Land Cruiser 200 Series Turbocharger Problems
Intro to and difference between the 70 Series & 200 Series 4.5L V8 Turbo Land Cruiser vehicles
The 4.5L V8 200 Series Land Cruiser is the only Land Cruiser with a dual V8 turbo-diesel engine.
However, the 1VDFTV engine was also loaded into the popular 70-series Land Cruiser as a single turbocharged engine.
It was installed from 2007 in the VDJ76, VDJ78 and VDJ79 series.
They are however, totally different turbochargers installed between the two vehicles.
If you have the 70 Series Land Cruiser, you can CLICK HERE for more information on a Billet Upgraded alternative to the original Garrett OEM, suitable for the single 4.5L V8 turbo.
The dual turbo 1VDFTV engine was first produced in 2007 and fitted to the 200 Series Land Cruiser.
What is the main cause behind Land Cruiser 200 Series Turbocharger Problems?
Faulty oil system components have been blamed by some, for excessive oil-use in the 200 Series Land Cruiser.
Vacuum pumps and issues with gunk blocking the oil strainer have been mentioned.
Some reports show excessive oil use is related to seals leaking in the turbochargers.
Either way, they are not good for the turbos, as a constant flow of clean oil is required for correct operation.
However, a more common cause for turbo problems comes from ‘dusting’.
This is from dust by-passing the air filtration system and creating abrasive wear in the turbos.
Driving on unsealed roads where there is a lot of dust exacerbates the problem.
If your Land Cruiser gets a lot of unsealed road use, or has been used in the mines, then the turbo may already have F.O.D (foreign-object damage).
The turbocharger on the right(driver-side) is less prone to FOD than the left side.
The passenger side turbo(left-side in a right hand drive vehicle), is closer to the air filter so cops the most dust.
They can fail on average, twice as often as the right side turbochargers.
200 Series Turbo Pre-emptive Maintenance
Use the Best Oil and OEM Air Filters
Read on for advice on preventing issues, and what to do if you already have a turbo problem and need replacement…
Has your Land Cruiser got aftermarket air filters, perhaps they are ‘performance’ ‘high-flow’ filters?
Aftermarket air filters can allow more fine dust through than the OEM Toyota original air filters, especially the cheaper brands.
With OEM air filters installed (or the more expensive aftermarket types), you can expect to see slower wear from dusting in the turbochargers.
So:
- Consider installing OEM air filters or at least the higher quality aftermarket models.
- Change air filter elements more often (especially in dusty environments).
Additionally, the oil system should be kept free from carbon build-up and blockages.
Turbos require constant oil flow, free from debris.
A service every 10 Thousand kilometres is the minimum if you want to be on the safe-side.
If you can afford it, and want the very best life from your Land Cruiser, reduce that interval between services even more.
And, use the very best oil and oil filter you can afford.
And when you need to replace the turbos you need a full service performed (oil, oil filter, air filter) and other procedures / replacements as per Turbocharger Install Best Practice.
What to do with Land Cruiser 200 Series Turbocharger Problems that require Replacement
We have in current stock, very well-priced aftermarket replacement turbos suitable for the Land Cruiser 200 series.
Our turbochargers have TRIPLE the warranty (36 MONTHS).
However, if one of the turbochargers must be swapped-out, the recommendation is for replacement of both left and right.
The reason for this include:
- Even wear and ageing of turbos going forward.
- Less possibility of uneven performance between turbo banks.
- Once the engine is dropped for a replacement turbo, it makes sense to have 2 turbos installed at once, rather than needing to do the next turbo a few years later.
How can you get you back on the road faster and CHEAPER??
Check out our Billet Upgrade PAIRED Turbochargers suitable for the Land Cruiser 200 Series HERE.
They come with our Exclusive 3 Year Warranty and FREE gasket kits!
If you need any further information, or help in matching parts to your vehicle, please contact our sales line: 0490 059 316.