd recommend as an improvement is going to Evans waterless coolant. This will prevent the localized boiling that cracks the head (ie. will prevent your head from cracking even if you run it way too hot). Second thing I recommend is a front mount intercooler coupled with more boost and fuel. Third would be new exhaust.

Where in Canada are you?
Great advice thank you, after some more reading I am at ease with my purchase.

Oh yea and
Im from Oshawa, Ontario
 
hey guys, signed up to get your opinion on a potential buy, from northern ontario, (seems like most of you guys are from canada lol) anyways its a 80's somthing 2wd hilux from overseas, its lhd and non turbo 2L, has 120xxx and i plan on putting a SFA and 33-35's under it, aswell as dual tcases and make it a crawler,

getting to the $$, the guy wants $1000 because the guy down the road wants to make a generator out of it..... $1000 seems a bit steep, but thats what he says these motors are going for, anyways, how much should i look at paying? is it worth the $1000 if he wont go much lower?





 
I have a friend that had one of those and that engine took a bearing. Never had issues with it wheeled hard on 37s and boosting the living crap out of it towing his boat/trailer hunting and fishing. The 2L is a tough little motor
 
It's a good price as far as when I found my 3L a few years ago. Very rare in the US, don't know what they go for in Canada though. It may be better to drop the engine into a 4x4 and part the rest out like I did.
 
I've made some updates to the first post in this thread. I went to Evans High Performance Waterless Coolant this Spring and have had great success with it. If a person were to do only one modification to their 2LTE, I'd suggest the Waterless Coolant. I believe this is the only single modification a person can do that will guarantee no head crack problems on a 2LTE. I've run my engine as high as 240F (towing a 16' loaded camper trailer in 35C up a long 8% grade) with no issues. I run a un-pressurized cooling system now. Truly amazing stuff. Barely even expands when hot. I highly recommend it.

Make sure to follow the instructions carefully if converting to this stuff though, as you must remove all the water from your cooling system before using this product.
 
If you run without a pressure cap you can risk cavitation in your water pump. This will destroy the blades over time.
 
If you run without a pressure cap you can risk cavitation in your water pump. This will destroy the blades over time.

Perhaps, but I have not heard of anyone having had this problem running Evans with a no pressure system. That said, Evans does recommend continuing to run a pressurized system and retaining a normal rad cap. Up to the individual I guess.
 

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