oil in coolant -(

[Guest]

Hi guys,
I had my hdj80 at toyota garage for valve adjustment and timing belt,
tensioner replacement.
They have inspected also other parts and they told me that there was
some oil in coolant - not much but enough that I started to think about
it since I'm planing african trip in December and January.
(Also the level of the coolant was lower then expected ... so I guess
I'm loosing it)
As far as I can understand this is quite a bad news ... since there are
in my opinion two possible scenarios:
1 - the head gasket has to be replaced
2 - the cylinder head + gasket has to be replaced
Are there any other less "painful" options ? How long can I postpone
replacement ? How likely is that the cylinder head has cracked ?
I did some search for cylinder heads and best offer so far is 1500 EUR
... any cheaper options ?
Of course I will first monitor the coolant level and oil content in it
on daily basis ... but I think after next 1000 km it should be clear.
Regards,
Tomaz
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 HDJ80 (1HD-FT 24V, manual gearbox), OME Lift (6 cm), Safari
snorkel, Front runner long ranger tank (170L)
1996 KZJ95 (1KZ-TE), OME Lift (6 cm), Safari snorkel, auxiliary tank (70L)

 

[Guest]

Best thing is get the head off. Get it pressure tested for cracks. If it's
sound then get the valves/seats reground. Refit with new head gasket.
If it's cracked then don't be tempted to get it repaired - get another head.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tomaz Sustar" <[Email address removed]>
To: <[Email address removed]>
Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2007 1:56 PM
Subject: [ELCO] oil in coolant :-(

 

[Guest]

Hi Ken,
thank you very much for your answer .... if the head is cracked I will
definitely go for a new one ...
regards,
Tomaz

 

[Guest]

With a bit of luck it will just be the head gasket.
If you have to buy a head then avoid "Exchange and Mart" ones that are
advertised as "fully reconditioned". More often than not they are cracked
heads that have been patched up.
There are some reliable importers of s/hand spares direct from Japan that
may be worth trying as an alternative to a new head...but let's be
optimistic at this stage. Unless you've cooked the engine or done huge miles
then it could well be just the gasket.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tomaz Sustar" <[Email address removed]>
To: <[Email address removed]>
Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2007 2:10 PM
Subject: Re: [ELCO] oil in coolant :-(

 

[Guest]

Hi Tomaz
Have a listen to the engine and see if you can hear a hissing kind of sound
near the rear corners of the block at the firewall.
This can be a place that the head gasket goes when it does.
cheers
john92HDJ 80 1HDT

 

[Guest]

thank you all for your answers.
the mileage is not low - it has 270.000 km on the clock ...
regarding reliable importers - can you recommend one ?
regards,
Tomaz

 

[Guest]

Hi,
It might also be worth checking the transmission oil cooler in the radiator
as I have heard the auto boxes can leak into the radiator?
What about the actual oil cooler for the engine as well?
One way maybe to tell is run it for 100 miles or so, then let it cool and
settle down, remove the plug from the transmission to drain the oil. When
you pull the plug if water is in the autobox then it will come out in a rush
first followed by the oil(as oil floats on water)
Same principles for the oil cooler, drain the engine.... Also examine the
plug is it white and foggy on the plug(gulp:-( )?
If its minute amounts then it could also be contamination from when it maybe
had a fluid changed in the past?
It's probably not none of the above but it's possible I guess and could be
just a new rad(if its an auto)???
Regards
Martin Naylor.

 

[Guest]

Ok I seen Thomas's email signature now and you have a manual, well you can
rule out the transmission .

 

[Guest]

All American Imports in Netherlands.
http://www.all-american.nl/naw.htm

 

[Guest]

thank you all for your answers and recommendations- i'll let you know
about the outcome ....
I hope that I will avoid a worst case scenario ....
Regards,
Tomaz