Thinking of buying DSurf, how to avoid head problems?

[Jonathan M]

I'm considering buying a Surf. It will be used regularly for towing, and this will include a trip or 2 to France, at least one of ehich will be in the middle of summer.

Now I know I want aircon, and will be happy with an auto or manual, but engine size is more of a dilema.

I've read a lot of the threads about head problems on the 2.4, but they are considerably cheaper to buy than the 3.0, and presumably more economical??


If I find a good 'un, and lets assume that it has no head problems at the time of purchase, what could be done to avoid head problems developing.

Obviously adherence to servicing, but I'm also thinking along the lines of cooling aids, better fans, perhaps a additive in the coolant such as "water wetter", a substance that is used in motorspsrt at times & enhances the cooling effects by ?breaking down the surfance tension of the coolant. It claims to run an engine 10 degrees Celsius cooler.

Anyone else got any ideas?

[dirtydog]

Hi Jonathan - you might want to use the search at the top right of the page to read LOADS of stuff about anything.

More economy is marginal on a 2.4, mine can vary from 250-450kms per £50 but again try searching for threads on this.

To avoid the head going the best you can do is have a fully working cooling system and viscous (Engine driven fan). Plenty of people use the 2.4's in hot countries with no bother.
With the viscous fan running though as it will more in the heat this will drop economy especially when towing.

Hope this helps.

[jagr]

Buying one with the Head already done, is the only way you can guarantee to have no problems.

I bought mine in September 2004 (It had only just come into the UK) and everything was fine till last Friday when the temp went straight into the RED.

[marky]

There was a design fault on the 2.4 Heads. The waterways near the Valve Seats are too close the the heads surface, The new heads have had this problem rectified, Some 2.4 heads go some dont! If you can afford it go for a 3.0 especially for long haul Towing.
Water Wetter & extra fans wont prolong the life of the 2.4 head.

[Jonathan M]

Thanks, so it isn't just an overheating = head damage problem.

I have seen a 3.0 that I like the look of, but will try & see some more this week.

[Hilux]

Surfs

Hi mate l have a 1992 2.4T/D auto, a 1995 3litre T/D manual and a 1994 3litre v6 petrol auto for sale at the moment and l am in Liverpool.

[Jonathan M]

Hi mate l have a 1992 2.4T/D auto, a 1995 3litre T/D manual and a 1994 3litre v6 petrol auto for sale at the moment and l am in Liverpool.

Whereabouts? I'm not in a rush, in fact the wifey's car will be fine over the summer, just looking to test the water and probably get a 4x4 towards september/october to keep us caravanning through the winter.

But if the right 3.0 came up........

[Assasin-uk]

Whereabouts? I'm not in a rush, in fact the wifey's car will be fine over the summer, just looking to test the water and probably get a 4x4 towards september/october to keep us caravanning through the winter.

But if the right 3.0 came up........

It just so happens i might have the right one...

See my ad in the forsale section