Just sayin

[RogueElephant]

Hi all,

I just joined the TOC because I recently bought a Japanese used import, a 1994 Mark II with a 2.4L turbo diesel (2L-TE). For it's age it's in great condition and I love the look of it. But what really drew me in was the diesel motor and the hope of better fuel efficiency. I haven't found it exactly cheap to run, but it's a pretty big car so I think for it's size it's not too bad. This isn't my first used import, a few years ago I had a 1994 Corona with a 2L 2S-FE. Thanks to a previous owner (my sister!) who didn't give it regular services, I went through an engine change, and shortly after, an auto gearbox change. So when it came to buying the Mark II I wasn't too worried about problems with sourcing parts and working out the compatabilities. Now I'm facing a timing-belt change not to mention the majority of the hoses and belts under the hood. It seems like this model was only sold in Japan and perhaps in the USA/Canada. There seems to be very little awareness of this model in Australia. So far, I haven't met a professional mechanic that has seen one of these before. So I'm hoping to find fellow Mark II owners who can give advice about sourcing parts. OK, that's it from me for now. Looking forward to chatting.

[jeffy]

Welcome to the club dude :] !

You're talking about the chaser right.?

[Hybrid Camry]

The 2L-TE is also in the Hilux Surf...

Timing kits are availabel and a mechanic will charge anywhere up to $1000 to do (in a surf) as its a pain in the butt... (Have to pull all belts, fans etc....)

2L-TE's have a few common problems (at least in the surf's) which are cracked heads and leaky fuel pumps (again another grand for a pump replacement and even more for a head...)

If you service it regularly and check the coolant constantly, you should be right....

All toyota dealers will be able to source parts for the motor as a lot of it is interchangeable with 2L and 3L stuff off Hilux's and 4runners...