Hi-Lux 2L 2446cc engine weakness?

2776ian · Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 9:28 am Post subject: Hi-Lux 2L 2446cc engine weakness?

Hi guys
I'm more used to posting on the LR pages, so forgive my ignorance on matters Toyota.
I've seen quite a few Hi-Luxs on eBay with dead engines. They're the 2.4 litre diesel, some say it's the head gaskets, some say non-runner, I've seen one that was siezed.
I was always under the impression that these engines were all but indestructible: is it just a case that you can break anything if you abuse it enough? Or is there an inherent weakness with this lump?
I've been offered one with a dead engine (haven't seen it yet and have no further details) so I'm curious.
Thanks for any help you can give.

Ian

nivapilot · Guest

Hi Ian
the 2.4lt suffers from head cracking problems.
mind you so does the 3.0 but they are a lot more expensive.

I have the same problem with my 3.0 ltr and the head for mine is about Â£600

You should be able to get a new head from e-bay fro about Â£265.

Kitesurf · Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 7:58 pm Post subject:

About 17% of imported 2.4L Surfs built around 1991/92 had head problems. Some say it was because of a very thin wall between the valves and the waterways. A great many were recalled or done under warranty by Toyota in Japan but some slipped through the net. On later trucks they fitted a modified version of the head. I would be very dubious about anyone advertising a dead Surf (or Lucida Estima) claiming that it just needs a head gasket.

There are modified heads (new replacements - not welded or reconditioned) available to buy and fit DIY in the UK.. There is a guy called Stevo in Stockport who supplies and fits the replacement heads for about Â£1200 inc labour and will also supply ready built heads or bare heads for you to swap the cams, valves etc to. Those that have been to him highly recommend his parts/work.
Some of these dead 2.4 Surfs are being bought up by the Big V8 fraternity and are having anything from 3.5L Rover engines to 6.0 American V8's fitted.

2776ian · Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 9:39 am Post subject:

Thanks for that guys.
I've since found out that the Hi-Lux is a 1992 grey import. And it's an auto with a gearbox of unknown condition that I cannot test. Sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen, one way or another!
So I'm going to pass. Shame, coz I quite fancied it.
A good candidate for a veg-oil conversion too.

Ian

Tiny One · Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 10:27 am Post subject:

laser_jock99 · Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 1:24 pm Post subject:

The 3.0L TD IS a strong engine but head cracking is not unheard of. Neglect any engine and you can break it.

Of the cases I know about for 3.0L heads cracking it was silly stuff like no coolant in the engine, faulty water pumps etc. After Toyota's bad experience with early 90's 2.4L engine the 93 onwards 3.0L engine was designed to be much stronger.

nivapilot · Guest

Well the ol' 'cruiser is back on the road again.

New head fitted and all nailed together, runs sweet so she does.

Old head was cracked across all four cylinders, across the valve holes and numbers three and four had extremely bad/deep cracks from valve oriface to outer cylinder face, including the combustion chambers.

Have to keep my eye on the coolant from now on...