diesel rattle in D4D Prado

[Only A Hammer Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Only A Hammer]

Hi All
I have been reading with interest the various thoughs, comments and misfortunes of the group. At this point I should say I am very new to forums, so please excuse any incorrect etiquet!
I am on the verge of buying a new D4D (D4D, Auto, GXL + Safety Pack, tow and bull bar). My question is... given all of the various issues around the 'death rattle', should I buy one????
I need something this size to pull a caravan, carry 5 passenegrs, and go 'softoading' (without the van).
What are peoples thoughts???

PS - I only have about 2 days to make my final decision.

[IRON-PAWW Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close IRON-PAWW]

Well O.A.H that's the question isn't it.

We can't tell you that if you buy a diesel there will be no problems. There is a chance you could develop the rattle. All told, there really isn't much data around to make any solid comment on how widespread the problem is. Hence the idea of the survey. I had something strange happen two mornings. But since then, the cold start noises I get really aren't too bad. Right now for instance I really can't fault the engine.

There is a noise there when cold starting but I don't think it's related to this issue. Could be wrong, only time will tell.

Just remember that forums like this tend to "collect" bad comments. People come here to discuss their problems, so you're more likely to see negative posts. (We're not all negative though ) I've only done 10,000 k's with mine so far and on the whole I cannot fault it so far. Something happened, but even Toyota had no explanation for my 2 incidents of rough starts. Like I say, though, all seems fine now.

My opinion is do not be put off by this death rattle issue. There are many D4D's out there that do not have this problem. Be aware of the problem though and make your own decision about it.

I don't tow with mine, but the D4D is gutsy extreme for a 4 cyl diesel. Many people who write on the forum are happy with the D4D's towing ability. In this size of vehicle, room for 5 people is catered for. Larger people might be squashed a bit in the back but you can always rearrange things with the 3rd row seats.

[Chippy Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chippy]

G'day OAH

Welcome to Prado central.

I'm in Warnbro, Len's in Rockingham and Steve's in Safety Bay ..... so there's a growing group of us around this area.

As IP says ..... forums like this, as informative as they are, also tend to gather a critical mass of people discussing an issue ..... that can then make it sound like everyone who owns one of these vehicles is going to develop the issue.

I'm no expert on why it appears in some cars and not others .... but I'm still determined to swap my V6 for a D4D when this current lease is over.

Keep in mind that there are still a whole lot of D4D owners out there who have not developed any rattle.

Go with the Prado ... you'll love it.

Cheers
Chippy

[clifton Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close clifton]

Hi OAH,
Welcome to PP I can only support the previous members comments go for the D4D a great little engine.
Sorry about the acronym's in a hurry this morning.

[Pedro Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pedro]

No problems with my D4D and its the best tow vehicle I have owned.

Leaves the old 80 series I had (petrol) for dead pulling my Jayco 1.7t van.

A pleasure to drive.

[HGMonaro Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close HGMonaro]

Just remember that forums like this tend to "collect" bad comments. People come here to discuss their problems, so you're more likely to see negative posts.

Ain't that the truth.

I have a petrol so haven't followed this thread much but my father-in-law has a D4D and I haven't heard any grumbles from him. I'll ask one day, he's done 40-50K I think, including towing his van around Oz last year. Last time I drove it I didn't think it was any noiser than earlier (compared to the petrol it is ) Either way, he wouldn't come on here to research or air his problems, doesn't 'do the internet' and there would be many more like him as they sell 1000's of these things every month.

As with most things, how the manufacturer reacts to the problem will govern the long term reputation of local D4Ds. Hopefully they sort it out and apply the fix to all owners, not just those who complain loudest.

Would I buy one at the moment... well I wouldn't base my decision on this issue, I think I would have faith in the warranty (not that you'd want your car to genade in the middle of nowhere, but from my reading this is not likely going to happen athough there's a couple of cases that are suspect)

Nige.

[lofty Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close lofty]

G'day OAH

Welcome to Prado central.


I'm no expert on why it appears in some cars and not others .... but I'm still determined to swap my V6 for a D4D when this current lease is over.

Cheers
Chippy

You'r kidding me Chippy :shock: :shock: :!: :!: :?: :?:

You will have to give yourself six months b4 the lease is up to get all your mods of the old bus :lol: I thought you would be buried in that thing

Congrats on the 3000th.

Welcome to the forum OAH

[Chippy Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chippy]

Nah Lofty .... this bus isn't leaving the family.

My oldest boy has got himself a job ... and is madly saving up the moolah so he can afford the pay out figure at the end of the lease.

.... and I reckon, by then I will need to be looking for another project .... 'cause I won't be able to fit anything else on it :lol: :lol: :lol:

Cheers
Chippy

[Crammy Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Crammy]

I'm still determined to swap my V6 for a D4D when this current lease is over

**Wipes eyes and re-reads chippys post :shock:**

I'm saving this post just so I can re-read it tomorrow!! Mate, I thought you were a one eyed V6 man?

Glad to see you've finally come to your senses at last!!! hehe (just kidding)

Don't let the few D4D issues sway your decision on the D4D. There are a few guys with genuine problems but as others have said these issues can get blown out of proportion as to their commonality. If it develops the problem then the warranty is there to deal with it. If it happens outside your warranty period, deal with it then, or even better upgrade to the new Prado before the warranty runs out. If you spend your whole time worrying whether it's going to happen or not, you'll never enjoy the car and every little noise you hear will be suspicious!

My Prado has got plenty of squeeks and rattles and I'm not to concerned at the moment. Maybe I'm just too blasé. Either way the D4D is a great engine and I'm 100% happy with it.

Cheers,

Crammy

[Chippy Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chippy]

I'm still determined to swap my V6 for a D4D when this current lease is over

**Wipes eyes and re-reads chippys post :shock:**

I'm saving this post just so I can re-read it tomorrow!! Mate, I thought you were a one eyed V6 man?

I still am .... but by the time I'm ready to swap this baby there'll be no petrol left and I'll need something I can refuel at the local fish 'n' chip shop :lol: :lol: :lol:

Cheers
Chippy

[Only A Hammer Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Only A Hammer]

Hi Guys

First of all, thank you for your replies... much appreciated. I feel somewhat more comfortable about the 'death rattle' issue. Reading through the posts, it seemeed that everyone who had a D4D engine had an issue, but yes, after some good comments from all of you, that doesn't seem the case.
I will confirm the order tomorrow, and expect to take delivery in about 10 days or so... I'll let you all know. I must say, I can't wait!
On a different note... can't believe that Chippy, Len and Steve are all so local to me... bloody hell, we must only be a max of 10k away.

Chippy, I had a look at the evolution of your latest prado... I'm impressed! (But then I'm OAH!!!!!!).

I did say I was new to this forum... how do you insert other posts into your post in the box thing that appears???

Cheers and Thanks Again
OAH

PS Love the acronym!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Chippy Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chippy]

I did say I was new to this forum... how do you insert other posts into your post in the box thing that appears???

G'day again neighbour

Click on the QUOTE button in the top right hand corner of the post that you want to quote from. It drops the other bloke's words into a new post window ..... and you can trim a bit out if you're only wanting to respond to a small bit of it.

You can also get real tricky and quote from multiple sources ... but I'll leave that to another day.

Also .... have a look at some of our WA Tech Day threads ...

http://www.pradopoint.com/viewtopic.php ... light=tech

http://www.pradopoint.com/viewtopic.php ... sc&start=0

http://www.pradopoint.com/viewtopic.php?p=45228

...... and there's heaps of room for a hammer wielder in the crew :lol: :lol: :lol:


Have a look at these couple of trip reports to see what you can join in on :shock:

http://pradopoint.com/viewtopic.php?t=2280

Cheers
Chippy

[Only A Hammer Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Only A Hammer]

...... and there's heaps of room for a hammer wielder in the crew :lol: :lol: :lol:


Have a look at these couple of trip reports to see what you can join in on :shock:

http://pradopoint.com/viewtopic.php?t=2280

Cheers
Chippy

Thanks for thw "quote tip".. think I've got the hang of it.

The trips sounds great.. we are really looking forward to doing more with the car than just driving to and from work. I've bought on of those trips out of Perth softroader books as a start, but would like to come along on a 'propper trip'!

Cheers
OAH

[plucker Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close plucker]

My Prado is just about 12 months old now and no rattle. I have stayed away from this post for that reason. Currently it is still running beatifully, and hope it does for a long time.
From what I understand the rattle is a problem that happens in the minority of cases, although it is starting to get some momentum.

Just OT - Chippy going diesel. What the? Next thing you know he will be changing colours too. :lol:

[Guest Close Guest]

well, I dont know if this has already been said, beacuse I dont really want to read through 400' odd posts, but I recently had the 20,000km service done. Leading up, I had been noticeing a more pronounced rattle (coniciding with the colder temps at the time). I bought 10ltrs of Penrite HPR5 and got them to use it for the oil change. Well, it made a big difference, much better than I had expected. Engine runs quieter, smoother, and with better economy.

I had checked with the dealer prior to the service, as to what oil they used. They told me Castrol RX Super 15w-40w, because it was what they used for all Diesels and had no probs. Not really what I wanted to hear, but I checked the manual and read that Toyota recommend a 10w-30w as the ideal oil for the D4D. So I went out and bought the HPR5 in 5w-40w and what a difference it made. It certainly took care of the rattle in mine. We were getting some very frosty mornings here in Toowoomba for a few weeks and it made a big difference. No more rattles, and the engine loves it. To top it off, my average fuel consumption has dropped from mid 11's/100km to 9.6/ltr. Not bad hey.

Cheers

Mark