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MOTRS

Land Cruiser 40 Series

1960-1984 / SUV / Utility / Japan

All Land Cruiser 40 Series problems All workshop issues
Common Cooling System

Diesel Engines and Cavitation

Symptoms

The B, 3B, H, and 2H diesels develop pinhole leaks in the cylinder liners and coolant passages. Coolant loss with no visible external leak. White residue around coolant hose connections.

Cause

Diesel engines produce more vibration than petrol engines, and this vibration causes cavitation, microscopic bubbles forming and collapsing in the coolant. Over time, cavitation erodes the cylinder liner walls from the coolant side. This is a known issue on all the indirect-injection diesels used in the 40 Series, particularly the 2H when run with incorrect or depleted coolant.

Fix

Use a quality coolant with supplemental coolant additives (SCAs) that contain anti-cavitation chemistry.

Change the coolant every two years without exception.

If cavitation damage has already occurred, the engine needs to be stripped and the liners replaced or sleeved.

This is a major rebuild, budget $3,000-6,000.

Prevention through correct coolant maintenance is far cheaper.

Cost mentioned in fix
budget $3,000-6,000

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Other known issues

Critical Cooling System

Chronic Overheating (F and 2F Engines)

The temperature gauge climbs above normal under load, on hills, towing, or in slow traffic. In severe cases, the engine boils over and dumps coolant.
Critical Rust

Floor Pan Corrosion

The floor pans develop surface rust, then pitting, then perforation. In advanced cases, the driver can see the ground through the floor. The seat mounting points lose structural integrity.
Critical Rust

Firewall Rot

The firewall develops rust around penetrations, where the clutch master cylinder, brake master cylinder, wiring harnesses, and heater hoses pass through the bulkhead. In severe cases, the firewall becomes structurally compromised.
Critical Rust

Sill and Rocker Panel Decay

The sills (the structural members running along the bottom of the body below the doors) rust from the inside out. External paint may look fine while the interior is completely hollowed.
Common Steering

Steering Box Excessive Play

The steering wheel has significant free play before the front wheels respond. At highway speeds, the vehicle wanders and requires constant correction. The steering feels vague and imprecise.
Minor Steering

Steering Damper Failure

Vibration or shimmy through the steering wheel at certain speeds. The steering feels harsh over bumps.
View all 12 Land Cruiser 40 Series problems