How do I spot new head?

[wibblywobbly]

I am picking up a Surf from Southampton docks, hopefully on 19th, and I am looking for a little advice.

How can I tell if the previous jap owner has had any cyl head work done, or if it has been replaced with an upgraded one?

Is there anything that I should do before driving it 90 miles back home, apart from checking fluids, coolant, tyre pressures etc

(And, just what are the tyre pressures?)

And finally, is there a quick and easy way to rig up a rear fog light?

Cheers folks

Rob G

http://www.hitenter.co.uk

[Linda]

This is a test for Bensonnuts

[Linda]

I am picking up a Surf from Southampton docks, hopefully on 19th, and I am looking for a little advice.

How can I tell if the previous jap owner has had any cyl head work done, or if it has been replaced with an upgraded one?

Is there anything that I should do before driving it 90 miles back home, apart from checking fluids, coolant, tyre pressures etc

(And, just what are the tyre pressures?)

And finally, is there a quick and easy way to rig up a rear fog light?

Cheers folks

Rob G

http://www.hitenter.co.uk

Another test

[bensonsnuts]

Another test

Thanks Linda .........does this mean I have to type it all again ??

[Linda]

Thanks Linda .........does this mean I have to type it all again ??

You could use the BACK button and copy and paste???

[bensonsnuts]

Version 2

I don,t know anyway to tell if you have a new head unless its documented. They,re either going to have steam cleaned the engine bay or it will be covered in crud . I had mine done a few months ago & I cant tell the difference now. Assume its original as Japs have a bad reputation for bodging them & shipping them out
Just take it careful & "get you home cover " if you want to be sure !
Tyre pressures - 28 psi but most people on here use about 33psi for better ride.
Rear fog light - switch from a scrap toyota - lots use the same gear .I got my light from scrap RAV4 & set it into the bumper but if you,re not going offroad - cheapie from motorist discount.

Finally .......enjoy you surf ....we all love ours

[bensonsnuts]

You could use the BACK button and copy and paste???

Tried that .....& it had gone !!!!!!

[icsys]

How can I tell if the previous jap owner has had any cyl head work done, or if it has been replaced with an upgraded one?

You could write to Toyota quoting your chassis, engine and model numbers and ask if the vehicle was subject to a service recall and if so, was the necessary work undertaken. Better to get things in writing rather than talking to someone over the phone.

At the end of the day it may not reveal anything... but you never know.

Oh, and be prepared to wait..... I wrote to them at the end of September. They have informed me it is now under investigation via their european headquarters, however I'm still waiting for my reply.

[valarius]

on this head matter which is ongoing has anyone got a list of the production serial numbers of the modified heads as this would surly be easier to reference from to see if theres had been done already has anyone contacted toyota on this idea ???

cheers

[sumo]

on this head matter which is ongoing has anyone got a list of the production serial numbers of the modified heads as this would surly be easier to reference from to see if theres had been done already has anyone contacted toyota on this idea ???

cheers

There was a list on an old post but I think it was on the old site. If you ask the nicly perhaps it could be found.
I tried a serch but nothing came up.the numbers were in a jap translation of the recall notice.

sumo.

[Guest]

You can always have a look at the head casting number (front nearside on the head) and see if it matches the engine block casting number or the chassis number. If it's different then it's new. My new head has a casting number 22222222.

Cheers

[icsys]

Well the wait is over...
I finally got my official response letter from Toyota regarding recalls:

Firstly, please accept our apologies for the delay in responding to you regarding your enquiry, I am pleased to confirm the following. We have now discussed your enquiry with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Europe, who in turn investigated this with Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan) and are pleased to advise that your vehicle has not been involved in any recall campaigns.

I hope this information is of benefit to you.

Yours sincerely


So at least I know that my head is OK and is not one with a design fault where the waterways were too near the valve guides so hopefully I wont have any problems.
Although I know other owners have had head problems after being told theirs was not on recall. I assume that the head problems in these cases was due to something else?

[AlanM6]

http://www.showmesome.info/hilux/info/recall.htm
There are some frame numbers here that were subject to recall

[icsys]

My chassis number falls outsde of those numbers.
Hopefully after flushing the system and replacing the stat I shouldnt have any problems.