this is a vehicle I'm very attached to, but it's next to impossible to find documentation for.
It's a Toyota Hi-Ace from 1991, originally a 9-seater, nowadays pure transporter. (see pic3)
It's a rare car these days, since most of them have been shipped to Africa. I also know exactly why - because it's the most practical, reliable and fun to drive bus one can own.
The engine is a 2RZ-E, which means it's a 2400cc with 8-valve head, has EFI and 120hp. Afaik, the only other car that was equipped with the same block was a Toyota Hi-Lux, aka Tacoma, sooo... ToxicGumbo, you got some time?
Now here are the problems I need to fix, in order of their urgency:
- Documentation!
Except for toyodiy.com, I have none. This is bad. If you are able to help, you will be my hero! - Diagnosis port
How is this accessible and what information might it contain? Can I make anything blink me error codes by bridging some pins or something? (see pic2) - Knocking sound in idle
When in idle (<900rpm), there's a mechanical sound from the engine. Sounds like a rod bearing, so I suspect low oil pressure. When the engine's reving a little higher (>1000rpm), the noise goes away completely.
What to check first? Where can I attach a pressure gauge? The engine bay is not so spacious (see pic1), I'd rather know beforehand where to look... - Economy light always red
I'm not sure you guys from all around the globe know these lights in the dashboard, but Toyota has shipped their cars in Europe with them. A long time ago, when it still worked right, it sometimes even went green when the gas pedal wasn't on the floor.
I suspect this is a symptom from another fault, which causes the engine to run rich, but does anybody know what the green/red light relates to? For at least 20000km, the light has always shown red. - Only starts on second turn
When the engine hasn't run for 6-10 hours, it won't start on the first key turn. Once you can hear the fuel pump relais click off, give it another go and it starts just fine. I suspect the fuel filter, which has possibly been in place for 181.000km... I'll replace it anyway, but if you think it could be something else, please speak up. - Once all runs well again - will RavAGE be right for this engine?
- Oh and I just remember... some years ago, my father gave the car into repair since it regularly drank its cooling fluid (and I simply didn't have the knowledge or time). The head gasket was replaced and in the process the head diagnosed with having small cracks (never seen it, annoyingly). The head was used again anyways, and the cooling fluid problem has stopped too, so I guess it's still OK, but not good.
So I'm on the lookout for a replacement, maybe even a 16V head then, but they're hard to come by here in Germany (rare cars, the Hi-Aces and Tacomas). Anybody with spare parts here, and possibly the knowledge what the differences are between 8v and 16v?
Any help is very appreciated! Now that you've read it all - Fred, is it ok to post this kind of stuff here? I haven't forgotten your wine, just haven't found the right packaging yet :/
Greets,
Stefan