[Bruiser92]

I just bought my first LC 2 weeks ago - a '92 FJ80 - so I'm new to this forum and to the community of LC owners. It's a stock, two-toned, cloth interiored, no-frills rig. I already love this vehicle; I looked at several 60s but ended up wanting the extra horses in the '91-92 ('93 and up was out of my price range).

I have several questions:

Has anyone else had a problem where the lock (rear PS) sticks open? Is this something I can easily fix myself with little auto-mechanical skills? I'm a do-it-yourself guy around the house and haven't worked on my own vehicles in a couple of decades (I know, I know, what a loser!) .

I've heard rumors that if I replace my air filter with a K&N (?) I can squeeze out a few more miles from my gas; is there any truth to that? Any other mod's I can do to improve my fuel efficiency?

Before I bought the rig, the PO had to have the EGR valve cleaned to pass smog (Calif); now the CEL is indicating a 71 again for the EGR. A mechanic said it's not a big problem, but suggested I change the vacuum solenoid and the back-pressure transducer(?). I'm not sure if that'll permanenlty fix anything - he said the EGRs are notorious problems for the LCs. True or not?

Looking forward to hearing from you dudes.

[MDarius]

Welcome! I don't have a lot of answers for you, mostly just what I've read on the forum Do a search and spend some quality time on the forum. Your questions are pretty well documented issues.

For the K&N (in this application) it's pretty much been identified as snake oil and a matter of preference over real horse power. I had one, took it out in favor of a regular filter, and have seen no difference at all in power or MPG. Mine could have been dirty, but it didn't look it. Search on K&N or air filter and see what you get.

Search on CEL 71 or code 71. Mines a 95 so I have a different smog set up. Good luck and enjoy your new ride! Everybody loves pictures, so post 'em up!

[NorCalDoug]

welcome aboard




are you in california?

[mot]

[jonheld]

IMO, the first thing you should do with a 15 year old vehicle is run through each system individually and make sure it's operating to spec. The 3FE will continue to run with beer in the fuel tank and urine in the crank case, but it won't run as well as it could.

Start with the basics: fluid change; complete ignition system tune up (use only Toyota parts): plugs; wires; cap; rotor; PCV valve/grommet; air filter; fuel filter; valve adjustment.

You can then run through the emissions system. By now all the vacuum lines are dry and brittle and should be replaced. The hard lines that they connect to are probably filled with carbon deposits and need to be cleared out. The rubber diaphragms in the EGR valve and EGR modulator (the 2 flying saucers mounted together on the left side of the throttle body) have probably turned to dust and need to be replaced.

The cooling system has most probably been neglected and should be addressed. Flush the cooling system and refill with Toyota red 50/50 mix with distilled water. Replace the thermostat and fan clutch.

Do a brake fluid flush and refill.

Do a power steering flush and refill. Toyota power steering uses ATF not "power steering fluid".

The truck is running and getting you from point A to B, so you don't have to do all this stuff in 1 shot, but you need to look at all these things eventually unless you're certain about the vehicles history.

[84runner]

What Jon said!

But seriously I've been on here for about 2 years and only have a handful of posts, mostly because when I have a question I can find it's already been covered usually multiple times.

Also check out the FAQ page, tons of links there. Again get familiar with the SEARCH function, searching in TITLES and/or BODY. It's amazing the amount of info on this site. Sit back with a cup of coffee or a brew-haha and search away.

My wife thinks I'm wasting time on the internet, but I quickly explain, "Babe, I'm saving us thousands of dollars researching how to do everything myself on the cruiser!" Then of course as Im working on the cruiser I always throw in the, "you know how much money I'm saving us right now."

Enjoy!

[Kalawang]

Originally Posted by 84runner

What Jon said!

But seriously I've been on here for about 2 years and only have a handful of posts, mostly because when I have a question I can find it's already been covered usually multiple times.

Also check out the FAQ page, tons of links there. Again get familiar with the SEARCH function, searching in TITLES and/or BODY. It's amazing the amount of info on this site. Sit back with a cup of coffee or a brew-haha and search away.

My wife thinks I'm wasting time on the internet, but I quickly explain, "Babe, I'm saving us thousands of dollars researching how to do everything myself on the cruiser!" Then of course as Im working on the cruiser I always throw in the, "you know how much money I'm saving us right now."

Enjoy!

Knowing the solution before taking my LC to a mechanic also helps much in saving me money from unnecessary repairs and unnecessary parts replacements. The FAQ is invaluable as is the generously shared knowledge available on this site.


Kalawang

[cruiser80]

welcome!

[LX_TREME]

Yep Welcome to the club

[Bruiser92]

Originally Posted by NorCalDoug

welcome aboard




are you in california?

Yeah, Sac also.

[Fly Rod]

I have nothing to add except welcome!