Let's start with the cooling system.....

[Rivman1243]

I've been searching for awhile and can't seem to find a thread that details what to look for when a new owner buys a cruiser. I.e. Make sure your fan shroud has foam around the edges type of info. I didn't know there should be some sealing everything. I also didn't know there was a plate above the steering damper until I read about it on mud. So please help out a new owner..... What else should I be looking for that might be missing when it comes to the cooling system?

Feel free to add other things to look for. I just also saw a picture of an interior and realized I'm missing what looks like a plastic step to get to the third row seats. Now I know why there's studs sticking up out of the floor. Thanks MUD!

 

[DARKNESS]

If the coolant is green, that means it was changed from Toyota Red at some point. This is ok as long as the red coolant was entirely flushed from the system. If not the two coolants will interact and cause solids to drop out and build up. So, if the coolant is green and history is unknown, I'd do a good flush.

 

[mechanist]

Look at your heater valve. It should be black. If it's brown/tan then it could easily crumble and break apart if you mess with it. Look up Pesky Heater Hose (PHH) and read about it.

Not cooling, but look at your spark plug wires. They'll have a date - if it's the same date as your truck, then they are (within two std deviations of the mean) original to the truck.

Look up @NLXTACY thread "did you know" to learn all kinds of interesting facts about our trucks.

 

[Beej]

@Rivman1243 , can you explain more about the conditions you have listed? What is this plate above the steering dampener you speak of? My fan shroud only has foam around the bottom? Share the knowledge!

 

[baldilocks]

All heater hoses especially the PHH. If your radiator has plastic tanks, it has been replaced. If it is all metal there is a good chance it is original. All metal radiators are still available. The Aisin water pump can be had on Amazon for much cheaper than the same unit from the dealer. Use only OEM thermostat and radiator cap. I would, at a minimum, do a thorough flush of the cooling system now unless you now it's history. There is a block drain plug low on the drivers side and can be accessed through the wheel well with a very long socket extension. Gates green stripe heater hose is good stuff.
Study up on fan clutch modifications for better cooling. Mine has zero foam around the shroud and I have no cooling problems.

 

[baldilocks]

@Rivman1243 , can you explain more about the conditions you have listed? What is this plate above the steering dampener you speak of? My fan shroud only has foam around the bottom? Share the knowledge!

There is a splash guard that is bolted to the bottom of the frame just beneath the radiator. It blocks mud from splashing up into fan and radiator and looks like it may also act as additional ducting to for the fan.

 

[ToothDr]

All heater hoses especially the PHH. If your radiator has plastic tanks, it has been replaced. If it is all metal there is a good chance it is original. All metal radiators are still available. The Aisin water pump can be had on Amazon for much cheaper than the same unit from the dealer. Use only OEM thermostat and radiator cap.

The 80 series in the USA never came with metal tanks on the radiator, only plastic. If you see an 80 series with metal radiator tanks that means it's been replaced with an aftermarket one.

 

[baldilocks]

The 80 series in the USA never came with metal tanks on the radiator, only plastic. If you see an 80 series with metal radiator tanks that means it's been replaced with an aftermarket one.

You learn something everyday....

 

[Rivman1243]

Here's a picture of it

 

[Rivman1243]

Here's another

 

[Rivman1243]

Here's a picture of where the step would go

 

[Rivman1243]

Thank you for all the quick responses by the way! I thought I read the "did you know" thread but looks like I should read it again.

 

[Beej]

Sorry for thread jack but anybody got a part number for that plate?

Here's a picture of it

View attachment 1292621

 

[Rivman1243]

Sorry for thread jack but anybody got a part number for that plate?

Don't worry about a thread jack

 

[DARKNESS]

Sorry for thread jack but anybody got a part number for that plate?

Check the partout section

 

[lazy]

Use only OEM thermostat and radiator cap.

Just curious, what is it about toyota labeled thermostat and radiator cap that make it a "must use" item?

 

[DARKNESS]

What is it about a Land Cruiser that makes it ultra reliable?

 

[jwilliams]

Sorry for thread jack but anybody got a part number for that plate?

Check out my thread about it:
Is there a lower engine cover for the fzj?

(1) Engine Under Cover (Splash Shield) 51441-60190
(4) Bolts/Washers 90119-08863

 

[lazy]

What is it about a Land Cruiser that makes it ultra reliable?

Must be the thermostat and radiator cap.

 

[DARKNESS]

Ha! Touche. Other than Toyota quality and the fact that you know they're tuned to the right temperatures and pressures, I don't think there's anything special about them.