A friend of mine has a 1986 Model F spacecruiser and has had problems with it overheating. After many flushes of the system and checking of the fan and thermostat he relented and got a professional to take a look. He has been told that although there is water flow through his radiator the cooling fins are too badly clogged up to efficiently cool the water. The cheapest quote he has had, and he's been told it is a dealership part only, is £160 can anybody help in this matter??? - (#135) Mark, 14 May 01

Mark
On numerous occasions with past vehicles I have had radiator problems. I always get them re-cored. Look for a local outfit that does this in the free papers or yellow pages. I had a 25 year old Hi-ace camper and no problem, they managed to recore it, so your friend should have no problems with a Spacecruiser. Usually costs about £80 and it looks as good as new.
Ian - (#137) Ian Dunse, 14 May 01

It has taken an eternity to find this site! I have recently bought a 1986 Auto (1998 cc) Space Cruiser and then tried to get a manual on it! Cannot find any literature anywhere!
Can you help?
Most importantly, I need to change the Radiator soon.
I can get the new rad at £168 + VAT from Toyota-how the hell do I fit it?
I am still finding my way around this vehicle so treat me with kid gloves.
Am I right in supposing that the Rad has to be removed from underneath? (have a laugh at my expense on this one)
I can only get access to the fan cover from lifting the inside passenger front seat which is the normal access to the engine. Is there any other access or does the front seat come up? Do the body panels that are bolted on come up for greater engine access?
What's the secret?
Many thanks for any info
Sincerely
Chris Anthony - (#1211) Chris ANthony, 10 Oct 01

Yes, drivers seat and floor come out.
Before getting a new rad, check on the price to have it re-cored. Same day service if they can measure and obtain the core beforehand. - (#1212) David Miller, 10 Oct 01

I recently had a quote of £98 all in to re-core my radiator. Quite a saving there.
Neil - (#1213) Neil Hall, 10 Oct 01

Chris
Ask your Toyota dealer for the availability of the engine manual - Toyota part number RM017E. Unfortunately, it doesn't go into detail about removing the radiator from the car, only stripping it down once out. Both David and Neil are right in the fact that you have to remove the driver's seat and floor pan to get it out. I have had two rads recored in the past and can confirm that both were good jobs and much cheaper than new - about £80.
HTH
Ian - (#1221) Ian Dunse, 11 Oct 01