Lifespan of a Diesel 90 Series?

[Your_Lunch Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Your_Lunch]

So I've had a diesel 90 series prado for about 9 months now, still stock, and loving it. It's taken me through the Watagans, Newnes, Stockton, interstate trips etc no probs, but I'm planning to go up the Old Telegraph Track with some mates next year and it's my excuse to get some work done to the car (bull bar, lift, drawers etc).
I've got 230,000 km on it at the moment, so my question is generally what sort of mileage is usually squeezed out of a 90 series before it's too old? I guess I'm trying to decide whether or not I'll get my money's worth out of the $$$ I'll be throwing into it...

[Hawk Thor Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hawk Thor]

Re: Lifespan of a Diesel 90 Series?

Do you have the 1KZ-TE or the 3.0 D4D? It has been my experience that Prados with the 1KZ-TE need a new cylinderhead t 250.000-300.000 km.

Mine is sitting now as I save up for a new head, T-belt, tensioner, pump, orings and gaskets, the works. I´ll be getting a intercooler, bigger downpipe and EGT gauge to keep the new head alive.

My brothers 1KZ-T cracked a head at 320.000 km, and countless others have had this happen at similar km.

I would recommend doing the engine before spending a fortune on storage, bumper and other doo-dads. It doesn't matter how kitted out your Prado is if it won't run.

I haven't heard any of those stories about the D4D.

Too old is relevant to the care the vehicle has been given through its life and what you think is too much to fix. I usually keep my vehicles till they die and then part them out. I´m willing to spend a lot of money on my Prado because it will just get better as the years go by and parts cars become cheaper.

[Bounder Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bounder]

Re: Lifespan of a Diesel 90 Series?

I have 420k+ kilometres on my 90 SWB with the 1KZTE, I did notice the temp gauge start to move back around the 300km mark but I replaced the Rad immediately and nothing happened.
The front diffs can start to wear, I had one fail due to the passenger side seal failing and the oil leaking out, there is only just over 1 litre in the diff and given that they are permanent 4wd the loading is the same as the rear diff which holds close to 3 litres, this in my opinion is a poor design and will lead to accelerated front diff wear if the oil is not changed more than the rear diff.
I have also read that the oil is more subject to failure because of heat buildup and lack of cooling air where it is situated under the engine and behind the bashplate.
Apart from that diff failure, I have replaced shocks, starter motor, and wiper linkage and inner track rod ends, thats nearly all I have had to do to the vehicle in 9 years.

[HeathNZ Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close HeathNZ]

Re: Lifespan of a Diesel 90 Series?

Isnt the D4D a common rail diesel? If yes then they have a shite load of their own problems to worry about. Fuel pumps being the first and very expensive too.

[Derb Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Derb]

Re: Lifespan of a Diesel 90 Series?

Hi Heath. The common rail units have their own worries - I have to listen to my son's stories (toyota mechanic) and he tells me the best Prado's are the last with the 1KZ-TE engine. And it aint only toyotas with this problem - pretty much all of the common rail units have their horror stories. He also says to stay clear of the V8 diesel units for a while yet. Cheers.

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

Re: Lifespan of a Diesel 90 Series?

Back to the original question.... the engine is good for 500 000kms if well looked after. Cooling and injection problems will kill the engine before its time, and these are the two areas that need maintenence in any older diesel.

[Ramjet Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Ramjet]

Re: Lifespan of a Diesel 90 Series?

Can somebody help. I am in Perth and we come from north of Sydney. My 2001 turbo diesel Grande has a cracked head ( told by Toyota workshop ) where can I go to get a good job done.

[gphcald Member Find all posts View Profile Close gphcald]

Can somebody help. I am in Perth and we come from north of Sydney. My 2001 turbo diesel Grande has a cracked head ( told by Toyota workshop ) where can I go to get a good job done.

Try annangrove 4wd good work, reasonable prices ask for Joe who now owns it

Rgds

Gerry