Hey all, I just bought a 1992 Hilux Surf for $2100. It's run excellent, but there are a few problems I would like to fix right away.

First of all the little oil leak the seller told me about was a little more than that. I just drove through the rockies with it on my way home and now the back of it is covered in oil that was gradually flung up from I assume the tires. If I look under the engine it appears that the slow leak is coming from the front seal where the crankshaft goes into the engine. Maybe not though, my knowledge of diesel engines is quite limited at the moment.

My second problem is that in the morning after the Hilux has sat over night it has a lot of trouble starting. I can turn it over about 5 times and finally enough diesel will be in the engine to start it. I don't want to ruin my starter so I would like to get this started asap. I assume is the fuel injection pump? Is this difficult to change out? And could someone possibly point me in the direction of a guide. I have all the tools necessary and my roommate is a heavy duty mechanic so as long as I have a basis I should be able to figure the rest out.

And as far as general maintenance what is necessary for me to do to keep it running in the best possible condition? I am going to give it an oil change as soon as I get the leak fixed and bought some diesel antifreeze to have with me at all times.

Thanks.

 

Pressure wash the lower part of the motor and throw some engine oil dye in there to see where the leak is. Make sure its the crank seal and not the timing cover. How long does it crank before starting, also are you leaving the key in the on position first to let the glow plugs light off first before starting?

 

I let it crank for about 5 seconds each time or less. took me about 6 or 7 tries to get it running this morning. I waited until the glow plug light went out as well. The previous owner installer a clear fuel filter to see where the diesel was going and in the morning the filter is empty.

Thanks for the quick response!