Head Alert

[dazzo23]

A little bird has told me that The New Heads from the certain suppliers are the original heads that were fitted to the SURF. As you all know these heads will crack at some point. These are not the Modified Heads so please check with the supplier before purchase.

These have recently bought a batch from JAPAN.

Previous heads bought from the certain suppliers may be OK

Oh balls!

[marky]

Have no info of when this batch came in i would say it was fairly recent.

[Nicc]

Just ripped the head off my surf, it was wasting all the water out of the expansion tank, tried it without thermostat, no difference, with the head off I now see a crack between exhaust and inlet valves on no4, this the usual place to crack and would this have fractured through a water way giving to overpressure in the cooling system?

I am obviously in the market for a new head and most definately want a new and improved version of the original as i dont want to be doing this every few months, where is a good source for new modified heads, and once a modified head is fitted is cracking a thing of the past or are they still fragile WRT cooling system snags?

Must thank everyone who has put technical details on this forum, the haynes manual lay hardly looked at whilst the laptop was getting dirty fingermarks all over it as i surfed the forum on how to get certain bits off (inlet manifold and crank pully)

[JimL]

As Stevos reputation on this forum anyway is being staked on him supplying and fitting the NEW redesigned heads I'd say he was a good reliable source for what you are after.

As for the disaster some poor soul has endured, its just not good enough to have a brand new OLD DESIGN head blowing after a recent fitting. These things take 10 yrs to go 95% of the time, I'd be wondering about the job done on it as well. I wouldnt be wondering about whether or not to get a hungry solicitor on the case, its a no loose situation if the specs can be established and affidavits given by Stevo.

[marky]

Just ripped the head off my surf, it was wasting all the water out of the expansion tank, tried it without thermostat, no difference, with the head off I now see a crack between exhaust and inlet valves on no4, this the usual place to crack and would this have fractured through a water way giving to overpressure in the cooling system?

I am obviously in the market for a new head and most definately want a new and improved version of the original as i dont want to be doing this every few months, where is a good source for new modified heads, and once a modified head is fitted is cracking a thing of the past or are they still fragile WRT cooling system snags?

Must thank everyone who has put technical details on this forum, the haynes manual lay hardly looked at whilst the laptop was getting dirty fingermarks all over it as i surfed the forum on how to get certain bits off (inlet manifold and crank pully)

The new MODIFIED head will give you years of trouble free motoring,
While the heads off i'd recomend you change all the belts also the waterpump.

[Gareth]

Ongoing problem with getting good head

I'v had my 2.4 surf for a little over a year now. 12 months superb motoring. Almost to the day of buying it thoiugh the thing over heated and blew the gasket and cracked the head. I'v since had a recond head put on, but it still was overheating. The garage assumed that there was a fault with the cooling system and that this caused the head to go. They've since replaced the heating matrix, the radiator and the thermostat. Still the same problem is happening. The garage is lost as to what to do next. The parts supplier (Allparts) said that they will replace the head as there apears to be some combustion in the cooling system and therefore building pressure and forcing the water out indicating a problem with the head. Having only recently found this web site I'm starting to learn a bit about these trucks. I'm nervous about this replacement head. Is it the new or old design? I wish I could turn back time and get the thing from Stevo as he seems to ocme highly reccommended. What do you think my options are? This has been going on over 7 weeks and I'm 2.5k down and starting to fall out of love with my surf. Help me recindle the flame - some guidance please!!!!!!

[marky]

GARETH sorry to hear that! A recon head will go again as the waterways are too close to the heads surface near the valve seats. A new modified head is the best cure especially for the long term.

[Gareth]

Mate so glad you're about at the moment. Thanks for the quick response. Great to talk to someone who understands these cars. What do you think my chances are on getting this supplier to refund for the part £750 and then I could buy a new design from Stevo? Also is replacing the head in the surf something any competent mechanic can do or do you need specific knowledge of the surf? Sorry to badger you but the advice is really appreciated - I want to stay friends with my surf/bank manager!

[marky]

Get your money back off the other supplier Then get one off STEVO he will answer any questions your Mechanic has.

[Gareth]

Get your money back off the other supplier Then get one off STEVO he will answer any questions your Mechanic has.

Right going with that plan first thing tomorrow! - you're a diamond!

[marky]

Right going with that plan first thing tomorrow! - you're a diamond!

We are here to help fellow SURFERS. Just tell your supplier That the product supplied was not upto the Job & you have sourced one else where as you have lost confidence in their Product.

[Gareth]

We are here to help fellow SURFERS. Just tell your supplier That the product supplied was not upto the Job & you have sourced one else where as you have lost confidence in their Product.

Right I've followed your advice and the garage is removing the current head and sending it back to them to be tested. Providing they find a fault then I will be getting my money back and will be sourcing a new head from Stevo. (He's been brilliant) Will keep you posted as to the outcome. Thanks again.

[marky]

Good News

Stevo now has Competition in the South.
TONYN is now the official SURF repair chap South of WATFORD GAP. He also replaces cylinder heads as well as any other SURF related problems, Good news if you are in the South. Dont be afraid of previous posts regarding his ANGLE-GRINDER as TONY knows what he's doing & LINDA said its fine while he's on the MEDICATION.

[cockybundoo]

I am hopefully just getting a new head fitted to mine (under warranty), how can you tell the difference between the old type head and the new re-engineered head externaly (i.e after it has been fitted)?


Cheers Mike

[Morr]

I am hopefully just getting a new head fitted to mine (under warranty), how can you tell the difference between the old type head and the new re-engineered head externaly (i.e after it has been fitted)?


Cheers Mike

Your question is already answered further up in this very thread.

Short answer, once fitted, there is no visual method of telling.

Either way, don't worry too much, sure the newer head is obviously preferable, but at least its a warranty job so its not costing you and should still be good for a least 100k & 10 years if properly maintained.

Otherwise get to the head before they fit it and measure it as described in the thread above, you never know, you may be able to insist on the supply of the newer design as Toyota themselves have clearly deemed the early one unsuitable.