Need a good mechanic who know hiluxes

[StraightDave]

Hi,

I have a '99 hilux and have run into some engine problems. I'm looking
for a good mechanic who knows Hiluxes and is preferably located on the
north side of Brisbane (the car is in Kedron) and was wondering if you
might be able to recommend someone.

The specifics are as follows:

It's a '99 Hilux Diesel with the 3.0 Litre 5L motor (non-turbo)

I've had a radiator problem and it appears that I've dumped water
while doing 110 on the highway. I drove for about 15km or less before
realising that I was overheated and pulled over. As I slowed down I
stalled and have not been able to start it since. When I try to start
the engine it sounds just like a flat battery (turns over slowly once
or twice then stops). The RACQ guy reckons it's not seized given that
it can turns but reckons it could be just about anything else.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards


Dave

lyons.dave@gmail.com
0405 449 328

[howsie]

Sounds like the.heads cracked and theres no compression. But driving for.that long with no water it may be cracked poisons or anything. Take it.to a few head and radiator specialists rather than someone who knows hiluxs. An engine is just am engine no matter what car its in.

I'd.be prepared.to be having an engine rebuild / replacement engine put in though, at those speeds and driving at high temp for that long could be a whole universe of problems. Might be easier swapping in a turbo motor than fixing your current one but you'll never know.till it checked out properly

[DUDELUX]

I agree, sounds like a head gasket, or possibly worse.

1 quick way to check, is look at the oil, if it looks like a chocolate milkshake, then its a head gasket/head.

[mkpatrol]

I would say that you have collapsed the rings due to the overheating, you wont need a "Hilux specialist" as anyone can diagnose it. But me thinks its new engine time.

[91Mav]

You in denial StraightDave? Lol.

Hydraulic lock? Pull the glow plugs and try to kick her in the guts. If there's no coolant in there, it's probably the bottom end. Good luck

[Ashley_bmx]

Its grabbed a piston.... or 2. The fact it gets 1 to 2 revolutions off of the starter motor instantly says it has siezed/grabbed to an extent. Get an exchange motor ready mate. Sorry

[StraightDave]

Thanks to all of you guys for the replies.

Sounds like the resounding conclusion is that a new engine is in order.

If that turns out the be the case, I've got another two questions:

Any ideas where I'd look for a second hand / recond 5L or 5LT Hilux motor?

Also, anyone know about those marks adaptor kits for doing a commodore V6 conversion on the hilux?

It's an idea that I've flirted with in the past and if I'm up for a new engine, this could be the time to do it.

[DUDELUX]

Wrecking yards, ebay, the forums.

If you want to think about a conversion to Commy V6, have a look through the build threads, PM the guys that have done it before. Search the Tech sections.

The Toyota Surf Forum has alot of info on different conversions into Lux/4runner/Surf.