Another Blown Head Story ???

[Giulio81]

Hi there, Im looking to gain some insight from the more experienced hilux owners, or confirmation in the worst case. I recently purchased a 3.0l turbo hilux for my wife, 180,000km on the clock. great condition in an out, I had all the usual pre purchase check which came up great. I knew of the hilux reputation for heads but thought if I was on the ball enough I would pick it up and once brought if I took great care of the old girl she would be fine. However, after a horse float towing day I noticed the temperature gauge starting to shoot up, more so on the hills when on the gas, so I nursed her home. The next day I ran her till she warmed up and then took the cap of the radiator to see large bubbles coming to the surface every ten seconds or so, Im guessing that there is a crack in the head and this is the escaping gas but just on the off chance that there is a little switch some where which turns these bubbles off I thought id ask, any info would be good.

thanks

[Rob5464]

You need to drain the cooling system and re-fill. Make sure you get all of the air out as they are prone to getting air locks. fill it to the top and run it with the heater on and radiator cap off for a good 15 min. Top up and put the cap on. Alternatively pull a heater pipe off and let the water pour out until you get a steady flow.

If it keeps overpressuring and boiling the water away in the expansion tank then its got a cracked head. Don't keep driving it for months after like I did, to add insult to stolen wallet I have a bent conrod now which requires taking the whole engine out.

[Giulio81]

hey thanks for that, iv done it and ill wait with bated breath :-) the wife is just driving it to work an back at the moment (2km each way), it will take me a couple of months to save up, iv been quoted $3000 nz (around $1500 pound) so a few pay cheques to go haha

[Rob5464]

If it doesn't get too hot again it will be ok but if the starter motor starts turning slow or stalling then stop using it. It means a cylinder is filling up with water when its stood still and it will result in a bent rod.