Offroad-Express

how bad are the 2.4 turbo motors? im looking for a diesel surf and can only find 2.4's (found 1 2.8 but had low comprestion in one cylinder). have been told that they crack heads. Why do they do this? Can this be preveneted?
cheers Pete

I have 2.4 that has done 262 k's
Get the cooling system pressure tested.
Look for water in the oil and oil in the water (expansion tank)
Look for bubbles in the expansion tank
Take the radiator cap off and start it. If water shoots out it has cooked its head.
Now if you find one that does not have a cracked head there are some measures that can be taken to prevent it. I'll start with the cheapest.
Flush and change the coolant.
Replace thermostat and pressure cap.
Remove radiator and have the tubes cleaned, I got mine done and it makes a hell of a difference.
Service the viscous fan.
Sort out a manual way of controlling the Electric fan. I have designed and fitted a very neat fan controller to mine.

Do not believe all the horror stories about 2.4 surfs.
Hope this helps.

You missed the two most important ones!!!

First of all, Turbo Timer!!

Then 3" exhaust

Then all the rest.

Biggest thing is to get the heat away from the head and turbo.

Apparently, when had mine, i was told there was nothing i could do, it will eventually crack the head.

There are lots of transplant options out there for that vehicle, so if you aren't paying much for it, run it till it dies and then fire a new engine in it.

It was going to cost $4500 for a 1991 non EFI 2lt to be professionally fitted to my 89 surf. It had a warranty, and had a head check, oil pressure check and compression check, new re-cored radiator etc etc as part of the over all package.

I sold it before i spent the money and got a terrano in ten times the condition for only a grand more than i sold the surf for!!!

So watch what you are getting your self into!!!!!

DieselBoy
Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2005 7:57 am

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You missed the two most important ones!!!

First of all, Turbo Timer!!

Then 3" exhaust

Thank you
Its all you have to do to save them.

tomsoffroad wrote:

DieselBoy
Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2005 7:57 am

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You missed the two most important ones!!!

First of all, Turbo Timer!!

Then 3" exhaust

Thank you
Its all you have to do to save them.

.
I do agree that a larger and better flowing pipe will help, I have a 2.5 free-flow rear section that was only fitted last month, prior to that it was on the standard 2" asthmatic set-up.
A turbo-timer is useful but not mandatory. I do have one and use it.
If the cooling system is not up to scratch then a new pipe and T-timer will not help.
I was highlighting the cheapest options first and I reiterate that I do agree with the big pipe idea.

If your not gonna get a turbo timer always let your car sit for a while going before you turn it off, especially if you've been giving it a bit of a hard time. Same thing as a turbo timer just at no cost, but it does mean you've got to sit in your car and wait which you know you wouldn't always do.

Kent

can someone please explain to me why we need a turbo timer

opps theres more issues why they cook...........................is it auto or manual