1991 Toyota LiteAce KM36 from Malaysia - Comments

The radiator needs to be refilled after a long journey especially when driving uphill.

The engine noise can be so deafening when driving at high speed (80 km/h and above).

The engine also knocks when the speed reaches 70 km/h and above.

Warm starting needs at least two cracking.

High fuel consumption consuming almost RM50+ for 300+ km (petrol priced at RM1.90/liter) probably because of the weight of the car.

Engine lacks power especially when going uphill or when the van is full of passengers.

Because of the location of the battery and the radiator reservoir, it is very 'difficult' to check them.

When the van is delivered to me new, the alignment is much to be desired.

I have been using this van for the past 15 years without major problems except those mentioned above.

I have sent it for 'repair' complaining about the lack of power and the difficulty of starting warmed engine and the annoying knocking. The mechanics could not do anything about it and assured me that the symptoms are 'normal'.

With luck, I managed to adjust the fuel and air ratio myself by listening (tuning by ear!) the engine 'noise', now the knocking is gone, engine noise is significantly reduced and engine power is slightly better than before, but fuel consumption is still high especially when the petrol price has increased to RM1.90/liter.

Regarding the 'leaking' radiator, I discovered that the 'ring' of the radiator 'head' (connected to the engine) where the cap is screwed on is uneven. To minimize coolant lost, I add in a piece of self-made rubber washer or ring using old and used tyre tube. It did the trick. I am still looking for a 'second hand' radiator head to fix the problem permanently.

I can say I am a self-proclaimed mechanic and proud to be able to solve the problems myself. In return, the van gives me a long 15 years of good service. I am thinking of getting a 2000 cc diesel engine to lower the fuel consumption. Any good advice anyone?

Regarding hot water in the radiator, I managed to solve by making sure both cooling fans of the aircon (electric motors) are in working condition. The engine radiator fan uses a direct fan from the engine.

My LiteAce is 10 years old. Bought new in May 1996. I only use filtered water for the radiator. Now there are no problems.

Already done 176000 KM. Fuel C is about 25sen per km. Highway and city driving using regular petrol. RM 1.88/liter Mobil. So no problem with power when ascending hills after I change to new clutch assemblies.

Aji Puzi 0133654038. Thinking of trade in, but new LiteAce 1.5 petrol model I saw in Bangladesh is not yet in our local market.

Avanza is too small for my family of 7, Innova is too long for my garage. The LiteAce just fits, if it comes with 2 sliding doors, it's splendid.

So wait and see.

Hi friend, do you know how to solve the problem?

-The difficulty of starting after the engine extreme warmed.

-A few second annoying knocking sound after engine start, when engine is cool, is it timing chain or gear box problem...

Any one can help... Thanks.

Lite ace and other old cars.

If you have a problem with starting with a warm engine, check your ignition coil. We used to cover it with a wet rug (only during the cooling period then remove the rug), starting becomes easier. Best would be to change the coil.

Regarding using a rubber gasket to seal the leaking radiator cap; This will reduce the force on the spring loaded pressure cap. thus reducing the boiling pressure of the coolant. This will ultimately result in higher running temperatures, coolant loss, and boiling over. If you want to stick with the rubber seal, use a higher pressure rated cap...

My dad gave me his liteace with km36engine last2 years (2007&2008) for me to lenjan. after I spend about rm000 my km36 goes well a bit soundy but I like it, it like garang on the road. with rm 6000 I changed the coil to electronic coil, gasket, head, services the alternater (changed the part inside),service and replace old part of kompresor, belting 2 off it, change my front blower set aircond, changed new fan infront of radiator, aircond wireing and use mahal minyak itam motobest for 10000km and plus cincai upah total=rm6000. but the satisfaction is totally high. dad gave me with mileage 100000km and after my 2 years using the mileage is 269000 believe it ornot but its still running garang. my km36 manufactured on 1987 and on road 1988 the year my dad bought la...

I just about to buy a Toyota LiteAce, but I don't know if I should or not now after reading your comments. I'm so confused now what to do. It's a 96 model M reg. My friend told me to get it, but now after reading what you all put, I don't know what to do. If someone will help me, what should I do?

I have a model 95 Lite ace with 5K petrol engine. I experienced the same problem before when I got it in 2004.

For hard starting engine, the usual problem is the ignition coil. Have it checked and or replaced with original stock from Toyota or any nippon-denso brand. Most often we don't see the cracks or leaks of the cooling oil until one day the engine will not start when hot.

As to overheating, the usual problem is the head gasket. This usually happens when you are losing coolant, even if there are no leaks in the system. You can check this by opening your radiator cap then start your engine. If in a few minutes and when you rev up your engine, you would see coolant gushing out of the water filling hole on top of the engine, the most likely problem is a leak in your engine head. Have it replaced by a good mechanic who uses only good quality head gaskets. Do not scrimp on this part, the gasket cost less than paying the mechanic.

I have been running a 1991 2.0L diesel Liteace now for five years and it is probably the best car I have had in terms of flexibility, reliability and also fun to drive. Turning round in almost smaller space than any other car. I have watched the experience of other owners in the UK and can see that over heating is a common problem. If you have this problem you should get the vehicle tested to make sure that the cylinder head is not cracked or porous, because if it is then changing the head gasket will be a waste of your time and money.