"L" Diesel Engine (1 Viewer)

[Gun Runner 5]

The issues with the 2L-TE are well documented. Does the 2L or 2L-T have the issues if treated properly?
Thanks

 

[Mookies]

The 2L never gets hot enough to hurt itself with no turbo. The early roller rocker 2LT is fairly reliable but like any of the small turbocharged motors they can have head issues if pushed too hard. I treated my early 2LT really well in my LN65 Hilux but it took the buyer less than 2 weeks to blow it up. They don't tolerate abuse at all.

2L in a Hilux might be the slowest thing I have ever driven.

The later versions of the 2LT and 2LT-2 are much more reliable than the early versions. The 3L and 5L even more so.

So bottom line....no, the 2L has none of the issues the 2LT-E has if treated well. The 2LT can be touch and go but is far more preferable than the electronically controlled variants.

 

[JimmyPrado]

@GTSSportCoupe and @Dprio34 I have done some switching from one to the other or some kind of tinkering with them. I'm sure Nick has a ton of info to speak into this. I can only attest to what I've experienced and that is the 2L-te while not Toyota's best, with the newer head and some mods ain't a bad little motor. I will let those with much greater knowledge take it from here

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

The issues with the 2L-TE are well documented. Does the 2L or 2L-T have the issues if treated properly?
Thanks

You have to realize the 'L' series engines were produced from 1977 through to around 2005 or so. There were many changes over the years. There are many versions of the 2L, 2LT, 2LT-II and 2LTE never mind the 3L and 5L. Each model has it's weakness and strength. To really answer the question, you'd have to describe which model (vehicle/year) you are talking about.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

You have to realize the 'L' series engines were produced from 1977 through to around 2005 or so. There were many changes over the years. There are many versions of the 2L, 2LT, 2LT-II and 2LTE never mind the 3L and 5L. Each model has it's weakness and strength. To really answer the question, you'd have to describe which model (vehicle/year) you are talking about.

1990/91 2L-T (LJ70)

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

1990/91 2L-T

So that is actually a 2LT-II. Identical to a 2LTE, except it has a mechanical injection system instead of electronic. So basically, it's a great motor, but the original cylinder head WILL CRACK (no if, ands or buts) between 50,000 and 150,000kms depending on how it's been treated. Once replaced with the later part number head, you'll be good to go for about 200,000-300,000kms before it's an issue again. On the positive, the 2LT-II has stronger pistons, and bigger rods than the earlier one. The head uses the same shim over bucket design as the 1hz/1pz/1kz/1hdt. Even shares the same valve size, shims, springs, buckets etc. It also has an 8 bolt crank instead of the older 6 bolt crank. It also has more power potential as the injection pump has a larger plunger (10mm) than the older pump (9mm). Also, the turbo has a smaller turbine and larger compressor than the earlier 2LT, so spools a bit quicker, but can move more air.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

So that is actually a 2LT-II. Identical to a 2LTE, except it has a mechanical injection system instead of electronic. So basically, it's a great motor, but the original cylinder head WILL CRACK (no if, ands or buts) between 50,000 and 150,000kms depending on how it's been treated. Once replaced with the later part number head, you'll be good to go for about 200,000-300,000kms before it's an issue again. On the positive, the 2LT-II has stronger pistons, and bigger rods than the earlier one. The head uses the same shim over bucket design as the 1hz/1pz/1kz/1hdt. Even shares the same valve size, shims, springs, buckets etc. It also has an 8 bolt crank instead of the older 6 bolt crank. It also has more power potential as the injection pump has a larger plunger (10mm) than the older pump (9mm). Also, the turbo has a smaller turbine and larger compressor than the earlier 2LT, so spools a bit quicker, but can move more air.

Thanks guys ....

 

[Gun Runner 5]

So that is actually a 2LT-II. Identical to a 2LTE, except it has a mechanical injection system instead of electronic. So basically, it's a great motor, but the original cylinder head WILL CRACK (no if, ands or buts) between 50,000 and 150,000kms depending on how it's been treated. Once replaced with the later part number head, you'll be good to go for about 200,000-300,000kms before it's an issue again. On the positive, the 2LT-II has stronger pistons, and bigger rods than the earlier one. The head uses the same shim over bucket design as the 1hz/1pz/1kz/1hdt. Even shares the same valve size, shims, springs, buckets etc. It also has an 8 bolt crank instead of the older 6 bolt crank. It also has more power potential as the injection pump has a larger plunger (10mm) than the older pump (9mm). Also, the turbo has a smaller turbine and larger compressor than the earlier 2LT, so spools a bit quicker, but can move more air.

I'm not sure how much this changes the equation but I was wrong about the year model. The vehicle and engine is actually a 1987.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I'm not sure how much this changes the equation but I was wrong about the year model. The vehicle and engine is actually a 1987.

Yes, that changes everything. Basically that is the older rocker head engine. It actually came in pick-up trucks here in Canada in the mid 80's. It did not have nearly the head problems of the 1990-1995 engines. It's known to be an under powered but totally reliable engine here. You won't be able to tune it up for much power as it has the older turbo and injection pump, but if it has been maintained and the mileage is reasonable, it should be a good engine.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Yes, that changes everything. Basically that is the older rocker head engine. It actually came in pick-up trucks here in Canada in the mid 80's. It did not have nearly the head problems of the 1990-1995 engines. It's known to be an under powered but totally reliable engine here. You won't be able to tune it up for much power as it has the older turbo and injection pump, but if it has been maintained and the mileage is reasonable, it should be a good engine.

Thanks ....

 

[Native Warrior]

Can I ask a question about my truck it’s an 84 toy pickup 4wd long bed with 2L Diesel engine is there any way to install a turbo on this motor or just leave it alone? Like you said it’s not a speed demon at all but a good running truck with 313,500 miles on here.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Can I ask a question about my truck it’s an 84 toy pickup 4wd long bed with 2L Diesel engine is there any way to install a turbo on this motor or just leave it alone? Like you said it’s not a speed demon at all but a good running truck with 313,500 miles on here.

At that many miles, just leave the poor thing alone. A turbo would finish it off quickly.

 

[Native Warrior]

Ok next question is the axles are original on it what gear ratio do I have I want to run 33” x10.50x16” tires what would you guys recommend for changing ratio too?