Thank you steve, Yes I was thinking of changing the thermostat, can't do a lot these days I'm 68 and have joint problems, It's only done 27 ,000 miles and I think it was a taxi, but I think it was possibly run on 0-20 sae oil for mpg, It did run low after it was delivered and I suspect it was driven hard on a hot day, was much better when I filled up with 10-30 sae,I have a new oil filter and was going to try and change my selfe, I don't think the stat was opening properly as in the winter it was taking a while to warm up, as I want to use it to go round europe I need to make sure it's ok, since my normal mechanic closed 5+ years ago it's been hard to find a good one, I am a member of the AA and maybe should ask them? Having worked on vehicles since I was 15 It's difficult to let someone else do things as they just want to get the money, I was thinking of getting owners manuals in english as it may help, I was also wondering if the radio system/sat nav can be reprogrammed? Looking at getting an overdrive fitted to make it easier on the engine, I did a check from the auction house that it came through in japan and nothing came up there, thanks for your correspondence steve, your john.

Thank you chris, I did think of that as it takes a long time for it to warm up in the winter, also trying to find someone in my area who are good with alphards as it could do with a service, I live nr st briavels gloucester, I did change the air filter as the old one was very dirty with a little oil on it, Is it true that you test the oil level when hot? sorry so many questions, I am 68 and worked on vehicles all my life but arthritis issues get in the way, I haven't done many miles since last year and it's only at 44,500 kms (27.000 miles) I was going to use it to go round europe so I need to make sure it's in tip top condition, thank you yours john.

i would check thermostat, water pump, radiator (not radiating the heat out) and also is the fan doing its job properly which may be result of thermostat Also, do you actually have coolant, not just water? check header tank for red coolant (not brown) if its green then its the wrong stuff. I remember when i was in the philipinnes and the taxi was overheating.. apparently does it now and again and all the chap was doing was adding fresh water.. i was trying to tell him he needs coolant, went in one ear and out the other lol letting it overheat can run the risk of blowing head gasket! did it once on a Lexus.. i was like driving a massive vape machine

2002 Toyota Alphard 3.0l Petrol Auto Maroon Mileage 124080 £950 ONO MOT valid until 6th January 2027 Some of the MOT advisories, were recently fixed. Receipts for most of the work done. Battery good, tyres good. Leather seats, all seats still in situ and in very good condition. Blowing Smoke, ?Pistons, otherwise in reasonable mechanical condition. Left mirror was broken, replacement not a perfect fit, Silver guard not back on - but in the van so can be refitted Had under sealing done when we first bought it (2018) Only owner since import and we have the full service history from import in 2018. Van is in Cornwall Any questions please get in touch either via the messaging system or my email address [email protected] Thanks Sue