Hilux 4x4 Forum

Good Evening Guys

I seem to have gotten myself into a real predicament with my Lux, I was on route to Johannesburg yesterday after spending a marvelous week in the Berg and just after Warden my radiator blew up. What was strange is I didn't notice any issues with the heat gauge prior to the radiator blowing up. As soon as it blew up the heat gauge shot straight into the red. I immediately cut off the engine and pulled off to the side of the road. I allowed the vehicle to cool down and then tried to start it and found that it wouldn't start, it now just swings very fast sounds as if there isn't any compression which I am now assuming may be as a result of the head gasket or damaged head. I checked the oil, there isn't any water in the sump, there also isn't any signs of the oil leaks or sweating around the engine, the cam belt and other V belts all seem fine. I had to arrange to get the bakkie towed from Warden back to Johannesburg at a premium considering that it was a Sunday evening. I am now stumped as to what else needs to be checked before stripping it down. I am also looking for any leads to a good hilux workshop in Johannesburg or PTA that isn't going to rip me off. I know off the forum that there are 2 good ones in Cape Town but haven't come across any in Gauteng as yet. Incidentally my rig is a 2003 3.0Kzte 4x4 with an SAC top mount cooler and Chip, it has about 208000kmswhich has been more or less trouble-free. Any advice or suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks

Is there perhaps a key on the crank that has worn off or broken? Now only the crank turns when you turn the starter, not the timing belt or cam, thus the engine spins faster than normal.

Also seem to agree with Thabo could be broken crank? Keep us posted
Sent from my RM-892_im_south_africa_326 using Tapatalk

Hi

What I am going to ask is off topic, but could you please post a pic of the top mount intercooler.

I contacted SAC and the told me they only do the bottom(bash plate) intercooler.

Good luck with the sick KZTE!! never nice to see your baby sick!!
Regards

Thanks for the replies guys, I will have a look at the crank shaft. Are there any good workshops that you guys would recommend in and around JHB or PTA that can carry out the repairs?
Raymond, I also had the original bottom mount cooler by SAC that was mounted on the bash plate. I used the same cooler had it modified ie the inlet and out let pipes and then fitted it on to the top of the engine with a bonnet scoop. Send me a PM I can then forward you some pics.

sounds more like the timing belt has snapped. loosen the screws at the head and take off the clips. move the cover away from the engine to see if the belt is still fine.

I have checked the cam belt and all of the other v belts they all still in tact.

Unfortunately I don't trust anyone inside my engine, but gotten quotes from SAC Diesel here in Centurion when I had to replace The cylinder head, otherwise Northern Diesel in Pta Cbd?
Sent from my RM-892_im_south_africa_326 using Tapatalk

Hi there, I know of an excellent mechanic. He is based in Stormvoel area, but knows what he is doing.
Pm your cell number and I will send his details.

I know of a guy who only charges labour but you need to supply the parts etc.

He does an excellent job. He is a certified Toyota mechanic but works for LR fourways. He works privately from home in the evenings. He even stamps the service book. He has done a lot of work for me and I can't complain.

If you want you can give him a call on 079 696 4061 - Fritz.

Wish you luck and hope it is not too serious.

Also try Ralph at Toyo Service Centre in Krugersdorp, Market Street.

Thanks again guys I will definitely try some of these mechs and will also keep you guys posted.

Have had a Toyota diesel blow a radiator and it was due to blowing a head gasket.The compression was going into the water jackets.Suggest buy a compression tester and run through the 4 x cylinders.

Hi Scott, did you manage to start the vehicle after the radiator blew? What caused the head gasket to blow?

No Ranesh due to the compression escaping into the water jackets it would not start.

Thanks Scott, probably same issue with mine.

KZ-TE's are infamous for cylinder-head cracking - definitely something to look at.
Ours cracked "gently" and would slowly blow the water out of the radiator (only start overheating after about 400km of driving). Blowing the radiator sounds like something fairly catastrophic occurred, allowing a lot of pressure into the cooling system all of a sudden. Good luck!
Definitely put Northern Diesel in PTA on your list of places to check out for repair.

Thanks will do