Last x Days Posts  1 | 3 | 7 Days  Search  Topics  Tree View  Help
  Soarer Central * Say G'day * Just bought an unregistered SC400 in need of care and affection Previous Previous    Next Next  

Author Message
Bruce Gillam
Newbie
New South Wales
LC400

Posts: 1
Reg: 11-2015

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Saturday, November 21, 2015 - 10:28 pm, by:  Bruce Gillam (Fiik) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I did not really plan to buy the SC. It has been sitting unregistered in the open next door for the last 2 years.The technology of a quad cam V8 quirked my interest and the price was irresistible - the owner had to move urgently 300km to Sydney. I can handle the mechanical, the electronics are not so certain but the step by step tutorials should keep me out of trouble.
The many forums and sites I have found are amazing when I started my research. The support available stunned me. Prices for parts took my enthusiasm down a few notches - hopefully doing it myself and alternate sources for parts will keep it in my budget.
It has 330K km on it, but the motor starts first time, runs clean and without any tapping from the cams.
Obviously a vehicle this age has some problems and it has been sitting unregistered in the open next door for 2 years. How many problems is the issue. I am looking at changing the vital fluids and fixing everything in need of attention before registration.

The digital dash works well and indicates no problems on it's system check - no warning lights.
What does the red button on the center console with the Japanese symbols do? Can't seem to find the operation/explanation.

The radiator is cactus. $200-$300 on eBay, easy job to replace.

The EMV appears dead. The AC works on auto. The sound system worked with a dummy cassette from an external source - the smartphone. Found the tutorial and not a biggy so I will get around to it.

The ride height switch doesn't appear to do anything, so maybe the air suspension needs attention. Should I be hearing a compressor somewhere? All 4 corners behave like coil springs and shockies do when bounced.
I have no experience with active suspension and no SC400's close, so I can't compare. Any opinions or avenues to follow would be great. The coil over solution looks easy but why fix it if it is easy to get it working.

My biggest concern is the brake system - with the traction control and ABS it seems pretty complex. The first press on the pedal goes all the way to the floor. 2 or 3 pumps gets it to about 1/3 travel off the floor and the vehicle does stop. I have done the research and the tutorials on bleeding the calipers and master cylinder-do I bleed the MC and then the slaves or vice versa? The fluid is black and needs changing - would the old fluid explain this much movement? Are there any checks I should do along the way?
I think I am hearing the system priming up when started. Should this be making up for the excess travel and the primer is faulty?

Thanks to the varied support sites, I think I will enjoy fixing the SC400 and then driving it even more. The how to looks covered, what I need right now is what to.

All in all, after my research so far, I'm excited about my new project - any help will be sensational!
Elie Sukkar
Tinkerer
NSW
UZZ31 & UZZ32

Posts: 7
Reg: 12-2014

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Sunday, November 22, 2015 - 12:16 am, by:  Elie Sukkar (S360) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Welcome to the club Bruce,
The red button is so that you can get the car out of park if you have a dead battery, if the model you have is a uzz31 (from memory yes they can bounce like coils) it will have air suspension, meaning that when you select high you should be hearing an air compressor, the brake pressurising may just be that the nitrogen brake accumulator is low on gas (it will make an squeaking sound which can be heard from behind the wheel) if you have that system. It would help if you check your build plate so you know what you're dealing with, maybe put up a couple of pictures ?

Good luck.
Bruce Gillam
Newbie
New South Wales
LC400

Posts: 2
Reg: 11-2015

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Sunday, November 22, 2015 - 12:33 am, by:  Bruce Gillam (Fiik) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks for the fast response.
This will be my last post for the day as it is 0100hrs.
Model E-UZZ31 ACPZK
Eng 1UZ-FE
Frame UZZ31-0009798
Color 6M2 Trim LA60
Trans A341E
Plant/built AZZ
It has TEMS and Traction control.

No squeaking behind the wheel.
Right now I'm heading for bed, I will post again later today.


What do you want pictures of?
Dave Rose
Goo Roo
wa
UZZ31 / ML320 CDI

Posts: 2658
Reg: 03-2007

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Sunday, November 22, 2015 - 12:04 pm, by:  Dave Rose (Sand_groper) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Welcome Bruce, sounds like the master cylinder pump is working (buzzing when first turned on ) ok, I would bleed brakes first get rid of black fluid see how that improves pedal .
http://planetsoarer.com/mediumbrakes/masterbleed.htm
Bruce Gillam
Newbie
New South Wales
LC400

Posts: 3
Reg: 11-2015

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Monday, November 23, 2015 - 09:01 am, by:  Bruce Gillam (Fiik) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks for the advice Dave.
Yeah it does seem that way - just seemed like a long way the floor. Hopefully that is just a result of sitting for so long and not being properly maintained. Some posts I have seen recommend annual brake fluid replacement. Others say the travel is normally fairly long and the brakes are hard anyway. I will be bleeding them soon.
I will be seeing the previous owner soon to get some more detailed history. Hopefully he can help me analyse the symptoms of the EMV.
The air suspension has started working which is a relief. Now I will have to find the filter for the air compressor and check the silica gel.
As you know, the more you research, the more you find you have to check.
There is also some damage to the driver's door and rear quarter panel to deal with. Quite a few large areas an the roof where the clear is peeling too. The front plastic air dam has many cracks in the paint work - nothing structural. Anyone have any ideas to repair that or will I have to replace it?
So far it looks like the radiator is the only problem keeping it off the road. Just that and some extensive maintenance. If it continues like this the wife will be happy and I will be even happier.
I am in no hurry to get the SC on the road so I am working out a plan of action at this time. Funds are tight - if you have the time you don't have the money and if you have the money you don't have the time.
Mike Beck
Goo Roo
New Zealand
UZZ32 No.32 & JZZ31 3.0GT

Posts: 5991
Reg: 11-2005

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Monday, November 23, 2015 - 11:12 am, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Welcome to the quirky world of Soarer owenership Bruce.

They are excellent cars, but need excellent care to get the most out of them.

The brake system is unique, since yours has TRC it would also have a nitrogen gas accumulator to the side of the reservoir tank, these leak the gas thats stored at high pressure meaning the pump motor constantly whirs to try boost pressure, not good and it means bad brake feel / performance. These units can be replaced new from Toyota for 400-500+ but can also be rebuilt for less than 1/2 of that.

The EMV touch screen that integrated the audio, air con, trip computer and diagnostics often die due to clusters of component failures inside, but they can also be repaired

As for the air suspension, it's probably rolling around on the original shocks which would be bellow spec 24 years on, I'd take it to a suspension place and see what a shock tester machine tells you, chances are they aren't performing. Typically the cheapest option is to loose the air suspension and fit good standard spec coils and shocks but if you wish to retain the air suspension new shocks can be bought but from memory they are costly in the 750-1000 range per corner.

Unfortunately I'm over in New Zealand so makes it hard to assist, however there are a few Aussies with similar skill sets that would be able to help you out with your issues.

:-)
Elie Sukkar
Tinkerer
NSW
UZZ31 & UZZ32

Posts: 8
Reg: 12-2014

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 03:43 pm, by:  Elie Sukkar (S360) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Bruce like Mike said, you have a nitrogen gas accumulator, this is an example of a leaking one (not severely, they eventually go on to squeak endlessly):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMP9sEL6cx8

this may come in handy for bleeding the system: http://planetsoarer.com/mediumbrakes/masterbleed.htm

Ive also got a word document of the steps and things required to rebuild one which I downloaded from some corner of the internet, I will email it to you if that helps.
Bruce Gillam
Newbie
New South Wales
LC400

Posts: 4
Reg: 11-2015

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Tuesday, November 24, 2015 - 10:40 pm, by:  Bruce Gillam (Fiik) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks for that Elie. I had already stumbled across that page.
I would appreciate you sending me the rebuild text. Hopefully I won't have to go there, I do like to know how things go together.
Dave Rose
Goo Roo
wa
UZZ31 / ML320 CDI

Posts: 2664
Reg: 03-2007

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - 09:45 am, by:  Dave Rose (Sand_groper) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


Upload
Elie Sukkar
Tinkerer
NSW
UZZ31 & UZZ32

Posts: 9
Reg: 12-2014

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - 03:03 pm, by:  Elie Sukkar (S360) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It's a bit of a fiddly job rebuilding them but it's much more straightforward than it seems, pretty cheap too. Just Pm me your email address and I'll send it over.
Elie Sukkar
Tinkerer
NSW
UZZ31 & UZZ32

Posts: 10
Reg: 12-2014

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Thursday, November 26, 2015 - 03:12 pm, by:  Elie Sukkar (S360) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi Bruce I got your email, I tried sending but it didn't let me, said something like your inbox is full ?
Mike Beck
Goo Roo
New Zealand
UZZ32 No.32 & JZZ31 3.0GT

Posts: 5999
Reg: 11-2005

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Friday, November 27, 2015 - 06:55 am, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hey Elie, which UZZ32 number do you own?
Elie Sukkar
Tinkerer
NSW
UZZ31 & UZZ32

Posts: 11
Reg: 12-2014

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Sunday, November 29, 2015 - 12:38 am, by:  Elie Sukkar (S360) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi Mike, I've got 705, nice 32 you've got there, you've really brought it back to life.
Mike Beck
Goo Roo
New Zealand
UZZ32 No.32 & JZZ31 3.0GT

Posts: 6009
Reg: 11-2005

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Sunday, November 29, 2015 - 09:38 am, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Cheers Elie, it was a good car to start with but starting to go down hill slowly. Originally it had no active struts and the system was disabled, I managed to get spare struts from the UK and go it all working last November.

Was Bill Byrnes the previous owner of your 32?
Elie Sukkar
Tinkerer
NSW
UZZ31 & UZZ32

Posts: 12
Reg: 12-2014

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Sunday, November 29, 2015 - 06:00 pm, by:  Elie Sukkar (S360) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I believe the previous owner bought it off Bill then I bought it late last year after 15 years of owning the 31. I saw your uploads a while back when I was looking for a 32. I'm guessing by down hill you mean electronics are showing their age ? If I remember correctly you were considering a manual conversion ? how did that go ?
Mike Beck
Goo Roo
New Zealand
UZZ32 No.32 & JZZ31 3.0GT

Posts: 6010
Reg: 11-2005

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Sunday, November 29, 2015 - 09:13 pm, by:  Mike Beck (Gold_40gt) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


Elie Sukkar wrote on Sunday, November 29, 2015 - 06:00 pm:

I believe the previous owner bought it off Bill then I bought it late last year after 15 years of owning the 31. I saw your uploads a while back when I was looking for a 32. I'm guessing by down hill you mean electronics are showing their age ? If I remember correctly you were considering a manual conversion ? how did that go ?




Oh yeah. Thats a long time with a 31 - many happy years I'm sure!

More just general things, door card needed fixing, some leather seat fixes, few engine service items, and paint work. Electronics just a bit tired, I like everything to work as good as it can.

Ended up doing a 5 speed auto upgrade (A650e) with a custom controller, nearly finished setting it up, it's certainly much sharper than the lazy 4 speed units!
Bruce Gillam
Newbie
New South Wales
LC400

Posts: 5
Reg: 11-2015

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Tuesday, December 01, 2015 - 09:00 am, by:  Bruce Gillam (Fiik) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have found some excess movement of the steering shaft/intermediate shaft. Where it goes through the firewall. The universal at the rack doesn't move but there is movement at the firewall. Quick research tells me that the full intermediate shaft needs to be replaced - the hidden universal near the floor can't be. Any updates@
Any ideas or should I just get one from a wreckers?
Elie Sukkar
Tinkerer
NSW
UZZ31 & UZZ32

Posts: 13
Reg: 12-2014

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Tuesday, December 01, 2015 - 07:21 pm, by:  Elie Sukkar (S360) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes I know what you mean, thats pretty much the case with every Soarer these days unfortunately, after such a long time with the 31 which was moreso my dad's car it was only right I picked myself up a 32, it took me 3 years to find the right one. Wow an A650e if I'm not mistaken thats the trans on the vvti 1uz and the 3uz in the sc430, rather impressive, Indeed the A341e is rather lazy for spirited driving, I'm sticking an R154 in my 32, hopefully by the time it's next year I'll be done.
Bruce Gillam
Tinkerer
New South Wales
LC400

Posts: 6
Reg: 11-2015

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Monday, June 27, 2016 - 09:26 pm, by:  Bruce Gillam (Fiik) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Been a while since I've been able to post on my 31.
Just been for a blue slip inspection (NSW).
The rubber couplings on the tail shaft are cracking and need replacing. Any ideas on whether other toyotas have the same part? Any ideas on where to get 2?
Front right and back left airbags need replacing too. Tested ones on eBay for $135 each plus freight - cheaper than the coilover modification at this time.

Since my last post I have rebuilt the accumulator as advised. $8 for the o-rings and $8 for the valve. One mate had a lathe and another had access to compressed Nitrogen. Passed the brake test easily.
When I fitted the radiator and filled with coolant I idled the car for around 15 minutes and got my first warning bong. Check charging system! $140 dollars for new rectifiers and bushes later all good. Apparently there was a lot of reverse polarity while the previous owner was moving it around to mow his lawn.
I did the capacitors in the EMV and now have the display up. No symbols for air-con or audio though. At the back of the unit there are three gray sockets but only two plugs - have I lost one or something?
My 31 is the earlier model with the turning lights. I always like as much light as possible on high beam so, what I have done is use a double pole double throw relay so that the turning lights act as built on low beam with the indicator, but come on constant with high beam. Gives me great side vision - essential with the wallabies, roo's and wombats down on the far south coast. Planning on upgrading the bulbs to LED's for all the front lights soon. I have HID's on other cars but they are too slow to warm up on the high beam lights.
Other issues I have to sort out are TRAC Off warning, Rear taillights check - looks ok to me!
I've found the threads, so I'll try the recommendations.
John Street
DieHard
NSW
.91 V8 , 2015 VW Jetta TDI, 2009 Saab 9-3 Turbo

Posts: 560
Reg: 08-2005

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 02:17 pm, by:  John Street (Rex2ce) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Are you on Facebook, if so go to Toyota Soarer Owners group and look for Ricky Alley, he will have all the parts you want
Bruce Gillam
Tinkerer
New South Wales
LC400

Posts: 8
Reg: 11-2015

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Tuesday, June 28, 2016 - 07:23 pm, by:  Bruce Gillam (Fiik) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am on facebook, but only at beginner skill level. I have been to the site before and tried to join but had no reply. Just been again and hit the join button, maybe this time
John Street
DieHard
NSW
.91 V8 , 2015 VW Jetta TDI, 2009 Saab 9-3 Turbo

Posts: 561
Reg: 08-2005

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Wednesday, June 29, 2016 - 08:51 am, by:  John Street (Rex2ce) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Takes a while for them to reply

Add Your Message Here
Eye Candy
Click for full size
Bold text Italics Underline Center Text Upload photo from your hard drive Make a List Make a Table Make an Image Thumbnail Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image Formatting Help
         

Username: Important Posting Information:
If asking a question, have you done a search to see if your question has already been answered?
Be aware that the use of SMS-speak eg "u" instead of "you" etc, will get your post deleted.
Password:
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message

  Administration Administration      Log Out Log Out Previous Previous      Next Next