campbeam

Following is the link to the DENSO spark plug catalogue.

https://www.denso.com/cgi-bin/global/plug/au_4w/list.cgi?m=48

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/6-X-DENSO-IRIDIUM-SPARK-PLUGS-IKH20TT-for-Toyota-Aurion-Prado-FJ-Cruiser/262701675691

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Qty-6-DENSO-IRIDIUM-POWER-SPARK-PLUGS-IKH20TT-fit-Toyota-Aurion-Camry-GSV40/153920653287?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D229889%26meid%3D432f9578fd524224a75b8c055b5180d8%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dco%26sd%3D262701675691%26itm%3D153920653287%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWebWithBBEV2bDemotionHighArwV3%26brand%3DDENSO&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

The slogan "Your Vehicle, Your Passion" caught my attention. So applicable.

For the past 5 years, I have been on average replacing the oil every 3 months to progressively desludge the engine. Finally getting to the stage of considering extending the oil change interval to say 5000km/ 6 months or when the oil gets dark enough in colour, but not black.

Following YouTube video details the advice from a USA Toyota Master Technician.

I did a quick internet search. For that particular post, the solution ended up being the oil sender unit.

https://4x4earth.com/forum/index.php?threads/oil-leak-vdj79r.40070/

Starting point is to thoroughly clean the engine. Then go for a test drive with a series of stopping and checking until you can identify the source of the leak.

2 hours ago, Tony Prodigy said:

My ceramic coated leather steering wheel doesn't make your hands clammy. Hands always feel nice and dry due to the tight bond the ceramic coating provides.

I was certainly thinking about your coating of the leather steering wheel when my hands started to get a bit sweaty. Driving most of the day in Summer would certainly be putting your ceramic coating product to the test. I was fortunate to get some cool driving conditions 21-24C. It was much warmer on the return trip and I was using the A/C.

49 minutes ago, ZZT86 said:

The only leather experience I've ever had is with the steering wheels on my 86 & I used the Duragloss cleaner & conditioner. The cleaner does a rippa job and the conditioner also but with a slight sheen which I prefer not to have. I always wipe it down well with a MF afterwards which achieves a matt result.

Soon I'll try the CarPro Cquartz Leather, I'm told it will leave the leather in the same condition after cleaning so we'll see how that goes. Main reason for use is long term UV protection, otherwise the Oakwood is something I'd be keen to try, I think it was @campbeam or @KAA that uses it also.

I am going to claim innocence and give KAA any credit. I do have some leather care products previously bought on special at Super Cheap Auto but have yet to apply them.

Recently fitted a leather steering wheel cover and gave it an application of AeroSpace 303 Protectorant as a trial. Hands got a bit sweaty on the last road trip so will be keen to actually start using my existing leather care products. 34C in Brisbane last Saturday so another reason to treat the steering wheel cover.

No definite answer.

Have a look at the replies to this post which might give you a few clues. Definitely worthwhile checking out the earth cable connections.

https://www.exploroz.com/forum/82266/air-filter-and-charge-light-stays-on-after-start--landcruiser-hj-75

Following URL is worth reading particularly from the "Lifetime Fluids" section onwards. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_transmission_fluid 

The other issue is how vehicle manufacturer's describe/define Normal Driving vs Severe Driving. What consumers would regard as normal daily driving often falls into the severe driving condition. Driving in peak hour traffic where the freeway can be a crawl is not my daily commute to work. 

Additional transmission cooler has been on the 'to do' list for a few years. Case is building to actually do it before the next road trip.

Just came across this recently released YouTube video from our good mate John about servicing automatic transmissions. Certainly got me thinking about how much the ATF temperature could be spiking while I am doing a fast and furious overtaking in contrast to a more measured overtaking maneuver. Hopefully offset by the amount of heat dissipation until the next overtaking maneuver. 

Thank you for your post for the solution. 

After looking at this YouTube video, I can better appreciate the involved effort. Dropping the fuel tank then maneuvering out the fuel filter assembly looks time consuming.

Probably making me less keen for the girlfriend to be getting a RAV4 unless the fuel filter has already been replaced.

5 hours ago, KAA said:

she is a good driver just a bit power mad at times LOL

Glad your trip was a good one mate looking forward to one soon ourselves as states are opening up now

Keep Well

Precisely why I do not let the girlfriend in the driver's seat of my Aurion. She is used to the high revving of the Yaris engine. 

Steering and brakes would also be a lot heavier than what she is used to. 

My trip was drama free with light traffic and cool weather conditions.  Reckon that it will be totally different during the Xmas-New Year period.  

Looking forward to hearing about other's road trips and what "new normals"/differences they are noticing. 

1 hour ago, Tony Prodigy said:

Yep, Good Call.

Did that years ago and I had a microsleep. Lucky my girlfriend at the time woke me up as I was veering onto the wrong side of the road. That was close. We stopped soon after and she took over. Drove from Sydney to Tweed Heads in one hit on our way to  Surfers.

I just did a therapeutic clean and tidy up of my garage. I feel better now  

Yes, it was a good call; putting the ego to one side rather than persist being in that situation. I did give myself a gold star for being smart, not dumb. Helps to offset the other times when I give myself a mental kicking. 

Those microsleeps can be deadly. Best to pay heed to the warning signs and take a break. 

I was thinking of doing a therapeutic clean of the windscreen and a tyre shine. Grass has grown since being away, so I will be doing some therapeutic mowing in the cool of the afternoon. Having a rest now. 😎 

1 hour ago, Tony Prodigy said:

Good you made it back safely and that you enjoyed your trip mate.

I agree. With the addition of Rain-X or whatever coating is on it, the beads help to clear the windscreen as you drive. I never use my wipers at speeds above 70 km/hr. The wind and the beads do it for me lol..

As per usual, it is all about driving safely and adapting to changed conditions. There was a section of road curves with rough surface and a speed limit of 110kph where I was not feeling comfortable so reduced speed to 100kph. It was only just for a few minutes and then back up to the speed limit when the road conditions improved greatly.

Most important thing is not to drive when tired. I certainly have lots of pit stops these days. lol  Another thing is that I pre-plan the trip but I do not drive to a schedule.

Certainly enjoyed the freedom of being on the open road with no vehicles in sight. Good change to be away from city traffic. 

Now going to relax and enjoy the weekend before going back to work on Monday.

I recall previous posts by other members having issues after replacing the in tank fuel filter. Main cause was an o-ring that needed to be replaced. 

Back home in Brisbane. Only 1 vehicle in front of me at the Border Control when I went through Goondiwindi at 8:30AM [QLD time]. I made sure to pass any semi-trailers before getting to the border.

I had some light rain and little need to use the wipers. Giving the windscreen a thorough clean with cut and polish compound proved to be very worthwhile with water droplets spooling off the windscreen.

Time to start getting ready for the next road trip in 2021.

On 10/17/2019 at 10:22 AM, Aaron the Mechanic said:

Got this mod done and all that achieves it changes torque curve where you get more on lower revs. Not something that 99.9% of front wheel drive owners would find an improvement. Toyota have designed the exhaust and mapped ECU to give minimum torque steer and very linear power delivery throughout the whole rev range, so modifying is a waste of time and money. In the next week or two I will weld the old OEM Y section back because with it drivebility was far more satisfying. Don't temper with perfection, but each to their own.

I think that this previous post is spot on, particularly torque steer and drive ability. I am more into highway cruising and having the power delivery for quick overtaking. As mentioned, each to their own.

26 minutes ago, Tony Prodigy said:

so are you saying you didn't notice much difference in fuel economy with 95 & 91 ?

I was more trying to point out external factors influencing the fuel economy results. Now that you have asked the question, I just did a quick comparison. Actually, fuel economy with 95 was worse because I was pushing it with plenty of overtaking. Homeward bound with 91 is better because I have had wet roads so been more patient and reduced the overtaking until I had dry roads.

I have been waiting for a road trip to confirm a few aspects/hopes.

Recent observations is that there is no noticeable difference in fuel economy. Lead foot when overtaking is getting in the way plus also changing from 95ULP to 91ULP.

Mixed observations when using cruise control. I was hoping that there would be fewer gear shifts for slight inclines. Sometimes, it would stay in top gear and other times dropping down a gear or 2.

Final outcome is that this upgrade has not produced any apparent benefits on the highway.

13 hours ago, Crimson Zr6 said:

+1 I'd like to know as well aha

Suggest that you read the earlier posts in this thread i.e. October 2019

6 hours ago, domej said:

Certainly did, that's how I changed the filter. There was minimal sludge (if any) but the magnets had some fuzz on them but no large chunks of metal.

A bit rushed before. Now that I have taken the time to better look and comprehend, you have done everything to get the transmission working perfectly for you.

For myself, I am planning upon doing a fluid level check then think about when I should do the next transmission pan drain.

Highly recommend that you consider removing the transmission pan ASAP.

I am expecting that there will be a significant amount of build up on the bottom of the pan which has to be physically cleaned off. My Aurion with 165K on the odometer 5 years ago had enough build up that you could write in it. 

16 hours ago, donnot said:

Suspension shop said there was nothing wrong with it (they're very well-respected), so I'm happy with that. They said there was a bit of play in the steering column, but better than most (apparently a common problem in this car), so that may be what was causing it to pull in one direction. 

After a longer drive, I can't really notice it pulling unless I take my hands off the steering wheel. Tyres are definitely going to wear a lot faster, but definitely worth it. 

Also, the rear lower side bars (4 point) from Ultra Racing (their Malaysian eBay store) were just delivered in under a week. Cheaper than the AU store and didn't have to wait >a month for delivery like last time (though they don't have many of the parts available). Will post if there's much of an improvement once fitted. 

There should not be play in the steering column. Please do a search on this Forum for the intermediate shaft issue. I have applied spray silicone grease onto that part. I do recall a post on that thread that mentioned the solution was to replace the special bolts on that shaft. 

Interested to hear how well those rear lower side bars work out. Probably going to be a bit difficult to notice any improvement. 

On 11/9/2020 at 1:08 PM, Tony Prodigy said:

Good to hear from you Ash and that you arrived safely mate. You gotta watch those Black Hilux's lol. They can be a bugger to spot sometimes.

Lead foot action would've been good for the old 2GR-FE. Blow those cobwebs out good and proper too.

All those regular oil changes and engine flush seems to be working out well.

Enjoy your break and safe drive home.

Take care mate 

Yes, all that maintenance is paying off. Thinking of finally removing the front valve cover after 5 years but maybe wait for after the next road trip.

On 11/9/2020 at 8:33 PM, KAA said:

Glad all has gone pretty well Ash, Always watch out for Black Hilux's remember they are apparently unbreakable LOL, enjoy the break mate and make sure and enjoy the trip back..as far as the fuel economy well stuff it enjoy the aurion on the open rad that is what it was built for..

Stay Safe

KAA

Planning upon doing a fuel economy run after the 1st refuelling stop. Expecting some wet weather so will wait for dry roads before even thinking about being naughty. 

9 hours ago, ZZT86 said:

Wow, another road trip, good on you. Enjoy 😉

Been talking about this road trip for some time. Cannot be all talk and no action, at least in this Forum, lol. 

In the next few weeks, it will be other member's turn to be posting about their road trip. 

All good safe trip.

Only had one moment with an oncoming black hilux. More of a case thinking that it was a vehicle ahead. A bit of a wake up call to actually see what is rather than what you are expecting to see.

Lead foot is ruining fuel economy figures but enjoying being on the road again. Checked the oil and it is still nice and clean.

Return trip is in the next few days so planning upon trying to be good and get some decent fuel economy figures.

Current road trip is from Brisbane to Wagga Wagga NSW then back to Brisbane.

I regularly use the Newell Highway and have noticed quite some differences since I last did this trip in 2018. At the moment, the highway traffic travelling south is minimal. I have those glorious time periods where I have the road entirely to myself. Mostly travelling on cruise control at the speed limit and I have only been overtaken 2 times. Much more traffic travelling in the opposite direction.

There was only 1 vehicle at the Border Control when I went through Goondiwindi at 11AM [QLD time]. However, a few minutes down the road there was quite a few semi-trailers heading towards the border.

I also keep a record of places with best fuel prices. Times have changed and a few discount petrol places in the small places on the highway are now closed. However, I have noticed   new petrol stations on the outskirts of the larger towns. I have very much revised my refuelling stops after doing an online search for petrol prices.

The other noticeable difference was the roadworks. Still plenty happening but no delays just reduced speed limits.