Thursday, Aug 01, 2024 at 20:43
Hi Uppy
I have a 2013 Prado 3l diesel 5 speed auto. While a different model to yours, I am hoping you might find something useful in my experience.
I have no idea what a PPD remapper is, however I am playing with the idea of getting a dyno tune and ECU remap. About $1600. For me it is that or nothing. The reason I am considering this is because I just spent $20k on a new motor after popping a piston while towing. I am doing what ever I can now to avoid a repeat.
The above is just my thoughts and intention with no hard facts to support it.
The following though, is my experience which is sort of indisputable.
I have a transmission cooler from Wholesale Automatic Transmissions. It appears
well made and came with vehicle specific mounting brackets etc. Been there for several years now with no cracks or leaks.
Having said that I have found it does not cure any problems. It probably reduces the temperature a few deg. which may
well equate to a corresponding rise in engine temp.
After doing a fair few things and not necessarily in the right order, I would approach it all differently next time and do it in the following order.
1. I would fit a OBD scanner first. I have an Ultra Scan which now monitors the engine temp, transmission pan temp as
well as the torque converter temp with warning alarms set for all. This reveals interesting and vital data. While the T/C is locked there is no over heating problems at all in the transmission. While towing up hills with the T/C slipping the T/C temp will increase rapidly and can easily hit 150c. Now for me that is scary stuff and rightly so as you end up with very dark burnt smelling trans fluid. Not good I say. That heat is then transferred to the fluid and the pan temp will rise accordingly if not corrected with an adjustment to driving technique.
2. I now have a MM4x4 lockup-mate T/C lockup kit. This works extremely
well and I never turn it off towing or not. I have been using it for a few years now. While the T/C is locked there is no over heating problems at all. However this has on a couple occasions remained locked with the transmission holding too high a gear resulting in motor overload and rising engine temp. Just something else to monitor and be aware of.
3. I am currently fitting an EGT gauge. I will then have early warning of any overload situation on the motor which I can correct long before engine temperature rises and pistons start popping. This last point is as yet untested but makes sense to me. As I said I am probably a bit over cautious now having just cracked two pistons and blown a decent hole in one of them. Believe me when I say this experience can really wreck an otherwise perfectly good day.
The bottom line is that these four cylinder common rail diesels while working extremely
well while not towing, they are pushing their limits when loaded up and towing. One may or mayn't experience what I did, however starting with an OBD gauge and monitoring some vitals will tell you quickly if you have problems that need addressing. If you can do what you require without any over heating then consider yourself very fortunate and happy motoring to you. No further action needed, however, if not then do whatever is required to address your problem from there.
Hope that helps somewhat.
Roy G.
AnswerID:
646280
Follow Up By: Uppy - Member - Friday, Aug 02, 2024 at 12:33
Friday, Aug 02, 2024 at 12:33
thanks Roy , for taking the time to reply, the information you have given me is food for thought . I have a scan3 which gives me all that information you covered in your post, I
well check out the tune up you mentioned. Regards Uppy
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Follow Up By: RMD - Friday, Aug 02, 2024 at 13:27
Friday, Aug 02, 2024 at 13:27
Uppy.
I hope the rebuild replaced the injectors with NEW ones, because the injector which blew a hole in a piston will do the same in the NEW PISTON if not replaced. They do crack pistons and when they do the blow by gasses are enormous. Detected by taking of cam cover hose and observe.
If a TC is working as it should, it will develop higher temps in the fluid. This is normal. but in order NOT TO ADD that temp and volume to the engine water, the cooler should be immediately after the trans in the exit line so maximum differential of heat transfer can occur via the cooler. Then the engine water isn't being raised in temp above what the radiator can dissipate. Saves engine!
If your cooler is in the return line then the massive heat IS being delivered to the engine water, raising it's temp and causing the engine to run hotter, Pistons then running HOTTER TOO. they melt or deform with heat.
If high TC fluid temp is happening, then lower gear ratio is required to lessen Slip Rate in TC.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: mike w - Friday, Aug 02, 2024 at 16:36
Friday, Aug 02, 2024 at 16:36
1kd cracked piston
The Prado pistons cracking is a piston design issue. It’s too weak and cracks through the top.
If you have no mods and a good service history file a case with Toyota to get them to replace with a new long or short motor. Many have been successful and had Toyota pay full parts and labour or in some cases just parts.
There is a f/b page containing lots of info and different outcomes. It has many members especially in the 2009 onwards 150 series when the pistons were redesigned and Toyota removed the ceramic coating to save a dollar or two.
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