Recall Notices Japan - All Models (Update#2)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toyota Surf Recalls & overheating
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Thanx again to Nippysurf in Japan]
I'll just briefly outline again here. From a Surf site here in Japan I gleened this info. Appears there have been 4 (now) recalls - all to remedy over heating probs.
1. 1989-90 S-LN85-0006524~0030101 (2.4l diesel)
water pump shaft & fan coupling alignment affected by excessive vibration ( I think) resulting in failure of pump.
Recall - replace fan coupling and water pump

2. 1991-92 LN130- 0083737~108267 (2.4l)
LN130- 0083738~0108262
LN130- 7000008~7000009
cylinder head gasket material weakness - continual high speed or hard work allows burnt gases to enter water line(??) resulting in water loss and overheating.
Recall - replacement of head gasket

3. 1994-97 KZN185 (W&G) KZN185- 0001022~0041496
KZN185- 9000000~9010906
KZN185- 0001022~0041496
on left side of engine is rubber plug or seal (??) which can crack due to excessive heat resulting in water loss. I spoke to my mechanic re. this and he thinks it may be a hose seal. He said the turbo etc is on the left side and can result in very high temps.
Recall - replace the plug

4. 1995 - 96 VZN185W (V-6 petrol - same engine in Prado)
VZN1850001031~0064314
cylinder head gasket problem resulting in water loss
Recall - replace gasket

Alongside the "How many claims" space no info was given except for the VZN (11 claims made). In the case of the LN185 & LN130 there was a footnote saying old data base so info maybe not available.
Anyways, in the light of seemingly more than one would expect "heating probs" maybe you could check your model #. Personally I don't think many of the models eligible for recall would have been. Once ownership changes 2 or 3+ times only the real enthusiasts would be up on this. Toyota won't notify you. Also from a very general observation - read NOT GOSPEL - car servicing and maintanence esp. with older models is not performed often enough. Surfs here are hugely popular and many are owned and driven by people who love the feel, image etc but don't even know how to check the tyre pressure. The briliant reliability rep. of Surfs means "I never have to worry" attitude is probably fairly common.
Hope some of this is useful to some of you. I'll try and sniff out some info. re. this and other bits .Surf's Up.

Shane
Brisbane KZN185