Dear PakWheelers & Offroaders I have just bought my first 4x4 it is Toyota Surf SSR-G 1996 with 1Kz Engine and auto-transmission. I wanted a 4x4 for quite sometime now and this is like a dream come true. I understand, there is always a certain amount of risk involved in purchasing a used car. The car's engine is working pretty fine and compression is perfect I haven't faced any issues yet however, the tappet cover has been repaired before. See the attached picture below at the indicated spot there is small mark next to the bolt which shows that the tappet / rocker cover was cracked and it have been mended using Magic Depoxi (as the repair bit is shown in dark grey color). In view of above, I would like to see the veterans of this community to remark that should I be worry about it ? What would be the reliability challenge here ? I hope it doesn't blow up while driving on motorways or crossing deosai plains this summer ?I am seriously concerned, an early response will be appreciated. Regards, Mohsen Khan.
FYI this is not the original picture. I have used from another forum on PW. Also, the engine performance seems flawless. No blow no smoke not overheating (at least in city). But this small bit is bugging me. Your help is appreciated.
Congrats on purchase of one of the most loved 3rd gen hilux surf which technically shares everything with 90 series prado .
Lots of things to look into in buying this used depends on the honesty of the seller as how much he guided you .
For Deosai Planes you should check as follows :-
happy motoring
Tappet cover needs to be replaced, for deosai, your car should by 11/10, lol, because it will remain 8/10 when you are back.
the less oxygen causes many diesels to give blue smoke, afterfire , please no risks in terms of maintenance.
Thanks for your response. The seller is actually someone I trust and won't deliberately cheat me. But could you tell how serious is the tappet cover issue and how much would a new one cost as you have proposed? (Approx)
you must change the cover before you leave , can cost 500 -1000 .
Sir thanks again for the prompt response. One more help if you will; I am actually from Lahore but living in DHA Karachi these days for work. Could you please share the contact details of someone (a good reliable mechanic in fact, which I beleive is quite a rare breed) who can do the aforementioned jobs for me ? I will be grateful.
