Buying a used Montero?
- Thread starter Rock
- Start date
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
I think all SR's have a rear locker. I might be mistaken, but if I'm not I'd definitely have them cycle it from locked to open to check for function.
My dad recently bought a fj80 that had two dead lockers. Needed new solonoids to the tune of several hundred bucks (like $400-500).
My dad recently bought a fj80 that had two dead lockers. Needed new solonoids to the tune of several hundred bucks (like $400-500).
off-roader
Expedition Leader
Most owners NEVER engage 4wd so make sure to engage/disengage that & check that the CAD (Central Axle Disconnect) works first. May require cycling from 2WD->4WD->2WD several times before it works but it may not so check this before your Locker. Also, the Locker only works in 4 Low so check that as suggested but in 4L.
Check for all recalls and TSB's for that model/yr have been taken care of.
Valve guide seals frequently dry up and leak oil into the cylinders. Can determine if yours are bad by letting the engine idle for 3-5 minutes then revving the engine and check for black smoke. If you have it then new valve guide seals are required. Don't go for a full valve job unless you know for a fact that they're bad. I'd have a leak down test done (better than a basic compression test) to determine if the valves are bad. In my experience They don't go bad very often even with age.
Also check when spark plugs were last done. Make sure they're the longest rated plugs (100k) because to do the plugs usually requires removing the intake manifold. Can be done without doing that but requires the shop know how to do it. Most don't bother and instead charge you the extra labor to do it the long way.
HTH.
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off-roader
Expedition Leader
Check condition of the inside of the radiator. If there's alot of calcification in the inside, it can restrict coolant flow enough to create an overheating problem. If there's excessive calcification, then I recommend having the radiator fixed (rodded) by a radiator shop. Rodding entails removing the top and bottom radiator tanks and running a metal rod through the core holes. Afterwards they typically run as good as new.
Don't have the dealer replace it unless you want to pay 2x the cost of a rodding.
Don't have the dealer replace it unless you want to pay 2x the cost of a rodding.
off-roader
Expedition Leader
You have a new Montero? How're you doing that when they aren't being imported into the states any more?:Wow1:
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