Relatively new to diesel.. what do I watch out for?

[bagh33ra]

Just a quick question really, I usually search for such things, but I see this note...

Hello bagh33ra it appears that you have not posted on our forums in several weeks, why not take a few moments to ask a question, help provide a solution or just engage in a conversation with another member in any one of our forums?

So I figure why not.

Anyway, I'm wondering what sorts of things to look out for when evaluating a diesel for purchase? You know, things that are really bad signs.. things that look like bad signs but are a simple fix, etc etc..

I'm fairly new to diesels, and when (ya buddy, when.. not if.. power of positive thinking...) I get my crusier it will be the first diesel i've owned. Driven some diesel trucks, but not for a siginificant amount of time.

Anyway, sorry for the newbie questions, but ya know... kept getting prompted to post. Thanks all!

 

[brownbear]

lots of good things to look for.

compression is great to get tested. Oil pressure too.

How it starts cold. How much smoke. Blue is bad. White on cold start up seems normal for little bit.

Too many Kms is not great. But how many is opinion. I bought at 240k and think I have tonnes of life left.

Most important is where you are anb what market you are buying in. Canadian cruisers seem to really rust out.

Also interesting to see Mud has an automated message for posting if you have been idle for a long time.

Welcome back to Mud. Participate and have fun.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Just a quick question really, I usually search for such things, but I see this note...





So I figure why not.

Anyway, I'm wondering what sorts of things to look out for when evaluating a diesel for purchase? You know, things that are really bad signs.. things that look like bad signs but are a simple fix, etc etc..

I'm fairly new to diesels, and when (ya buddy, when.. not if.. power of positive thinking...) I get my crusier it will be the first diesel i've owned. Driven some diesel trucks, but not for a siginificant amount of time.

Anyway, sorry for the newbie questions, but ya know... kept getting prompted to post. Thanks all!

What BB says is good basic advice. To get more specific you need to decide what you are going to spend , as this will dictate what kind of diesel landcruiser you can purchase and thus the type of engine.

 

[kim]

"Too many Kms is not great. But how many is opinion. I bought at 240k and think I have tonnes of life left."

I bought my first HJ60 with 414,000 km's on it and proceeded to drive it across the country. The 2H is rock solid and has 498,000 today. I look forward to how many km's I'll be able to put on this truck. I have another 2H bought at 330,000 and it works very well and I have every reason to expect at least 600,000 out of it.

Amazing trucks!

 

[Garry]

An easy test to check ring condition is to screw off the oil filler cap while the engine is running and up the revs a little (1500rpm or so) and put your hand over the opening. If the pressure builds up or there seems to be a lot of blow by or smoke coming out, DON'T BUY IT!! This usually means the compressions are low and getting past the rings and into the crank case.