Offroad-Express

Hi guys,

I bought a 89 hilux with a 2.4l turbo diesel (2L-T, LN130G) 3 months ago for 3500.
Recently it started smelling and smoking whitish when idling. No smoke when going into the turbo range over 2000rpm. So I checked her into a garage to do a service and inspection to make sure she's alright. We changed the oil and filter which was due anyway and all other topped up all other fluids. The verdict was that I'd have some blow-by by the pistons due to age (231000 km on the the clock at that stage). I might get another year out of it but should start looking for a new engine. Straight from the garage I drove outta town and after about 100km I noticed big whitish smoke when idling/engine braking under 2000rpm and un-round turning when idling. when I turned the engine off at about 140km she was smoking BIG time. I mean: BIG!!! time. Greyish, real smelly smoke that lingered in the air. I checked Oil and water and she still had plenty of both. Loosing a bit of oil, topped it up again. I had no other choice than heading back home and on the way she just shut down on the open road at about 80km/h with a whiff. No oil on the road though.
Trying to start her, you could feel/hear something blocking it, and she wouldn't turn over at all.

Please help: What happened? And why so fast? The guy from the garage took it so they can check it out. But I'm not too sure about them cause it's them that said I'd have appr. another year and it was only 200km later that she seized up. I was quoted a price of 2 grand for another used engine wiith a 3months warranty and 1500,- to put it in. Another diesel garage said, I shouldn't even bother, just get a new truck, cause it's too expensive to put a new engine in. But it's a shame because the rest of the truck is still sound, no rust, etc.
How long does it take an experienced mechanic to swap the engine? How long does it take you guys? How much does a 2.8l go for, as I might abstain from the 2L-T turbo.

TA. Michael

Bad luck ay! Wierd how it just died like that, white smoke normally means turbo probs. Im sure you can get another 2lt for not too much but these engines are getting old and can be really hit and miss. $1500 to swap it !! I could swap it for you for half that! the 2.8 is way better but you are looking at big bucks (2500 plus) . If the rest of the truck is fine, and you are happy with it, then its worth it to you to swap the engine and keep the truck. Just my 2c. Good luck.

Yeah, that's what I thought: hit or miss with a used 2.4 and then I'll have the same trouble again. If I find an engine I'll keep you in mind for that half price swap. If I can find a 2.8 that will last it will make it worth it, won't it? Unless I find a new 2.8 truck for little more than 3g.
Will see, please, anybody out there with a spare 2.8l? engine only or whole truck?
M

A mate of mine put the 2.8 in his surf and said it was miles better than the old 2.4 turbo. Hes going to turbo his too. Have a look round for a 2.8, they can be hard to find, or pricey, or another truck. I wouldnt go another used 2lt, especially for that money and only 3 month warranty I could give ya a hand to throw it in.

A mate at City Auto Dismantlers in Dunedin has a 3L in stock at the moment for $2500. Phone 03 4777 493 daytime.

Chuck a 7m petrol in it you can do the whole swap for $2500 and have a much better wagon at the end

yeah, definitely looking into replacing it with a 3L. I'm just waiting for the garage come back with the info what actually seized it up.
gtblair, you're in Chch, right? I'd have to wait quite a while to actually get up there with trailer and all and having enough time up there to do the job. we'll see.
How easy/difficult is it to replace it with a 3L? Do I need to make any modifications on the mounts, radiator, waterpump, ........???How about the gear ratio, torque, etc?

When installing the 3L you should replace the cambelt, water pump and tensioners. There's a couple of hundy spent there.

It should bolt in by and large, although I believe you have to use the 2.4 Flywheel and clutch. I'm sure that was the case in Timotheus's rig.

Other little things like thermostat position may differ depending on whether the donk came from another hilux or van.

You'll need a new front pipe to mate to the 3L exhaust manifold, so look for a set of headers and fit them while you're doing the job.

ok, I was talking to my mate today, and he said his 3L just bolted straight up no probs. Didnt have to change anything. Yours is manual right? Easy! Yeah Im in chch, a few hours from wanaka haha.

I agree with Jafa. Go petrol. All the 2l 2lt 2lte 3l are basically the same block/head etc. The engine reconditioner I spoke to when I was going through this drama said "they are all cracked, all" but at the same time he said that most will run like that for ages. I think they crack from the valve to one of the water gallerys (dont quote me on that).

Having said all of that, your problem sounds very much like a turbo problem. My truck had the same symptoms. lots of white smoke, using oil. The turbo had shat itself. $700 (ish) to recon the turbo and I was away again. My truck didnt stop though so im not sure whats going on with yours. Perhaps the exhaust is blocked enough that it wont start? I wouldnt think so though. Good luck anyway.

You can get your coolant tested for oil. That can prove/disprove a cracked head.

But being a 2L, is it even worth it?

Turbo smoke is blue, it's cooked oil and it doesn't stop your engine. If you get a 3L then keep your 2.4 turbo and manifold, they can be made to fit without too much hassle.

My apologies, you are right. My turbo smoke was a blueish colour, not white. I remember now.

put a 3.8 v6 commie motor in it, just bought one today with one in and loved the long 7 hour trip back home

Just be done with it and put in a 1UZ FE..V8..all the others are just teasing you..i've just completed mine and i gotta say.. you'll love it off road..it rocks.

gimmemud wrote:put a 3.8 v6 commie motor in it, just bought one today with one in and loved the long 7 hour trip back home

How's the economy?
The old work commodores I drove with those engines would drink 16l/100km. I'm wondering if a lexus V8 would drink less.

it drank 13.5l/100km which i thought wasn't too bad as i had just bought it and was testing out the power the whole way and 50km worth of winding road accelerating and braking all the time and with 33s.

If it's a daily driver then I would recommend sticking with the origianl tire size..as with the 33's i have it is a bit thirsty..$100 to fill and lasts about 450km which is not bad but is not good either compared to my XR8 i have ..must be because it's like pushing a brick through the air and the bigger wheels don't help..but if this is a toy/off roader then whats a $100 for a days entertainment..it's truely awesome offroad..

theres a complete double cab hilux at a caryard here in nelson, 87 i think, thats been fitted with a 2.8.
its on tardme, $2500 start = reserve.
ive had a look at it, an yeah its just an old hilux really.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =131606090