Symptoms
The temperature gauge climbs on hills, while towing or in hot traffic; coolant smells, or the level keeps dropping. AustralianCar.Reviews says overheating on this engine 'requires urgent attention' because it cracks heads.
The fix, step by step
- Replace the radiator with an OEM-spec unit, not a cheap aluminum one.
- IH8MUD members tried one that didn't fit the mounts or take the factory cap.
- On automatics, keep the trans cooler in the new radiator.
- Replace the radiator and heater hoses and, as one owner learned, the small coolant hoses to the turbo.
- Check the viscous fan hub (a weak hub shows up as heat in traffic) and that the wastegate actuator moves freely.
- Refill and bleed with Toyota long-life coolant.
Tools & part numbers
- Drain pan
- hose-clamp pliers
- 10/12 mm sockets
- coolant funnel
- Toyota red or blue long-life coolant
Where to buy the parts
Koyorad 1KZ-TE radiator, Prado 90 KZJ95 automaticHD Automotive ↗Amazon ↗
Upgraded viscous hub and 10-blade fan, 1KZ-TE KZJ90/KZJ120HD Automotive ↗Amazon ↗
Genuine thermostat and gasket, 1KZ/1KDHD Automotive ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 90 parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.