KZTE thermostat problems and TSA.

[sasafaris]

I have just had to put a new radiator into my 4wd KZTE double cab after 390000km of happy motoring, and I use the 4wd regularly because I am a safari outfitter and have hunting and fishing concession on Cahorra Bassa.
I went to Silverton, and they quoted me R980 for a generic radiator, R2300 for a toyota radiator and R4700 from the agents.
I then got prices on the thermostat, the one which I took out had an opening temeperature of 76deg. I ordered from the Toyota agents as per parts list (+/-R250) and when the part arrived it reflected I think 86deg. Since heating was an issue I insisted that I have the same part, and got a heck of an argument from the parts guy who told me that this was the part reflected on their computer as the right one for my truck. Long story short, they got me another thermostat, 71deg operating temp, at double the price, with the identical part number as the 86deg unit. I queried this, they shrugged and said it is Toyotas fault, to date, TSA have not had the courtesy to reply to my written query.
I also had a hassle with the lower radiator hose, the aftermarket model as per parts list was completely wrong, and even the agents had to have 2 tries at supplying the correct hose.

[CasKru]

Which Toyota dealer did you go to?

[Mud Dog]

I think your experience is indicative of a problem that's not just specific to Toyota, but reflects the poor standard of service that's rife throughout the motor industry. Of course I'm generalising as there are dealers out there that strive to maintain a high degree of professionalism. TSA by all accounts has a very unsympathetic stance towards complaints from their brand supporters, so no surprises there either.

Hope that you came right with your KZ in the end, albeit at premium costs.

[pietdevs]

Fill your new cooling system with a good quality anti-freeze to stop corrosion in your system. This helps with cooling efficiency as well. I have been using Caltex Extended life coolant for many years and cooling system is fine after 12 years and 250 000kms. It is really worth it...

[Polarbear2008]

Toyota says that their "LONG LIFE" coolant (the pink one) that you buy premixed, is good for 160k!

[sasafaris]

Got a call from TSA Customer Service today (do they monitor this forum?)
Explained that the older thermostats 98-2005 cost more than the later models, despite what the part list says.
They have undertaken to give me a discount on the part which is something.

[Mud Dog]

Got a call from TSA Customer Service today (do they monitor this forum?)
Explained that the older thermostats 98-2005 cost more than the later models, despite what the part list says.
They have undertaken to give me a discount on the part which is something.

Good to hear! At least there has been an attempt to rectify the 'injustice', and yes, I think they do monitor this forum occasionally.