1990 Hilux Surf. Anything to look out for when buying?

[solberg Fan]

Hey all,

Ive decided im going to buy a 2.4 turbo diesel surf. Im buying it as I need somthing to tow a car transporter trailer, around 1500kg plus a heep of gear thrown in the back. There not the best with the lack of power they have but its within my price range.

Ive had a look at a few but would love to know what the red turbo light on the dash is for. Im keen on one but the light comes on after a while (or after going over a rough bump). Ive not much idea with diesels or turbos for that fact....


Anything else I should check with the surfs? Im aware of the heads cracking, diesel pump leaking etc, any other major thing ive forgotten?

Thanks for the help.

E: Just found this that helps a bit.... viewtopic.php?t=55868&highlight=surf

[strx7]

hmm where do i start
chances are pretty good that if its a 2.4 then its engine is pretty close to nearing the end of its life unless the owner has well over $2K worth of receipts for a rebuild.

they are known for rusting in the bottoms of the doors so check that out.

the rear springs will most likely be sagged so replace them with some std height replacements.

If you're going to be towing with it, get the radiator properly cleaned out, and get a external trans cooler for the auto if its auto.

How much $$ are you wanting to spend cause i'd go for a 3 litre 1KZTE deisel if you can afford it.

[solberg Fan]

It hasnt had a rebuild but has had a bit of money spent on it....The heads been replaced (with an after market head?), injectors serviced, new glow plugs, new cam belt etc

It looks well serviced, good coolant, brake fluid, air filter. Ill have a look at the 3ltr surfs. Ive got 4000 to spend basicly.
cheers

[Mr Revhead]

beware those aftermarket heads!!!



yes, the kzn130 is the far better option if you can.

or buy a dead engine one for $1000 and fit a real engine

[Leon]

The consensus on the 2.4 TD's seems to be very much "run away", which is unusual for a Toyota (other than a Cavalier that is).

[solberg Fan]

Well this sucks! Haha, After market head is crap??

[Mr Revhead]

not so much runaway from... just have to be careful, if its cheap enough its worth it
or if you buy keeping in mind you may need a $1500-2000 head job


theres been a few places do the aftermarket heads, with varying degrees of sucsess. some are a cheap copy of the original design, not the later supercedded design

[sergei]

also look out for leaky diesel pump (coming from recent experience).

[RedMist]

If I didnt have the wife and dog to tow around everywhere I wouldnt have got my Nissan Terrano. I'd have gone Toyota Dyna Van. Would have to be one of the best units to suit pitting and towing at a price around your range.

[groupagt4]

I might be able to get you a decent surf as my uncle is immigrating to denmark gimmi a pm if your interested

[z|gen]

the red light on the dash basically means you are overboosting - and not getting anymore power from the engine, hence why the green light only comes on till a certain rev range.