Hey Guys and Girls, I'm Chris from Wollongong. Until a few weeks ago I was a fuel guzzling V8 Driver but I have finally got my hands Diesel Hilux. I bought a 1990 DX that had recently had a 2.8l engine fitted for the price of $3250. The ute had only done 3000km since the engine was fitted in a "professional workshop", rego is till end of Feb next year and with the body and paint in good condition I thought I got a great buy. However. Day 1 saw the battery replaced $200 Day 2 the tinny was hooked on for a trip down the coast to St Georges Basin (1 1/2hr Drive) for a 2 day Bream Comp. I left home at 5am and although a bit sluggish climbing hills I was impressed how easily it pulled the 1/2 tonne boat. It was when we got to Nowra I noticed the temperature was sitting on the higher side of normal but was remaining stable so I continued believing this may be normal for diesel engines, down the road at South Nowra the temperature spiked and as I pulled into the service station it was just into the red. Apon lifting bonnet I noticed the cap had popped off reservoir and it was empty. There was no water in the oil. I waited till it cooled the filled it and the radiator with water and was on my way. The temp stayed moderate for the remainder of the drive ( appox 1/2hr). The trip home took 3 stops to top up the coolant. Since then the ute has only been driven for short 20 min trips but seems to be getting worst every time. From what I've been told the head gasket has blown or the head itself is cracked. So here I am, I have $1800 from selling the V8 and can probably scrounge another $200 together. What would you guys do? A. Sell the Hilux for whatever I can get and buy another car. B. Spend the money on the existing Diesel Engine replacing head etc. C. Buy a reco Diesel and get that fitted. D. Buy a reco Petrol for conversion. I've heard of successful V6 conversions done to Hilux utes before. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated. Cheers Chris
