[trainrech]

Finally tried to start the '85 4Runner yesterday. The neighbor's dog was not amused! To my minimally knowledgeable ears, it sounds like a connecting rod is banging around in there. I started getting it ready to pull the motor last night.

As luck would have it, another '85 4Runner was in a towing company's auction last Saturday. No key, no info other than it had some troubles and was abandoned at one of the turnpike service areas. I went ahead and bought it - figured worst case was I'd part it out and give Bob a jump on EFI for his mini.

Today we went out after work and I'll be danged if it didn't start (my 40 and the other '85's keys both worked) and run pretty smoothly with no smoke. Not sure what the problem is with it, but clutch seems to work fine. Brakes feel pretty stiff - possibly an issue there - but right now who knows.

So, I may get a running rig out of this AND keep Shannon happy by not spending a butt load of cash... That'd be a first...