My Toyota Lite-Ace developed over-heating problems for a while. But this has been solved, as mentioned in other comments. The Toyota Lite-Ace over-heating problems are primarily due to poor cooling system maintenance i.e. worn radiator cap i.e. the spring is rusted or loose/ rubber gasket is worn out), punctured or cracked radiator hoses, installation of a cheap rubber hose that deforms as the engine gets hot restricting water coolant flow in the engine, clogged radiator due to accumulation of mineral sediments from the water (that is why radiators have to be regularly flushed.)
What I would like advice on is how to increase power to the Lite-Ace. My cruising speed is down to 70-80 kph, and the mileage is down to about 7 k/liter. My Lite-Ace is 13 years old.
The engine probably needs to be de-carbonized, but other than this, I was thinking of getting a better air filter, changing the distributor to a contact-less distributor, changing the ignition coil and spark plug wires. I think these would all be of help, but would these changes result in a significant improvement? Would appreciate anyone's thoughts/ suggestions.
The Lite-Ace is a great car - simple/ not too expensive to maintain (non-fuel injected/ no computer chips) ; a car an ordinary person can still do some simple self-maintenance on.
The space is great. I use it to transport our 4 dogs - three Labradors and a mixed breed Pomeranian/ Lasha-apso and one cat. Plus small appliances/construction materials from time to time.
The reason I would like to make improvements to it, is so that I can still keep and use it. My wife wants to change it with a new vehicle.
Lite ace are built for economical reasons and the engine displacement is just enough for a lite chassis van. it is not really recommended for high speed on highways and overloads for steep climbings. I suggest that you just maintain a regular engine tune up and change oil and a normal cruise driving, your van will surely last a lifetime.
The LiteAce is built for work, not speed. If you want more speed, replace the differential with a high speed one. Of course, this will be paid for in torque, especially in steep hills. If you opt for this, better change your clutch to a better one too.
In your case, the problem seems to be in the timing of your ignition. it's probably set too late and your spark plugs fire way after the downward stroke of your pistons. Have your ignition timing checked. You should be able to go up to 110-120 kph on flat roads (no load and no ac).
I also own a Liteace GXL 95 model which is properly maintained doing the regular change oil and tune up as scheduled. I'm proud to say that it could still maintain a consistent speed of 100 kph on a flat expressway carrying a load of 6 passengers. I've converted the stock air filter to a Simota cone filter to see if performance further improves.
As to the overheating issue I've done the following:
1. Remove the thermostat
2. Overhauled the radiator
3. Repacked the silicon oil in the radiator fan
4. Reset the timing advance
5. My mechanic added additional holes in the cylinder
head gasket for better coolant circulation.
To date even in heavy traffic with the aircon on, temperature only reaches 1/2 at the most and only 1/4 during normal driving. I'm happy with this mini van.
We have a 1993 Liteace as well. It has been very good in the 2 years we have had it. Does anyone know how to remove the curtains so they can be washed?
Hello.
Would need advice from you guys. I just got a 93 GXL Liteace and I can say I am indeed very happy driving her around. Taking a cue from the others in this forum, I would like to make sure I drain the water in the radiator at least regularly. But question is I have been trying to look for the drain valve and can't seem to find it. Can anybody please help out? Appreciate it.
To the guy looking for the radiator drain plug, it is located at the lower right side portion of the radiator.
It is made of plastic and is not very commonly available. A bit bigger than the older Corolla models.
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