Looking at a 2008 Vellfire and understand this year may have had the faulty oil cooler + vvti rubber hoses installed that can cause massive engine failure when the rubber hose perishes over time and drops almost all the oil in just a couple of minutes. Someone said the Vellfires didn't have the oil coolers if in 2WD, is that right?

 

Can anyone tell me if the metal pipe in this picture is the VVTI line, and if so, is this the full metal/updated version? I can't quite tell from the photo, but perhaps someone with more knowledge can help?

 

Thanks in advance...

Hi

    I too have 2008 3.5 Vellfire which is also 4WD, and when I read your article I was concerned that my car could also be affected. So I did some research online about the 2GRFE engine and have found, they have been around since 2005 and the early engines did have a rubber hose fitted to the rear bank VVTI line and this would be visible. Your picture shows the rear VVTI line and there is no rubber hose, same as mine, so its should be fine. If you check out ebay someone is selling a 2GRFE engine for 2005 ? 8-2015 Mk2 Alphard. There are some pictures of the engine and it shows this one has a rubber hose fitted to the rear VVTI line. As for engine oil coolers on 3.5 Vellfires/Alphards S2 I don't think they were ever fitted, but other models in the Toyota/ Lexus range with this engine were, notably the Toyota Avalon from America there's a UTUBE video on how to remove this engine and the guy mentions the rubber hose and how it can leak.

Just reviving this. I had a look at my engine bay. I believe I have 2WD. I wasn't able to see oil cooler so I can disregard replacing the rubber oil cooler lines.

 

However my VVTI Oil line has the rubber hose so I guess I will be replacing this with a metal one. Looks quite a daunting DIY job due to lack of space in the engine bay.

My oil line has just arrived. Just waiting for some gaskets now.

 

Thought I'd report that I have what appears to be an oil leak.

 

The previous owner had the engine rebuilt as there was a loose sprocket and the timing chain was changed.

 

I can see where the mechanic has used silicone and in fairness its a good job.

 

But I can't tell where the leak is from but my hunch is that it could be the VVTI oil line and I looked at it and I don't think I can see a gasket/washer on the bottom banjo bolt.

So I will change this and then report back.

 

Maybe start a new thread on how to change the VVTI oil line on this platform

Watch this for info.