3.0 KZ-TE to recon or to get a low mileage import?

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 8:22 pm

Today I went pass Ralph of Toyo Service Centre to try and get an estimate on the repairs required to sort my truck out. It has been using oil and now and then there'll be some white smoke (oil burning).

There's two options as he says, one to get a low mileage import, I have gone this route previously with my 4AGE and it didn't last long as it blew a head gasket, so I'm very sceptical.

The second option would be to overhaul the current motor, which will be work out better and cost effective in the long run.

I'm still awaiting a quote from them and so have no idea of the value of each and obvioulsy money will be a major factor here.

How much should I expect more or less to pay for either option? And are there any other working options?

J.C Avis · Post by **J.C Avis** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:16 pm

Ek wil een of ander tyd my Kz engin met Sac op verkoop en d4d insit,wat is die pryse nou vir die kz engins 2de hans. Kilos 230 000. Geen fout of olie gebruik,nuwe turbo.

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:19 pm

Japie I'm not sure if I stand under you properly (understand you), you want to replace your KZ-TE for a D4D at SAC, and wanting to know how much are the 2nd hand KZ-TE's?

Thabogrobler · Post by **Thabogrobler** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 10:03 pm

Well,

If I have to do the math my sentiment is that you recon your own motor and know what and by whom it was done. With an improt it is a gamble.

All the spares, including new pistons was about R10k a year or so ago at Gemini. AFAIK Allen Y Brink is the guys doing recons(The factory) but are open for correction.

BUT if you have to spend money on a new motor, the D4D option is worth considering!!!

Then another BUT - Why do you feel you have to recon th engine? Using oil and smoke now and then is not that bad?

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 10:50 pm

That's what Ralph suggested, who am I?

ROBERT · Post by **ROBERT** » Tue Feb 14, 2012 4:59 pm

Tumelo,

Allan Y brink just redid a cruiser 2f motor for use. (big ends, all bearings, pistons, rings, head refurb including converting to run on unleaded) the bill is about R20K and they only use genuine toyota parts

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Tue Feb 14, 2012 5:23 pm

Robert I sense some witchcraft here, as your post comes in I'm looking for this post to update,

anyway here goes:

The quote I got two weeks ago comes to R30k, I was like yoh

for real. This includes parts even radiator, labour, and engineering work. Parts alone come to R18k, so looking closer after my shock a Toyota radiator is quoted just over R5k

, just recieved a quote from Silverton for a Alu one for R935 excl. VAT. Already I'm saving R4k.

So the plan is to buy my own spares, except things like pistons etc which will be dictated by the engineering. At this rate I will get it to an acceptable/affordable figure - though i'm not stressing

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Tue Feb 14, 2012 5:27 pm

ROBERT wrote:Tumelo,

Allan Y brink just redid a cruiser 2f motor for use. (big ends, all bearings, pistons, rings, head refurb including converting to run on unleaded) the bill is about R20K and they only use genuine toyota parts

Thanks for the heads-up

Robert.

ROBERT · Post by **ROBERT** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 3:04 pm

yup the geniune toyota radiator put in my van after the accident was R6550 or something. get someone to drive into you then their insurance has to pay for the radiator and anything else they damage

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 5:39 pm

Contact D1 imports and have a look at thier motors what I have seen of them they are very good.0846048609

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 7:05 pm

Rodney thanks will have a look, though I'm leaning more to over-hauling current one cos then I'll know it was done right and good, you tend not to know what you're getting into with imports, been there before.

It seems it may work out cheaper than the R30k previoulsy quoted if I buy my own spares cos I also get good discounts from Imperial in Commissioner, e.g. for complete gasket set, water pump, oil pump, thermostat, radiator cap, cam belt and tensioner it came to R9,192.77, saving R1,592.77 after discount (it's a lot of moola to save

) So we'll be getting these month end, and tackle the rest as savings/budget allows - we'll get there!

So ya that'll be my approach. Saving, saving, saving.

Thabogrobler · Post by **Thabogrobler** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 10:00 pm

Donkey wrote: for complete gasket set, water pump, oil pump, thermostat, radiator cap, cam belt and tensioner it came to R9,192.77, saving R1,592.77 after discount (it's a lot of moola to save ) So we'll be getting these month end, and tackle the rest as savings/budget allows - we'll get there!

So ya that'll be my approach. Saving, saving, saving.

No man, these prices are still a rip off!

Have you tried Gemini?

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 10:06 pm

Will make time to compare

and let you know.

louis fourie · Post by **louis fourie** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 6:45 pm

Donkey wrote:Will make time to compare and let you know.

Yes Gemini, but also be careful to by critical components like viscous fans, water pump etc from them. The viscous I bought was off for the first 10km and there after on. You could stop for three hours and it stays on, or if the Lux stood in the sun it is on

Post by **LouisZ** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 9:29 am

Thabogrobler wrote:
Donkey wrote: for complete gasket set, water pump, oil pump, thermostat, radiator cap, cam belt and tensioner it came to R9,192.77, saving R1,592.77 after discount (it's a lot of moola to save ) So we'll be getting these month end, and tackle the rest as savings/budget allows - we'll get there!

So ya that'll be my approach. Saving, saving, saving.
No man, these prices are still a rip off!

Have you tried Gemini?

R9192.77 for just that, come on, that is too much. Try Barry at 4x4 Ultimate.

The best is the piston rings and big and small ends is not even in the price?

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 7:55 am

louis fourie wrote:
Donkey wrote:Will make time to compare and let you know.
Yes Gemini, but also be careful to by critical components like viscous fans, water pump etc from them. The viscous I bought was off for the first 10km and there after on. You could stop for three hours and it stays on, or if the Lux stood in the sun it is on

Thank you guys for the input, Louis how do I know when the viscous fan has gone? More importantly how does it work?

Bouhgt some spares this month and will also be saving a bit.

ROBERT · Post by **ROBERT** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:49 am

stick your finger into the running fan, when the engine cold you should be able to stop the fan ,when the engine is hot it should chop your finger off. if it chops your finger of when its cold or you can stop it when its hot then your coupling is gone

ROBERT · Post by **ROBERT** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:50 am

Sorry I could not help myself. I have seen a couple of mechanics testing it this way, I just dont have the guts to grab a fan runnig at that speed

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:59 pm

ROBERT wrote:stick your finger into the running fan, when the engine cold you should be able to stop the fan ,when the engine is hot it should chop your finger off. if it chops your finger of when its cold or you can stop it when its hot then your coupling is gone

Thanks Robert

knowing myself and my biggish mouth I may have also answered that way

ROBERT · Post by **ROBERT** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 1:40 pm

Sorry Tumelo,

But Like I said I have seen it, I worked at a landrover workshop as vacation work when I was studying and saw one of their mechanics grabbing a viscous fan, he didnt lose too much skin on his knuckles

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 1:42 pm

Ok now you have me confused cos I'm now not sure if you're playing or not.

ROBERT · Post by **ROBERT** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 1:52 pm

I have seen it done but wouldnt recommend it, losing fingers and all could leave a bloody mess in your engine bay, there must also be a more scientific method of doing it

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 1:55 pm

ROBERT · Post by **ROBERT** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 2:07 pm

ok so heres a couple of ways to test (looked it up on google quick, I am witng for a drawing to update),

when the engine is cool (and off) you should be able to turn the fan easily by hand.
Run the engine up to temperature the switch off. IF yiu can still turn the fan easily by hand the coupling is dead, the coupling should be hard to turn when the engine is hot. you can also use the finger method but substitute the fingers with a piece of stiff cardboard.
last method is to run the car till warm then turn it off whilst watching the fan, it should turn more than a revolution after the engine has stopped

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 2:10 pm

Thanks for the erffort Robert

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Fri Apr 20, 2012 9:22 pm

This morning I went past Gemini Parts to quote a few parts seeing I'm buying them bit by bit;

Complete gasket set - R900 (Stealers R1777.44)
Oil pump assembly - R1540 (Stealers R 2346.44)
Glow plugs - R440/set

(didn't even bother asking stealers on this cos I can also source from Diesel City cheaper can't remember price now) - but I'm really shocked at this price, not that I'm complaining.

What do you guys advise?

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 1:03 am

The Legend · Post by **The Legend** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 5:02 am

Donkey.May be i am wrong,but the gasket set and the oilpump assembly i will get from the stealers.

Thabogrobler · Post by **Thabogrobler** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 9:17 am

Lollie wrote:Donkey.May be i am wrong,but the gasket set and the oilpump assembly i will get from the stealers.

Not necisarily(or something close to that spelling??)

Gemini imports good quality parts, but do your homework if it compares to OE quality.

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 12:24 pm

Thanks for the responses guys, but this is exactly what I am trying to ascertain

Racing snake · Post by **Racing snake** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 1:59 pm

Tumelo. Give Sidney at MSC engineering a call and let him check out your motor. Maybee you don't need to replace some of the parts you are looking at. They do all their own engineering, Head skimming, valve guides & seats, reboring etc. Only don't do crank grinding. His work is top class and at realistic prices. They are in Jan Smuts ave, Randburg. Pm me if you want his cell number.

Ali3n · Post by **Ali3n** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:08 pm

Hey Donkey, Let me know if you want to replace. I possibly know of a guy who has a complete perfectly running KZ engine for roughly R10k. He was looking for a Lexus because he wanted more power.

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 3:52 pm

Thank you for the input so far.
@ Brian - even though it may be costly but I think if they are to open the motor, they may as well replace everything, then I know the devil I'd sit with

, after all it has done 320k km so I might as well.

@Francisco - what mileage is this motor sitting on?

Ali3n · Post by **Ali3n** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:02 pm

Donkey wrote:@Francisco - what mileage is this motor sitting on?

I am not too sure, I have asked my wife to find out as it is a guy who is working with her. Will let you know but remember. I don't drink lite's!!!

I drink JW blue

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:57 pm

After fixing that truck of yours, you'll also be on Lite's

Ali3n · Post by **Ali3n** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:40 am

Donkey wrote:After fixing that truck of yours, you'll also be on Lite's

I will have to unfortunately correct you on your statement…

I will not be on lite’s!!!

I won’t be able to afford it…

I will be on windpomp wyn…

Okay, so I found out about the engine.

It is a KZ witch will be coming out of a Prado. It has done just over the 300k. It as also apparently never been opened and comes with the intercooler.

Doubt this is what you will be looking at as your engine has also got just over 300k on the clock… just thought it was worth the mention.

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 11:15 am

10 points for effort, thanks

Is the I/C front mount or top mount, could be a project I'd love to tackle one day. Please see if you can get a pic or two

Thabogrobler · Post by **Thabogrobler** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:04 pm

Eih Donkey,

My Kz is on its way to 380km's and still going strong.

Is the recon really, really needed?

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Fri Apr 27, 2012 7:23 pm

Thabogrobler · Post by **Thabogrobler** » Fri Apr 27, 2012 9:32 pm

Donkey wrote:

Great then,

Keep the moolah's in the piggy bank to save for the Labola and carry an extra 5L of oil in your truck!

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Fri Apr 27, 2012 11:03 pm

Ali3n · Post by **Ali3n** » Wed May 02, 2012 11:34 am

Donkey wrote:10 points for effort, thanks
Is the I/C front mount or top mount, could be a project I'd love to tackle one day. Please see if you can get a pic or two

It is the top mount I/C. Here are a few pics and it looks quite clean...

: IMG_4781a.JPG (32.71 KiB) Viewed 4314 times

: IMG_4780b.JPG (37.11 KiB) Viewed 4314 times

: IMG_4779c.JPG (33.72 KiB) Viewed 4314 times

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Thu May 03, 2012 12:44 pm

thanx buddy

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Wed Oct 10, 2012 7:38 am

So yesterday my truck went in to Toyo Service Centre for the overhaul and I must say I'm excited. Can't wait.

4x4Maniac · Post by **4x4Maniac** » Wed Oct 10, 2012 8:13 am

Good luck D, hope its not gonna be too expensive...

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Wed Oct 10, 2012 10:57 am

Thanks

Werner

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Thu Nov 22, 2012 7:47 pm

Finally my truck is ready and will be collecting it tomorrow morning. Did a complete overhaul and my reason being I don't know how the previous owner drove it and now I know what I'm starting off with. R25k dug a deep hole in my pocket

but for peace of mind I'm happy and now mileage sitting on 320k km's I can look forward to more happy miles and will look after the engine

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Thu Nov 22, 2012 7:53 pm

good news,you've had your fair share of problems,hope all runs smooth from now on

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Thu Nov 22, 2012 10:17 pm

Thanks buddy

It's not nice not having your own truck.

4x4Maniac · Post by **4x4Maniac** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:56 am

Great, glad you got it back, and only in a nick of time.

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Fri Nov 23, 2012 7:01 am

I can only

, thanks buddy

Thunder02 · Post by **Thunder02** » Sat Nov 24, 2012 7:30 am

Donkey wrote:Thanks buddy
It's not nice not having your own truck.

Know the feeling,it's like one of the children have gone missing