80 series - didnt happen

Submitted: Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 13:39
ThreadID: 18298 Views:2888 Replies:4 FollowUps:7
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Further to my posts about buying a well kitted out 80series that ran warm during the test run I got on the phone to a radiator mob and he advised against buying it coz he reckoned if the radiator was blocked there would be a reason like corrosion in the block due to neglect or coolant swapping which he reckoned wasdnt good. If the radiator wasnt blocked probably big $$$$$$$ Pity I had him down to 14k before I made an offer (too keen to sell maybe?) Oh well I guess I will save my money for a run around perth looking for a 75s ute with a canopy which was the original plan
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Reply By: Member Eric - Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 16:46

Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 16:46
What a load of crap lol . How old was the car ? Radiators block up , thats life . I maintain my vehicle like there is no tomorrow , and yes I had radiator issues . Main drama was that I kept getting the dam thing cleaned , I replaiced it with a new one , game over.

You should get the car checked to see what its general condition was . Used cars are just that used cars.
AnswerID: 87176

Follow Up By: Davoe - Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 17:14

Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 17:14
it was a 94 with 204k the coolant looked murky which is a bit of a bad sighn as to me it indicates lack of maintenance. I went to book it in to get it checked but the mechanic talked me out of it when I told him what checks I had already done. It had a couple of issues that maybe minor or not for instance the overheating I was quoted 55o$ for a new radiator plus labour and coolant but there would be no garantee that would fix it as it could be viscous coupling cracked head etc. it also had weeping of oil around no2 inlet manifold??? It had 1 axle stud broken off with the rest replaced could be just a matter of getting the 6th drilled out and replaced or it could be a bent axle causing the breakage. It had a loose wheel bearing and grabbing brakes on the lhf side(related?). The last vehicle I bought I could hardly fault and I still have spent 10k + in last 4 years so I guess I am ultra cautios.
How long ago was your radiator put in and what did it cost?
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FollowupID: 345896

Follow Up By: Member - Pesty (SA) - Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 17:29

Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 17:29
Yes i have to agree, what a load of crap,
pour in a cleaner and run around a few ks, then remove radiator, and flush well , new thermostate, and new good quality new radiator, and fresh coolant problem solved.
Think you need a new cooling system adviser
Cheers
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FollowupID: 345899

Follow Up By: Member Eric - Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 22:21

Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 22:21
Paid $495 for a new radiator
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FollowupID: 345944

Reply By: Davoe - Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 18:15

Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 18:15
well do you reckon I am not confused now on use 2 advice I rang a different mob and the story I got was 180 degrees I am thinking of taking the vehicle to him and for around $300 he can rmove and rod the radiator flush it all out not a worry he reckoned ??????????????????? and make the sale conditional on that fixing the overheating problem
AnswerID: 87188

Follow Up By: Member Eric - Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 08:01

Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 08:01
Make sure they flush the block before putting the radiator back in . And I mean flush , not a little water. Make sure you use Genuine Toyo Coolant .
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FollowupID: 345975

Follow Up By: Member Eric - Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 08:04

Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 08:04
One thing i am confused on , is the car at a dealer ? or private ?

When you say it got hot . How hot did it get ? how long were you driving ? How hot was the day ? Did you take it to a mechanic to test for Blown head gasket ?
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FollowupID: 345977

Follow Up By: Davoe - Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 18:17

Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 18:17
Eric, private sale took it onto the highway and held it flat for about 5k got up to 140 (diesal) wasnt running warm then tutned onto some dirt, selected 4wd did some lock to lock to listen for cv noise, revesed it to listen for other noise then drove back into town 100kph when I noticed the temp gauge up at 3/4. took the cap off the radiator while hot and looked for bubbles- couldnt see any, that is when I noticed the green coolant looked murky instead of bright green. The radiator looked in good outward appearence although he said he has to top up the radiator uo every now and again. After test run I liiked under vehicle again for fluid leaks - none apparant
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Follow Up By: Member Eric - Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 20:21

Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 20:21
sounds like radiator and fan , Dont muck about with it , Cemicly clean the block , new radiator , 2 tubes of gel in the fan and she will be new , male sure you use genuine coolant , been down that block and swear by it now
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FollowupID: 346029

Reply By: Coops (Pilbara) - Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 08:43

Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 08:43
Davoe
at three hundred for a flush and clean or five hundred for a newie I'd be considering the new radiator. Then you've got yourself a pretty good buy even still.
I have may radiator flushed every two years and if you did the same I wouldn't imagine any further issues. I drive in 40 plus heat, fully laden towing a van and with no shroud and air-con on 24/7 and don't have any over heating issues at all.
As for the bent axle well if you get that checked out beforehand then it shouldn't be an issue either.
The mighty 80's are starting to appear at the mid teen mark these days and make for a pretty good buy in my book. There's plenty of 2nd hand gear in the papers or on e-bay.
AnswerID: 87250

Reply By: Member - DOZER- Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 09:54

Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 09:54
Gday
I think you made a good choice...when it comes to buying second hand, it is best to buy pre loved and pay the extra, than buy pre un maintained...and get an unreliable piece of junk...that murky stuff could be what i am using at the moment in my skyline junket...radiator (or head) stop leak....works wonders....looks like murky water.
If it were a cracked head that caused it to run warm, you would be up for a lot of money to repair it, yada yada
Andrew
AnswerID: 87252

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