1989 JDM TownAce 5sp 2C-T Turbo Diesel 4x4 5spd - 112K miles - OR

[CleverUserName]

No reserve auction. Could be a good deal on a JDM 4x4 van.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-High-Roof-Wagon-R20-R30-NO-RESERVE/301659910974?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1% 26asc%3D31482%26meid%3D71ae796f2a394ec48817dab731d 66d1d%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D301 659910974

[djshimon]

It says no reserve and I think it only is up to $2,550-with 8 days to go though. High roof is nice but If I'm buying another van it's gotta have the upper corner windows-those are the sweetest!
I really like the baffle like "Big" air hose-I wonder if we can use these in our vans?

[CleverUserName]

It says no reserve and I think it only is up to $2,550. High roof is nice but If I'm buying another van it's gotta have the upper corner windows-those are the sweetest!
I really like the baffle like "Big" air hose-I wonder if we can use these in our vans?

When I initially posted this here he only had one picture and the opening bid was $20k. Maybe the high price was a placeholder until he could upload more pictures. I will change the description.

I like the high roof vans with the upper corner windows too, but I wouldn't buy one as finding glass for those if broken would be a nightmare. Very difficult, most likely impossible.

No Reserve auctions are alot more interesting. Anybody wanna guess what it goes for?

[djshimon]

$9,999!

[CleverUserName]

$9,999!

LOL. I doubt it. Based on what we've seen lately it will be much more than that.

[89TownAce]

Hey guys I just found this thread and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Mark and yes I bought the '89 Towny that was on eBay. I worked out a deal with the seller outside of eBay and although I don't want to give away the exact amount I paid, let's just say it was not cheap! However, I couldn't be happier with the van and believe it or not it's now fully registered and titled in California. It was a stressful procedure and I'm so relieved to finally have that CA pink slip. The van is my daily driver (believe it or not to replace a 2014 Range Rover). I got tired of a big car payment and I've always wanted a Mitsu Delica. When I saw this TownAce on eBay I fell in love and the timing was right for me.

There were only a few issues with the van, some of which I've resolved already, others I'm working on. They are:

1. Tires. The tires that were on it were too small IMO, plus they were old. I put General 27x8.50r14 all-terrains on and it looks amazing.
2. AC. It just wasn't that cold. Turns out 2 things were wrong. First, the belt was too loose, fixed that. Secondly, it was way over charged (>50 psi). I let some pressure out and now it's icy front and rear.
3. Stereo. It didn't shut off when the key was removed. I knew it had to have the remote wire going to a constant hot so I ended up putting a new 2-DIN stereo in and using a proper remote wire.
4. Horsepower. I thought I could live with a slow van as my DD. I was wrong. So I turned up the fuel pressure a bit and now I couldn't be happier. Runs great and so far mileage hasn't been affected.
5. Dash lights. This one I haven't been able to resolve yet. The wiring is different than the US spec vans. No fusible link at the battery. So far I've replaced the positive battery terminal. Alternator seems to be working properly (I get 14 volts without AC, 13.7 under load). Oddly, the dash lights only come on at 14 volts. Thinking a bad voltage regulator, but unfortunately those are impossible to find. Next step will be to have the alternator brushes replaced. If that doesn't work then I'll just live with the occasional xmas tree lights.

I'm putting an alarm in this weekend for keyless entry. Next week is 2.5" turbo back exhaust and custom 2" trailer hitch. Future plans include custom roof rack, side ladder and custom boxed front bumper. I'll be refurbishing the cool little rims too, they have some clearcoat issues now.

[CleverUserName]

Hey guys I just found this thread and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Mark and yes I bought the '89 Towny that was on eBay. I worked out a deal with the seller outside of eBay and although I don't want to give away the exact amount I paid, let's just say it was not cheap! However, I couldn't be happier with the van and believe it or not it's now fully registered and titled in California. It was a stressful procedure and I'm so relieved to finally have that CA pink slip. The van is my daily driver (believe it or not to replace a 2014 Range Rover). I got tired of a big car payment and I've always wanted a Mitsu Delica. When I saw this TownAce on eBay I fell in love and the timing was right for me.

There were only a few issues with the van, some of which I've resolved already, others I'm working on. They are:

1. Tires. The tires that were on it were too small IMO, plus they were old. I put General 27x8.50r14 all-terrains on and it looks amazing.
2. AC. It just wasn't that cold. Turns out 2 things were wrong. First, the belt was too loose, fixed that. Secondly, it was way over charged (>50 psi). I let some pressure out and now it's icy front and rear.
3. Stereo. It didn't shut off when the key was removed. I knew it had to have the remote wire going to a constant hot so I ended up putting a new 2-DIN stereo in and using a proper remote wire.
4. Horsepower. I thought I could live with a slow van as my DD. I was wrong. So I turned up the fuel pressure a bit and now I couldn't be happier. Runs great and so far mileage hasn't been affected.
5. Dash lights. This one I haven't been able to resolve yet. The wiring is different than the US spec vans. No fusible link at the battery. So far I've replaced the positive battery terminal. Alternator seems to be working properly (I get 14 volts without AC, 13.7 under load). Oddly, the dash lights only come on at 14 volts. Thinking a bad voltage regulator, but unfortunately those are impossible to find. Next step will be to have the alternator brushes replaced. If that doesn't work then I'll just live with the occasional xmas tree lights.

I'm putting an alarm in this weekend for keyless entry. Next week is 2.5" turbo back exhaust and custom 2" trailer hitch. Future plans include custom roof rack, side ladder and custom boxed front bumper. I'll be refurbishing the cool little rims too, they have some clearcoat issues now.

Nice find. I like the Delica star wagons too.

These late 80's early 90's JDM Town Ace 4x4s have really appreciated in the last couple years. Haven't seen a nice one sell for less than $14K here in the states recently.

A good diesel additive will add lubricity to your fuel and protect your injection pump. I use stanadyne.

Sent you a PM as well.

[89TownAce]

I'm using Lucas diesel fuel additive right now. With my pump turned up I can put out some pretty thick black smoke if I step on it. With medium throttle she runs clean. Gotta love turbo diesels.

[Gunflint]

Rad!

The very, very first thing I would do if I were you would be to get an aftermarket temperature gauge (if it does not already have one.) These things are notorious for getting hot and blowing the head gasket, and warping the head. So I've heard.

I have this one:
http://www.sig.itel.net/
Spendy, but easy to install and seems to do the trick.

A lot of others like the durite gauge. I may get one of those as well....


Be sure your cooling system is up to snuff. I had both (yep, there is a second horizontal radiator) of my radiators recored and replaced the original viscous fan with an 18" electric fan utilizing the original shroud. adamh built a custom shroud for 2 9" fans. Pretty epic:

http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?2525-hello-all-introduce-my-van

Mine gets hot sometimes on long uphill slogs, still.

This website is your new best friend:

http://www.townace.plus.com/aanswers.htm

Good luck and have fun. Awesome vans!!

Matt

[89TownAce]

Hey Matt thanks for all the info. The warping head issue is my biggest concern on this van and I definitely want to avoid it if possible. I like the idea of a temp sensor mounted to the head directly. Do you have any idea of what temperature is "too hot"? Seems it would be simple to just make sure to stay out of that zone. So far my cooling system is working like a champ, kind of afraid to mess with it really as the van runs really cool even in this record breaking heat.

Also I just discovered that TownAce answers website the other day...wow what an awesome resource I've already learned so much.

[Gunflint]

89 Ace-

A quick disclaimer before you read below: I am a novice mechanic who is learning as I go with this van. I suppose take anything I suggest with a grain of salt.

As I mentioned, my entire cooling system is basically new. I also have (3) 1/8" holes drilled into the flange of my thermostat. All of that said, my van seems to run a pretty wide gamut as far as temperature is concerned. On a straight flat road I am usually around 185F - 195F. Down a long hill she will drop to as low as 165F - 170F. On a steep slog I am usually between 195F - 206F. I have the alarm on my temp gauge set to 212F. For now I am uncomfortable letting my van get hotter than that. If she hits 212F I will pull over for a little breather. Could it take more? Probably, but I am not ready to experiment on that.


"So far my cooling system is working like a champ, kind of afraid to mess with it really as the van runs really cool even in this record breaking heat."

Glad to hear that! A couple of things to check/keep in mind though. First, the stock temperature gauge is notoriously unreliable. I have heard rumors of it sitting perfectly in the middle, then before you realize it happens it will have jumped up into the red (oh and btw I am not trying to freak you out, just want to pass along the info I have gathered....could be an urban legend...) People speculate that Toyota did this to avoid a bunch of service calls as the van fluctuates in temperature so much (like mine....)

Pull off your radiator cap before you start it next time (and apologies if this information you already know....when I bought mine I was a total luddite. Also even if this is not new to you, it may help someone else down the road reading this post in the future...) There should be coolant visible up to the overflow outlet. If there is not you may be losing coolant and/or pressure in your system. It would be a good idea to look in look that. Start the van with the rad cap off. You should not get any major bubbling/spitting ( I have heard this is a quick way to speculate if you head gasket is compromised.) Rumor has it this is the latest and greatest radiator cap for these things:

Toyota 1640164501

It is a pressurized system so I have heard the rad cap plays a critical role in the way the coolant is moved through the system.

Good luck, and any questions I will do my best to pass along what I know!

Matt

[89TownAce]

Thank you very much for all this! I'm going on a road trip in a couple weeks and I'll check this all out before I go. I really like the gauge you used and will likely order it. Did it take long to receive from Australia?

[Gunflint]

I can't remember off hand, but I would say it was about a week/week and a half?

Matt

[llamavan]

I've moved this thread from Van Finds to the Diesel Van subforum now that it's gained technical content. Carry on! :thmbup:

Gwen

[Gunflint]

Thanks Gwen!

Also, 89 ace: Unless you have a record of it being done (and when) I would suggest changing your timing belt as soon as you can. Toyota recommends changing it every 60,000 miles and I have heard it is a good idea to keep up on that.

It is a pretty straight forward job, as these things go. If you find a version (I have a digital version) of the 2CT manual and do a bit of research on ace answers it is a relatively straight forward job. Plus it is a good way to learn about your van.

Matt

[89TownAce]

Thanks Matt, yes actually I will have to change it soon. There's a sticker in the engine bay that says it was changed at 100km and to change at 200km. I'm at 180 km right now.

[89TownAce]

Hey guys I'm getting my van ready for a big trip and could use any tips for the following:

Oil Change: Well actually this should be pretty straight forward. I already have a Wix 51368 oil filter and just ordered a gallon of Rotella 5w40.

Fuel Filter Change: Hoping the '86 Camry 2CT filter is interchangeable. From my research it appears they are. I just ordered a Wix 33138 fuel filter. Does anyone know which fuse to remove so I can run the engine out of fuel pressure? Also, once I have the new filter in place, does anyone know the correct procedure to prime it before starting? Can I get to the filter from the engine bay?

Hard starting issue: Lately my van has been difficult to start in the mornings. It's not very cold here (mid-60's overnight), but still it takes 3 or 4 cranking sessions to get going at about 10 seconds each. I thought it was my battery not getting the starter up to minimum cranking speed, but I replaced the battery and still have the issue. My current theory is that fuel is draining back into the gas tank overnight as my driveway is on an incline. Tonight I will test this theory by parking backwards. I'm also hoping the new oil and fuel filter will help with starting. Also, I do have my fuel pump maximum fuel screw turned 3/4 inward from stock, but this problem started about a week after I did that.

Coolant: I just plan on topping off the coolant before I go. It's a long drive, but along the coast so temps should be cool. Any special coolant I should buy? I was planning on just getting any 50/50 mix.

Electrical gremlin: I still get the xmas light dash lights whenever I get to 14v or higher. I've tried a lot of things, but nothing has worked. It leads me to believe that the external voltage regulator for the alternator is not working properly. I've tried finding a replacement, but they just don't exist anymore. I even tried Japan directly as I have family there right now. I'm not too concerned about the dash lights as everything is working properly. Battery charges just fine. If the AC is running I never get the dash lights because the drain keeps the system under 14v. I thought about running some sort of resistor or conditioner from the alternator to cap output at 13.9v, but I have no idea where to start on that one. The highest voltage I ever see is about 14.2 which I think is still safe. Still, before I go on this trip I'd like to bring some spare fuses with me just in case.

Clunk in driveline: Every once in a while I will feel a "clunk" from the rear end when I accelerate from a dead stop. My theory is it's the axle at the differential or the u-joint. I was going to slide under there and just grease every zerk fitting I can find. Sound right?

Tire pressure: I have General Grabber A/T's. They say 50 psi max, but what do you think I should air them to for the trip? I was thinking 45 psi? I'm at 35 psi now and they look a little low.

Trailer hitch: I want to have a 2" hitch welded on before I go to mount my bike rack. Does anyone know of a hitch that will fit? If not, I will have a custom hitch made.

Any other suggestions?

[Gunflint]

Oil Filter:
I use Fram PH6357

Fuel Filter:
I use Fram 4922. I don't recall pulling any fuse...there is a wire with a connector that you have to disconnect going directly to the bottom fuel filter if I recall. There should be a little hose down there allowing you to drain the filter. I think I had to remove the air intake hose to get at the filter from above to aid in loosening it. Once the new filter is installed there is a black priming pump on top of the filter that you can pump a few times to prime it.

Start issue:
No idea. Let us know what you find out.

Coolant:
I haven't used any special coolant. Be sure you check the coolant along your trip and top it off if necessary.

Gremlin:
No idea. Let us know what you find out (maybe in a new thread, as with the clunk and the starting issue so it is not buried later when people try to find it....)

Clunk:
Mine has that as well. Let me know if you figure it out.

Naturally, be sure to check all other fluids including Transmission Fluid, brake fluid, power steering etc.

Good luck and have fun! If I think of anything else I'll let you know.

Matt

[89TownAce]

Thanks Matt!

[89TownAce]

So I have discovered that like I thought, my hard starting issue was related with fuel supply. My driveway is a little steep and for some reason fuel was draining back into the tank overnight. So for now I'm just backing into the driveway every night. I'm hoping that when I change the fuel filter it will help with this issue. There is a check valve built into the fuel filter assembly. I'm thinking when I increased my fuel pressure at the pump, it stirred up some dirt and gummed up the valve. Hopefully, when I put the new filter in it helps clean or dislodge whatever is jamming up the valve. Worst case is I have be sure to park on level ground or backed up hills at night.

[89TownAce]

Just an update here. Driveline clunk seems to be fixed. There is a zerk fitting just behind the first U-joint on the axle. Pump grease into it until you see it oozing out of the slip joint on the axle. It took nearly a whole tube of grease on mine so it must have been really dry.

The new fuel filter seems to have resolved my hard starting issue. I also discovered my water indicator was disconnected from the bottom of the filter. Plugged that back in. BTW, if you have a really old fuel filter prepare for it to be really stuck on there. There's not enough room to get a tool on the filter so I had to use 2 hands and a very ackward stance to remove it. My back has been killing me for the last few days after removing it.

Oil change was super easy, no jacks or ramps required. I put in 4.3 liters of Rotella T6.

I still have the random dash lights, I was hoping to have that resolved before my big road trip up the coast this weekend, but I'm not too worried about it.

I had an alarm installed with keyless entry, so no more worries about broken keys. I'm getting a new exhaust system tomorrow (old one was falling apart). After my trip I will be installing a custom trailer hitch and then it's on to the audio system. I already have a 2-din Pioneer installed with BT, but the factory speakers need to be replaced with good quality ones.

[89TownAce]

Big update here (I'm using this thread as a journal for my van in case you didn't notice :)).

Soooo. As I've mentioned in other threads I went on my epic road trip and it really shook out the gremlins on this van. Turns out my fuel adjustment was way too aggressive. My EGT's must have been really hot because I got an exhaust leak during my trip. I had the exhaust manifold resurfaced and I had to machine .032" off of the face to get it flat again. I turned my fuel screw back to slightly above stock (1/4 turn inward).

The stock turbo developed an oil leak on the exhaust side. Instead of having it rebuilt I swapped in a new turbo. Kept the old one just in case I want to rebuild it someday. So far the new turbo is working great! It has slightly more turbo whistle to it which actually sounds really cool. Now that I have no exhaust leaks the van runs really, really good. Even with the fuel pump dialed back down it's way more powerful than when I received it and it just runs much smoother.

I also had new brake pads installed all around, new rear shocks all around, new General Grabber AT2 tires, powder coated the aluminum rims satin black, fixed all oil leaks (valve cover gasket, new oil lines, etc), repaired some damaged electrical connectors, new exhaust gaskets and probably a few more things I can't remember.

The most expensive thing I had to do was repair a fuel leak that had developed. The leak was causing fuel to puddle under the van overnight which was unacceptable. It was also allowing air to enter the fuel system which made morning starts difficult. It cost me $1,000 :dizzy: to have the pump removed, all leaks fixed, tuned and re-installed. All said and done, I've got over $3,500 into this van since I purchased it! However, this van deserves it. It's simply too nice, too rare (especially in Cali) to neglect. I'm still planning on having the entire van re-painted in Jeep Anvil grey next year. I'm also thinking about fabricating a custom headlight cover (that will be a whole other thread).

I also believe I've fixed my flashing dash light issue. I can't say for certain until I've driven it for a few more days, but when I got the van back the lights started flickering again, then the next time I went to start the van it wouldn't start and I noticed my dash lights didn't come on at all. Turned out the 7.5 amp IGN fuse was like halfway burnt out. It looked fine, but wasn't carrying enough current. I replaced this fuse and the van started right up and so far no xmas lights.

Anyways, the saga continues. I'm just so glad to have my van back. I've been driving my old Dodge diesel truck and it's a slow land barge.

[Gunflint]

Excellent. Thanks for the update!

Post up a photo of this bad rig, eh!!??

[89TownAce]

I plan on posting a pic soon, but there's a couple things I wanted to do before then. First, I'm going to try and remove a few small dents using the heat/cold method. I've had mixed success with this in the past. Most likely it will lessen the depth of the dents, but not remove them. When I paint the van all the dings will be removed, but that's next year. Secondly, I'm ditching all the chrome on my van...painting it all satin black. It's going to take a lot of masking, but it'll be worth it for sure. I was hoping to do that this weekend, but based on my schedule it will likely be next weekend (if weather permits).

[Gunflint]

Ah. Holding out till she real pretty eh?

[89TownAce]

Well I finally got around to painting all the chrome trim black and I washed her this morning so here's the picture as promised. I bought a new trucks a few days ago so I don't have to daily the Towny anymore. Going to stop putting so many miles on her. I also cleaned the vinyl graphics using 303 protectant. It came out really nice I think.

[JDM VANMAN]

BEEEAST, she looks awesome!:thmbup:


Love the TownAce sticker on the side. If you have the time can you post a close up of the sticker with length and height measurements I think I'm gonna have a couple of them made up for mine.

nice job!!

[89TownAce]

I'll totally take dims and close ups. If you could make reproductions I'd totally buy some off you for when I paint the van. The hardest part will be the stickers are actually like a reflective silver with a brushed metal texture. They look really hard to reproduce.

[JDM VANMAN]

My buddy makes the stickers for me, if you take a look at the "for sale" section of the forum there's a few examples of the stickers I've had made up. There is a couple with shiney silver finish but I'm not sure if that's the type your referring to, check'em out.

The toytavantect stickers are single layer and the 2WD & 4WD ones are 2 layer which cost a little more for material and time. That's explained more in the TVT 4WD thread.

[89TownAce]

I think this style is shiny enough. Mine have a brushed texture, but it's not necessary. The only other issue is there us a red stripe on mine so you'd need to make a 3 color sticker, but I don't know if that's possible.

[JDM VANMAN]

When you get a chance to post it I'll copy and email it to my buddy, I'm sure he can do it. That would be a 3 layer sticker, the 4WD is a 2 layer sticker.

After he takes a look at it and sizes it up he will give us a better idea on the cost.

[Danny]

Hey Guys!

Either of you have a source or PN for the 2CT timing belt?

Thanx!

-Danny-

[89TownAce]

Hey Guys!

Either of you have a source or PN for the 2CT timing belt?

Thanx!

-Danny-

Contact user "beno" on the IH8MUD.com forums. He can get ANYTHING for the 2-CT. He saved my butt big time recently.

[Gunflint]

Check out the sticky thread I started as an info dump for parts numbers. I got mine from toyotapartsdeal.com. I have also had success with Amayama.

Toyota p/n 13568-69066

Fit great. It was actually a fun little project.

Good luck!
Matt

[89TownAce]

Danny I just bought a new 2C-T timing belt then found out my belt was already replaced so I'll sell you it for $20 shipped. PM me your email address and I'll send you a PayPal invoice.