Prado newbie

[Solid515]

Hey all,

Im new to the land cruiser world. I just bought a 1990 Prado RHD and I really excited to start doing some work to it! Ive always wanted to own a land cruiser. I know they have head issues and Ive tried to read as much as I can on upgrades instal Egt and boost gauge, put in a straight pipe, change to waterless coolant and change to a 82deg thermostat. Problem is I have no mechanical background lol. Would really like to learn to do the the work myself and learn all about the car in the process. Does anyone live in the LMD area that can meet up and impart their knowledge to a new recruit?

I was going to start with just changing the thermostat. I bought a gates 82 deg one from lordco for $12..I got mixed answers if I should use it. My mechanic said those thermostats are s*** and should use a toyota thermostat instead... is there a difference in using a Gates generic thermostat and one made by toyota?

thanks

 

[Solid515]

Lower mainland BC, Canada **

 

[Rummat81]

i have used both, no issues with either. if it gets cold, use the higher temp one.

 

[Solid515]

i have used both, no issues with either. if it gets cold, use the higher temp one.

okay thanks... yeah doesn't get too cold in these parts

 

[Postoy]

Both jarrat and myself are in the Fraser valley and have done a few mods to ours to help them survive their inherent head issues. I'm sure we could help you out.

 

[Solid515]

Both jarrat and myself are in the Fraser valley and have done a few mods to ours to help them survive their inherent head issues. I'm sure we could help you out.

Awesome any help is really appreciated thanks! My email is dvasa101@gmail.com..just about to head out of the country for a couple weeks..I'll message you on this post when I'm back
Cheers

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Lower mainland BC, Canada **

Welcome! Throw up a few pictures! Prado's can be great trucks with some key upgrades/modifications. I love mine.

 

[Solid515]

Welcome! Throw up a few pictures! Prado's can be great trucks with some key upgrades/modifications. I love mine.

I'll be home in a couple days and will be sure to post some more pics!

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I'll be home in a couple days and will be sure to post some more pics!

Nice clean truck! I remember seeing that one for sale recently on craigslist. That was a very good deal. Hope it works out well for you.

 

[Solid515]

Thanks GTS! So far so good..question I came back from my trip and the battery had died lol.. The previous owner told me that the car had a relatvively new battery and since the boost I have had not problems.. The only thing I can think of is that it wasn't started for like 12 days and the car clock and altimeter numbers never turned off..I have no idea how to turn them off! Am I on the right track with the problem or way off? Plus how do I turn those readings off when I turn the car off?

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Thanks GTS! So far so good..question I came back from my trip and the battery had died lol.. The previous owner told me that the car had a relatvively new battery and since the boost I have had not problems.. The only thing I can think of is that it wasn't started for like 12 days and the car clock and altimeter numbers never turned off..I have no idea how to turn them off! Am I on the right track with the problem or way off? Plus how do I turn those readings off when I turn the car off?

Everything turns off in my Prado when I turn the key off. Sounds like something is wrong with yours electrically that some stuff is staying on and draining the battery. Ignition switch maybe? There are full manuals for these vehicles available for download that include electrical schematics. Nice thing is that a lot of parts cross to north american toyotas. Lots of links to manuals in this thread: A must read for 2lte/1kzte owners In particular, this is the manual that covers everything (but the engine): _KZJ70_HZJ_PZJ_chassis_body.pdf So it'll cover electrical stuff. Generally Toyotas are very reliable in terms of their electrical.

 

[Solid515]

Everything turns off in my Prado when I turn the key off. Sounds like something is wrong with yours electrically that some stuff is staying on and draining the battery. Ignition switch maybe? There are full manuals for these vehicles available for download that include electrical schematics. Nice thing is that a lot of parts cross to north american toyotas. Lots of links to manuals in this thread: A must read for 2lte/1kzte owners In particular, this is the manual that covers everything (but the engine): _KZJ70_HZJ_PZJ_chassis_body.pdf So it'll cover electrical stuff. Generally Toyotas are very reliable in terms of their electrical.

Kk thanks GTS! Something is definitely wrong because sometime the high beams woke and sometimes they don't lol

What kind of oil do you guys find works best? I saw that K&N was a good filter to use, what was the model number??

 

[Solid515]

Also I have quite a bit of rust possibly surface rust? On my undercarriage..I've been trying to research online if there are some products that will help remove it..any recommendations?

 

[tommybj73]

a angle grinder with a wire wheel would sort the rust out fairly quickly if you got stuck into it

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I suppose a portable sand blaster could work also. Either way, would not be a very fun job. I agree it needs to be taken care of though.

 

[Solid515]

Yikes and What kind of oil do you guys find works best? I saw that K&N was a good filter to use, what was the model number??

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Yikes and What kind of oil do you guys find works best? I saw that K&N was a good filter to use, what was the model number??

Search and read man, there is lots of info on these forums. A lot of us buy Shell Rotella 15W40 diesel oil when it goes on sale at Canadian tire. Which it is right now...buy the 20L pail. Only buy the K&N filter for paved road driving. Stick with a paper filter for dirt roads as it's better at keeping dust out of your engine. K&N part number is E-2417 . Good luck.

 

[Solid515]

Search and read man, there is lots of info on these forums. A lot of us buy Shell Rotella 15W40 diesel oil when it goes on sale at Canadian tire. Which it is right now...buy the 20L pail. Only buy the K&N filter for paved road driving. Stick with a paper filter for dirt roads as it's better at keeping dust out of your engine. K&N part number is E-2417 . Good luck.

Lol trying but it's hard to navigate all the info..awesome thanks!