Suspected head issue - repair in UK?

[Cruiser88]

Hi guys,
I'm new to the group and have just joined as I'm looking for recommendations for somewhere to send my 1996 80 Series for a suspected head issue.
I'm based in Reading and ideally looking for somewhere I can drop it off within a couple of hours.
I have spoken with Benjy at IR Cradock who sounded good but then I read a shocking review of their service on this forum
Any recommendations or alternative views of Cradock would be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance,
CP

 

[Grimbo]

What kind of suspected head issue ?
Is it petrol or diesel ?
How far have you gone along the diagnosis route ? if diesel then it should be a 1HD FT and these are not known for head issues....

 

[Cruiser88]

4.5 Petrol
Mechanic has ruled out thermostat, radiator & water pump. He also used some head testing device which he attached to the top of the rad that changes colour if there is an issue with the head - it changed colour!
I'm not very technical I'm afraid, hence looking for recommendations for trustworthy repair.

 

[Gav missin]

You could get in touch with Garry rigby @80 breaker. They supply some new and mostly used parts. They have a workshop also. Based near wisbech cambs. They can also offer recovery and collection of your truck if required. Karl Webster on here also provides parts ,not sure if he offers fitting. Another guy Chapel Gate also on here may be able to help.

 

[Bund]

I have been reading good things about LAR4x4, but not certain they undertake this work, they are towards Eastbourne I think.

 

[AndycruiserguyLomas]

TBH I wouldn't go buying a cylinder head until you know whats wrong with yours. It still has to be removed so I'd diagnose that first having it pressure and crack tested. Then, if it's beyond repair get another one and have that one tested out too. BTW has yours been run on LPG?

 

[Lorin]

There’s also nothing specialist about changing a Land Cruiser head gasket. Anyone with experience can do it. Just ensure they are happy to use OEM parts which you can easily source via Amayama or Partsouq, and use the FSM specs. There are very detailed write-ups available listing all possible parts on the ih8mud forum.

 

[Michael80]

I have done the head gasket on a 4.5 petrol. It’s ok to do with nothing to worry about.
The head is heavy and long so it’s best to lift it off with a controlled method.
Mark and remove the distributor at TDC.
The last one I did was caused by the lpg being plumbed into the heating control valve on the bulkhead which was leaking due to being over thightened.
The head gasket had failed between 5+6

 

[Cruiser88]

TBH I wouldn't go buying a cylinder head until you know whats wrong with yours. It still has to be removed so I'd diagnose that first having it pressure and crack tested. Then, if it's beyond repair get another one and have that one tested out too. BTW has yours been run on LPG?

Appreciate the advice.
Mine is LPG converted but the current cost of LPG and no immediate supplier means it runs on petrol most of the time now although i did used to run it on LPG regularly up until around 18 months ago.

 

[Cruiser88]

There’s also nothing specialist about changing a Land Cruiser head gasket. Anyone with experience can do it. Just ensure they are happy to use OEM parts which you can easily source via Amayama or Partsouq, and use the FSM specs. There are very detailed write-ups available listing all possible parts on the ih8mud forum.

Thanks Lorin, i have actually just contacted a guy locally who has been recommended to me as a 'good reliable mechanic' rather than a Landcruiser specialist so I'm going to see what he says. One of the specialists mentioned it would be a 'few grand' so I'm definitely going to get a few quotes before I commit.

 

[Cruiser88]

I have done the head gasket on a 4.5 petrol. It’s ok to do with nothing to worry about.
The head is heavy and long so it’s best to lift it off with a controlled method.
Mark and remove the distributor at TDC.
The last one I did was caused by the lpg being plumbed into the heating control valve on the bulkhead which was leaking due to being over thightened.
The head gasket had failed between 5+6

Appreciate the advice Michael., although i wont be doing it myself! I didn't realise LPG could cause issues.

 

[Jon Wildsmith]

I seem to recall head gasket failure is a known common fault on the petrol engines. There will be writeups of changing the head gasket on the ih8mud forum, which might be worth finding and passing on to whoever is doing the work for you.

 

[Cruiser88]

I have been reading good things about LAR4x4, but not certain they undertake this work, they are towards Eastbourne I think.

Thanks for the tip Bund. I have since spoken with Adam...seems like a good guy and very keen to do the work. Cheers