We have just brought a 1991 disel auto townace with only 078297 km on the clock! In really nice condition, but the nightmare began as soon as I got it the 35 miles home.I had no heat at all coming out the heaters,the temp gage was not moving & when I switched off I heard the bubbling of water!!
We took it to our local Jap garage who have said it could be a number of things, they done a preassure test & said there are no obvious leaks.we then contacted the person who sold it to us (it is not under warranty)who said he would get the problem fixed if we take it back the 35 miles (he can get it done cheaper there as he is in the trade so better for him).
Forgot to say there is a build up of preassure somewhere in the system & it is being released through the overflow along with water.
I have been reading on here about changing the pump & cambelt at the same time,& what is this with having a fabric gasket?
We are new owners to the townace & also no nothing about mechanics so are in a right panic,& should I drive it 35 miles?? ( although I probably dont have a choice if I want it sorted.)
Any advice or ideas ? we'd be very grateful.
wnace
- (#8902) Paula (Dorset), 29 Feb 04 09:10
Hello Paula.
No heaters sounds like low coolant level. Remove the radiator cap and slowly fill to the top. Then check that the expansion tank level is about half way full.
Keep an eye on the levels over the next few days. It would be advisable to start with a new radiator cap, the Toyota float type is best.Part number 16401-64501.
The pressure test indicates that there are no leaks, so its boiling either because of a lack of pressure or a blocked radiator. What sort of 35 miles was it? Urban or Motorway? fast or slow?
- (#8902) dave Bright (Bournemouth), 29 Feb 04 09:28
Dave,
Many Thanks for your reply.The expansion tank is full & does not seem to have gone down,but the radiator is not full to the top(so it is there that we have toped up)Although there was bubbling & preassure it was not actually boiling.Half the journey was dual caridge but I did not go over 60 mph as I had never driven anything that big before!
Thanks for the tip about the cap,do you think I should get the pump & cambelt done at this stage?
- (#8902) Paula (Dorset), 29 Feb 04 10:14
The level in the expansion tank should be just above half way. To check the drawback mechanism, you should only remove the radiator cap when the engine is stone cold. As the engine cools the pressure will drop, if you remove the cap from a warm engine, it will introduce air which will cause the drawback mechanism to fail.
I would advise changing the cambelt and water pump, but get used to your new van first.
35 Miles from Poole must put you in the dorchester area? Fancy a trip to the Bridport Ace Jam in July?
- (#8902) dave Bright (Bournemouth), 29 Feb 04 10:37
Further to Dave's advice, is the anti-freeze mixture correct? The pipe inside the expansion tank should be quite stiff (assuming there is one?), if it is soft or slimy change it. The suction back to the engine on cool down can make this pipe contract on itself and stop the flow back.
- (#8902) Clive (Bristol), 1 Mar 04 01:20
Thanks Dave & Clive for your help,all advice taken on board.It has gone on it's trip back to be looked at & hopefully I may get some idea tommorow, so FINGERS CROSSED it is not to bad & that anything that is done gets done properly.
Yes, this Bridport Jam sounds great let us know when it is.How did you work out I got the townace in Poole?? Yes I do live in Dorchester!
I will let you all know what happens with it. Thanks again for your help.
- (#8902) Paula(Dorset), 2 Mar 04 14:17
just to update you all.It seems that it is the head gasket that is the problem! Thank goodness I'm not paying for it & the bloke was good enough to put it right for me.I should get it back next week.
I now seem to have a problem with my computer so will not be on the internet until it is sorted out( I'm using one elsewhere at the moment.) Oh what luck I have!!!!
- (#8902) Paula(Dorset), 5 Mar 04 03:27
Hello Paula.
Bad luck on the computer, result on the Townace by the sounds of it.
Give the bloke a ring and see if he will fit a new ADL water pump whilst he has the engine apart. You might have to get it for him, but it could save you a fist full of cash.
- (#8902) dave Bright (Bournemouth), 5 Mar 04 03:45