Hi Folks,
Just imported a Toyota Celsior 1997 35,000 miles, automatic. I noticed the temp gauge was a bit high on the photos in Japan, and in one of my 'special' moments went ahead and bought the car anyway.
So I've done a head gasket test and it's ok. I did it three times - as the instructions recommend (engine cold, wait a few minutes) then I waited about 10 minutes and did it again. Then I changed the fluid and did it again. Clear blue with no change. Correct fluid for petrol not diesel.
After about 10mins the temp gauge is already at 2 bars, or approx a quarter on the gauge. It does go above operating temp, but I turn it off straight away. Coolant seems to be flowing, oil doesn't seem milky on the dipstick, no bubbles in the expansion tank, and no smoke from the exhaust whatsoever.
I didn't want to start throwing money at it, but I think I'm pretty confident now it's not the head gasket. So AFAIK that leaves the thermostat, the coolant temp sensor, and the gauge itself. I'm probably gonna aim the parts canon in that order if anyone agrees. But I think I'll change the engine oil first just to be sure.
Some people also report the expansion tank gets clogged up, so I'll check that as well.
I'm prepared for this to be a total loss and that I got ninja'd by the Japanese, but it might be ok.
Correction: 3-5 mins to reach 2 bars.
Get a new temperature sending unit and a new radiator cap.
So AFAIK that leaves the thermostat, the coolant temp sensor, and the gauge itself.
Don't forget the possibilities of a clogged 26-year-old radiator or bad water pump impeller.
But I think I'll change the engine oil first just to be sure.
That would have nothing to do with the engine overheating, though if coolant were leaking into the oil in any large amount you'd see evidence of that.
The head gasket test with the fluid that changes color will detect the most common type of head gasket failure where exhaust gases get into the coolant, not a failure where coolant was getting into the oil.
JDM imports are always a gamble, if for no other reason than age. This one is likely gonna take some sleuthing but sounds fixable. All part of the JDM experience.
BTW, nice car. I'm curious why you got that instead of North American Lexus LS.
Thanks folks, appreciate the replies. I'm prepared to put some money into this and keep it as long as possible as long as I know it's not dead on arrival, and it's looking pretty good.
@Dad2LM2 I could be wrong on this, but AFAIK the Celsior doesn't have an EGR valve. Had enough of them. I think (think) the Lexus also has an electronic fan, and I can confirm that this one has a hydraulic pump run off the timing belt with its own oil reservoir running the fan.
Although not much point in me boasting about it if it's that that's borked. Also need to work out how to use my cheap scanner and verify the mileage. But it was £7,000 in total.
This one has leather seats, but I know a lot of the Celsiors had top trim wool as well.
Insurance and inspection in Japan was a waste of time. No paperwork for the insurance and they don't check for radiation or drugs - so if my bits fall of or swat knock on my door that'll be the first I know of it.
Insurance a waste of time as it looks like seagulls had a indian takeway and divebombed the car for poops and giggles - boot paint is wrecked, and it's in the bill of lading that the shipping company can't be held responsible.
And the shipping agents in the UK are as bad as estate agents/realators and they conned me out of another £250.
So I probably could have got it for about £6,200 > £6,500 including everything except delivery. But I think I got in at the right time as they've gone up now.