How Bad are Head Probs Toyota 4.5 on Gas

Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 12:26

ThreadID: 32026 Views:2093 Replies:3 FollowUps:1

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Zapper

Hi All

Am looking to buy an 80 Series to tow a horse float with, looked for ages for a TD 1995-98 but cant find anything decent or if I have they want up to $40k for them. So now am now also considering a petrol gas. Have read heaps of archives and there is mention of head probs with the 4.5 on gas. What I am trying to work out is how bad is it really and how common are the problems, vehicles I have looked at are round the 170,000 to 200,000km mark. If they have an oiler does it reduce the chances of a problem significantly?

Or should I forget the idea and buy a N/A diesel and run it into turbotech to bolt on a turbo. Then perhaps I could go to a 100 series and get an auto diesel which would be better than the manual?

Any help appreciated

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Reply By: Rod W - Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 15:30

Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 15:30

I have a 75 series with a 4.5 on gas (the gas was fitted at approx 120,000 by the previous owner). I got the vehicle with 130000 on the clock , its now done 265000 without any problems associated to the gas. I put an oiler on it early in the piece, the drip adjustment screw requires constant adjustment to which most of the time I ignore thus its not working.

On gas the vehicle is 20% less fuel efficient ie: petrol 5.6ks per litre, gas 4.6ks per litre.

In 2008 an excise will be applied to gas, so it will not be efficient to run on gas. So if you can't/don't pick up an 80 series allready on gas I would buy one and then have gas fitted cause you will definately be loosing all the way.

AnswerID: 162235

Follow Up By: Steve - Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 18:28

Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006 at 18:28

The excise on gas has been deferred until 2010 and 10% will go on over the following four years. At least I think it's four years, but deffo only 10% over a number of years. So at today's prices, say over the year it averages 50c, you'll be paying 55c in today's money. Or put another way, I fill my tank for about $44/45 so it'll be $48/49 in relative terms when the excise has done it's worst. Had my LPG on a 4.5 100 series for a year now,and have it serviced by a bloke who used to install LPG, so he has no vested interest in my having gas and assures me just regular servicing will keep probs at bay.

FollowupID: 416972