Question for Lj78 Owners

[Gun Runner 5]

Hello....Are there any LJ78 drivers out there who have performed the following modifications to their LJ78: Replaced original head with 3L head and had additional water porting holes added, replaced water pump, added 2-1/2" inch exhaust, increased boost from 7psi to 11psi, recored the radiator and added Evans coolant and last but not least added a pyrometer. If so are you still having any cooling issues with the engine? Thanks for the help.............

 

[Rummat81]

Hi, I have done the following.
1 Changed head with newer head, not 3L though.
2 Changed water pump, timing belt and pulleys.
3. Radiator minor leak repair and cleaning from rad shop.
4. using green coolant.
5. extra pyro and temp gauges.

During extreme offroading in low speed without airflow, the temperature has climbed.
in normal driving conditions, there is mot much change.
My temp guage sensor is inserted in the collant supply to the turbo.
The engine runs at about 195'F and climbs upto 200 during spirited driving.

Hope that helps.
Ali.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

LJ78

Thanks for the reply and the information. My engine has been trouble free thus far and seems to run very cool even under a load however I see where the stock 2.4 Liter is constantly bashed on this forum however there has been little feedback on the converted engines. .......1978HJ45

 

[prado t]

Hi, I had a LJ78, I purchased it from Japan Abbotsford Automotive. I saw it and drove it with the original 2.4 head. From time of purchase to delivery (it took almost a month) Reason is Shinge(the owner)
1 installed new 3l head
2 installed new waterpump
3 plugged or capped off EGR
4 for an extra 400bucks gave the Prado a 1 year Bumper to bumper warranty.
5 replaced tranny fluid (A343) auto, diffsx2 drained brake lines and replaced 4 new callipers with rotors, and power steering fluid.
He went over everything with me and explained the possibilities of what can(could happen)
There was a PZJ77 red one that he was steering me towards, He actually didnt want to sell me the prado. I wanted a turbo diesel plus it had a real 84,000km on it , it was mint except a small burn on the pass seat (stupid smokers) even though it was a non smoking vehicle ( super clean no stains)
Came with AISIN winch that was never used and the orig cover was never taken off. Air cond perfect, the vehicle was perfect and that is what I wanted even over a Heavy duty series at that time.
So for almost 1 year I owned it , ran flawlessly installed a 2.5 " heavy OME lift and ARB rear locker courtesy of E.B.I. cruiser parts (Port Moody B.C.) I had put close to 100,000 kms on it in that time. Going back and forth on the Hope Princeton daily. Just about everyone here on MUD said itsn gonna blow its gonna blow, I said Fxxx you Blow me (something to that extent) LOL , LOL!!!!!?????? I loved that vehicle, Any time the water temp started to climb going up a hill at highway speed I would drop a gear and bring the revs right -up sometime drop it to second and on the governor. I really liked to rev mine. During the first 3000kms like the first week I had it I had an exhaust dump installed right under the driver side floor boord. It did get pretty good mileage( some really suck), better than my BJ 74. I now know why some or most cut the motor down. It would be better non EFI, Direct injected with about 17to1 compression IMOP

 

[dberwin]

One more LJ78

I know people are looking for feedback so will make my comments.

Vehicle
1990 LJ78 with 130k start and now 150k bought from non importer in Van and very nice vehicle with roof racks and new tires. Bought looking for less power good mileage and to replace the minivan. It did all but the milage as I can only get about 24 which is OK but not with a sacrifice of power. Seating for 8 is great especially for grandkids and smaller ones.

I run it for 3 months, 10k and took it up the connector from Kelowna to Merrit. No guages and such and it started pushing water out the overflow. Cracked between valves in 3 cylinders.

New 3L head
New Water pump
New belts and idler pullys
New Glow plugs
Cleaned and tested rad
Cleaned and pressured checked injectors
New set of guages so I can tell what is going on.

Runs good now BUT
No full throttle on big hills
Pyro will go over 1100 post turbo and temp will climb
I can tow with it (Car on trailer) BUT must shift to 2nd on long hills and keep revs up.
I drove lots this year in 38C and it run fine and stayed cool enough with AC on full but no hard driving for extend times.

I do not run full throttle and let is slow and shift down on the hills and like the vehicle. RHD is not a problem. The auto does not like to tow well so that can be a problem but it does OK. I have a transmission temp guage and watch that as well as it proceeds the water temp even with a cooler on it.

I really wish there was a supply of engines and we could all do what wayne is doing. The the 6 cylinder and it would be the perfect vehicle.

For those of you without guages when the interior temp rises on the stock guage it is TOO hot. Foot out and shift down and they are good.

Mine is not the best to start in cold and have not solved that problem so try not to run it in -20 and colder.

FYI

 

[Gun Runner 5]

LJ78

I really appreciate the feedback and more importantly the tips on protecting the engine. The only item that has been somewhat disappointing has been the fuel mileage ( 20 -22 mpg ).
The terrain that I operate the vehicle in is mostly flat therefore I have been able to keep the turbo temps below 850 degrees (F) and the water temp. is always in the lower third of the gauge.
Thanks guys..............1978HJ45

 

[pradocruzer]

Hey great to see all the LJ78 owners smiling. Here are my thoughts and stats. I imported the Prado my self in 2006.
1- original 2lte head with 108000 km's ( with thirty thousand of my own) and a original rad.
2- 180 degree t-stat.
3- 2.5 inch exhaust kicked out the right rear door.
4- So called high flow water pump (comparing the old and new not impressive)
5- Pre turbo pryo and water temp gauge. (Thanks dberwin, Prosport gauges are great).
6- Boost at 11-12 pounds.
7- Custom intercooler (the thermostat and intercooler by far the best mod done, hard up hill run and I have 150f drop between the turbo outlet and the intake inlet and really helps on the long up hill climbs on family vacation and hunting trips.)
8- Major suspension changes (excellent flex off road)
9- Electric fan in front of the rad toggle switched for long climbs especially slow wheeling.

When I received my cruiser in 06, I was very lucky to see the cooling system in great shape along with all the fluids and the truck( thank's to the old owner). I know for a fact that the Japense have a tendency to keep the in and outside extremely clean and neglect the under hood stuff. My father in-law is a prime example only one oil change a year.
Like every one says bring the rpm's up and take your time up hills. When the egt's max to your liking stay there and relax just takes longer to get to where you wan't to go.
I was not all that happy with the fuel econmy when I bought it either. I was getting 23-25 mpg. Next tire change size to 33's and I was getting 22.5 mpg fully loaded on vacation and felt better because of the extra rubber didn't change much. Now I'am at 35's
and have lost 1.5 miles per gallon which I feel is fine on 35's. I have just bought 529 gears, master install kits, solid spacers, used non 488 rear housing and a front e locker. I will see the gears next week and will install them. I can't wait to get the power back.
Nice to see were all still all on the road.

Good luck and take care

 

[Gun Runner 5]

It is nice to hear a few positive comments about the LJ78. Most of the comments on the forum would lead one to believe you are lucky that the vehicle does not overheat and explode while parked in the garage. Learning to drive a little slower at times is not a problem afterall I also drive a 1978 HJ45 pickup with a "H" diesel which struggles to just keep up with traffic.
Thanks..........1978HJ45

 

[beislebub]

I had my Prado "2LTE" for about 1 1/2 years before I blew the head. Just like mentioned above take it "easy" ( I guess like they do in Japan?), and make sure your cooling system is in top shape.

As for how I cracked the head, well I did make it to the top of the hill.... on my 6th try, and I only took my foot off of the floor to reverse down and try again. :whoops:


There great vehicles, with lots of interior space, and the option of have the rear seats ( 8 passangers)

 

[Gun Runner 5]

My LJ78 lives a fairly cushy life and I save the off-road duties for my HJ45 which to date appears to be bullet proof.
......Thanks

 

[UpsideDown]

It is nice to hear a few positive comments about the LJ78. Most of the comments on the forum would lead one to believe you are lucky that the vehicle does not overheat and explode while parked in the garage. Learning to drive a little slower at times is not a problem afterall I also drive a 1978 HJ45 pickup with a "H" diesel which struggles to just keep up with traffic.
Thanks..........1978HJ45

Hearing from 3 or so people out of the dozens and dozens who have had serious and expensive problems is not much of a sampling.

There are, in fact, many examples of LJ78 Prados that do overheat and crack heads pretty much while parked in the garage. Even the above posters have all had problems that they needed to address that have cost serious money. I don't quite see how these are, in your words, positive comments.

You haven't heard the stories, yet, from people who have replaced the head and all the related parts ($4K - $5K) and then have had the rod bearings or bottom end bearings go. The cost of those repairs often cause them to abandon the vehicles altogether.

If you're going to get a vehicle such as this, it doesn't make sense to pay as much (after the needed repairs) as an HZJ77 or a PZJ77 would cost - and - you still have a light duty vehicle with potential engine problems.

Fortunately, I don't own one of these vehicles. Unfortunately, I am often the bearer of bad news as I am one of the few guys who repairs these trucks locally (Vancouver Island).

If you're going to spend money on a Land Cruiser, then an HJ61 (as an example) is a far better machine. It is a heavy duty unit, and it will return far better fuel economy (typically 27 [mixed] to 32 [hwy] mpg imperial) with the much larger and very reliable 12HT engine.

I am interested in hearing more "success" stories about the LJ78, but there aren't really that many true success stories out there. The "heartbreak" stories are far more numerous.

~John

 

[Gun Runner 5]

I am not naive and I do realize "success" may be a relative term when referring to an LJ78 however I am somewhat hopefull that if I recognize its deficiencies and drive the vehicle accordingly I can get descent service out of it. If not, no one suffers but me and I will lick my wounds and try something else. I do however appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from others
( both positive and negative ).............thanks.....1978HJ45

 

[pradocruzer]

First off, this thread is not about "buying" a 78 with a 2lte. We all own them. Second it boggles me how repair shops can charge such an out right expensive price (4000-5000$) for a head swap even with a new t belt, so called high flow water pump, drive belts, oil and filter, head bolts, Gaskets and coolant with new thermostat. The parts are around $1900 buying off the net and I give two hours to swap over the head parts and give or take 6-7 hours to do the rest of the job. Fifteen years of working in a General repair shop and I can write the biggest lists of c@ap boxes out there being domestic and import blowing up in driveways just ask and I will send you several hundred invoices that are thousands of dollars. For the people that are about to buy a vehicle with a 2lte and are asking for advise, then fine tell them your stories and give them a good warning for what they are about to get into. For the people that own them "ZIP IT ZIPPY" we already know.
Just after I first bought my "2lte" Landcruiser in 2006 I realized these engines had a problem. I did not know this at the time of purchase. I was so worried and up set that I had made a horrible decision this bothered me for a long time. I remember that feeling and I don't wan't to feel that way again. I love my landcruiser and if it came with the 2lte then so be it and I'am not going to make people feel bad who own the 2lte's.
I have also seen the prices that people were selling the Prados for way back when and it made me sick 14-16 thousand you must be out of your mind. Landed, vehicle inspected, $500 worth of maintenance and insured in my driveway for $7200.00. I think the reason every one thinks it's alright to put up with the 2lte Landcruiser is that a different Landcruiser model is the down payment for a new house and totally ridiculous 20,000-30,000 for a old Toyota ,nuts. Even at that price i payed my Father in-law thought I was crazy for a fifteen year old car that most people in Japan pay to take to the auto wrecker or auction.
Please Just post a sticky saying the potential engine problems with the 2lte and leave it at that. Trust me if they wan't it they will buy it no matter what is said good or bad.

Take care

 

[Gun Runner 5]

I did not start this thread to see how many feathers I could ruffle or to discuss the merits of the stock 2.4 liter diesel engine. I simply wanted to solicit opinions from those individuals who had gone through the trouble to modify their Cruisers. ( 3L heads, recored radiators, modified exhaust etc.) It appears obvious that the stock 2.4liter engine can and often does have issues but again that was not the purpose of this thread. I appreciate all that took time to address my questions even those who think I am an idiot for owning a LJ78.........Thanks........1978HJ45

 

[crushers]

i have owned, wheeled, sold and repaired many of the LJ78-LJ71 version of the Land Cruiser.

they are WICKED off road. they are cushy on road. the trannies, diffs and t/case are as bullet proof as you can get.
the head, that fawking head, is the problem. there is no permanent cure, the basic design is the problem.
you can install the 3L head and it can fail (i know this for a fact).
you can install a 4 row rad and it helps.
you can install a "high" flow water pump, results questionable.
you can do the block off plates, results questionable
you can increase the boost and leave the fuel alone which decreases the EGTs on hills and when passing (LOL, like that happens much)
you can run an aux rad cooler which will take some of the tranny created heat out off the stress of the rad, might help. good idea.
even after all this expense the head can still crack.

the best you can do is install the pyro gauge, that is your best "preventitive" for the 2LTE and use it as your driving advice. i have seen them crack when over heated just once.

<suggestion, make sure your CAA is paid up and your credit card is clear since the head never dies in your driveway and the tow bill can be HUGE in BC>

most of the bottom ends i have seen crater is shortly after the head was replaced. i suspect it is because the oil wasn't changed after the install and the coolant got into the oil.

as for the costs, most stealerships charge between $90 and $110/hr and changing a head on a PlayDo is no simple chore. it is TIGHT in there.

if you want a suggestion, start shopping for a different engine for your truck, NOT a 3L, NOT a KZ, NOT another 2LTE but a tried and true 3B, PZ, HZ or even a HDT.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/70-series-tech/327429-pzj78-truck-build.html

i love the 78, i HATE the engine.

good luck with yours.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

LJ78

Thanks for the advice. The Cruiser does have a pyrometer and I keep the EGT at 850 degrees (F) or below at all times. I am at the age where climbing steep hills or any other type of serious off-roading no longer appeals to me and the only off-roading I do is driving across my farm ( occasionally in 4 wheel drive) and the rest of the driving is mostly highway. Again I appreciate you taking time to forward the information............1978HJ45

 

[crushers]

remember, the steep hills ARE on the highway.
also realize that EGTs have NOTHING in relation to water temp so keep an extremely close eye on water temp and the factory gauge is a joke so install an aftermarket one. you can be running 850F on the pyro and be in the red coolant wise at the same time you can be running 1400F and the water temp reads normal.

not sure where you are, in BC it is more crucial than it is in back water Ontario or Quebec.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

LJ78

The cruiser is located approximately 1500 miles southeast of your current location where the Winters are cool, the Summers are hot and the roads are all flat.............Thanks, 1978HJ45

 

[crushers]

1500 km south east of Ontario...
interesting, the ultra rare 1985 LJ78.

cheers and best of luck.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

LJ78

Yet another reason I have to hope my engine stays in one piece. Updating the engine would most likely be impossible or at least cost prohibitive because of my location. Hopefully the modifications ( 3L head, recored radiator, larger exhaust, updated waterpump, Evans coolant and pyrometer) combined with easy driving will yield an increased life expectancy.
Happy New Year...........1978HJ45