Newbie doubts at Toyota Dealership

[ZangMtns]

Well, let's start off by saying that I am a newb to the "landcruiser following" but after buying one, I understand why. Recently just purchased "General Sherman" 93 FZJ80 locked w/ 167K. Bought for $6000 and after driving around for about a week, wanted to go to Toyota to have them check some things out. Noticed a very slight oil leak, and was told it was from oil pan or something. Once Toyota saw it, they said it needed a crank seal case. To make a long story short, told them it wasn't, said "b/c of gravity there is no way to tell unless with do the crankseal". Fine, so be it. Going onward, they recommended a new water pump, plugs/wire and drive belts. Well I didn't know what the signs were of a dying water pump, but after asking them, said "we listen to it w/ a stethscope and heard the bearings were rattling" Okay, well fix that too. So after water pump, drive belts, plugs/wires, and crank seal done, a total of $1000 in fixes, AND I STILL HAVE AN OIL LEAK! and now an exhaust leak from somewhere (sounding like driver side, previous owner pulled Cats, and straight piped) Have LOTS of question.
1. exhaust leak=poor MPG
2. getting 200 miles/tank with 255/65, OME's, roof rack (45 lbs, not pictured), no 3rd seats, mostly city, occasional highway. about average?
3. Next things i should get serviced? recommendations welcome
4. steering pump whines (slightly) when turning with a.c. on; normal?
O yea...should mention I live in FL, and I am moving to CO in about a month. Want to make sure General Sherman is solid to get out there without any hardcore problem (at least preventable ones) You guys rock on here, Absolute cruiserheads and I love it!
btw, my friend with a jeep hates me now!!! haha

[PabloVTA]

Welcome!

(those are friendly around here)

start searchin, and prioritizin', and spending....

get an FSM (factory sevice manual) and search some more.

good luck.

[Cruiserdrew]

It was probably the oil pump cover o-ring that is causing the leak, though it can be the pan arches too. How bad is the leak?

If the water pump is not leaking from the weep hole underneath it, it is still good.

You are at the right mileage to replace the power steering pump. I would replace the high pressure line at the same time.

one bit of advice---Do your own service work. Otherwise these trucks get too expensive to keep. Have a pro do the really specialized work that you can't do, but do all the routine work (including things like fixing oil leaks) yourself.

You will find that an 80 is nearly bulletproof, and all the systems are designed for routine rebuilding and replacement. They are not maintenance free like a Camry if that's what you are used to.

[landcruisers4ever]

sweet rig, my favorite color, as far as your gas then that is about what I get with all city driving, and the roof rack makes a difference, also what part of florida do you live in?

[gotmud]

Welcome to the addiction

You asked a lot of questions, before you go too much further try hooking up with a local club and get a few opinions on what may need done next.

TLCAForum.com - IH8MUD™ Forums

[ZangMtns]

live in St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay area. Thanks for all your help. I know the power steering leaks alittle bit, the o-ring kit will fix that, but as for the oil leak, I am not exactly sure. Love working on things, just don't have the knowledge, time, or pair in between my legs to do any repairs! ha but having a Haynes (or Hayes) manual helps. Thanks for your help guys, appreciate all the love! Good ole dealerships, taking money from our hard earning American dollars. Anyone in FL (relatively close) feel like looking over the general for me to see if it needs anything else? Not really sure what I am looking for (problems) Any help would be appreciated.

[Cruiserdrew]

Originally Posted by ZangMtns

live in St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay area. Thanks for all your help. I know the power steering leaks alittle bit, the o-ring kit will fix that, but as for the oil leak, I am not exactly sure. Love working on things, just don't have the knowledge, time, or pair in between my legs to do any repairs! ha but having a Haynes (or Hayes) manual helps. Thanks for your help guys, appreciate all the love! Good ole dealerships, taking money from our hard earning American dollars. Anyone in FL (relatively close) feel like looking over the general for me to see if it needs anything else? Not really sure what I am looking for (problems) Any help would be appreciated.

Take that Haynes manual and throw it in the bushes.

GET A FACTORY MANUAL.

Make certain your cooling system is perfect before you go. Clogged radiators and bad fan clutches kill more 80s than anything else.

Just me, but with big cross country trip coming up, I would replace the PS pump before you go. An o-ring kit might do it for someone with some experience, but I would just get a new pump and a high pressure hose.

Ha ve you baselined the diff, tcase, and brake fluids yet? Do that before you go.

[ZangMtns]

Plan on doing all the base lining before I hit the road. Thanks for your help cruiserdrew. Really gave me a head's up, appreciate it tons! The oil leak is pretty small, about less than a quarter size when sitting overnight. sometimes not at all. Where would i find/buy a FSM?

[ZangMtns]

Is the PS pump dunbar? only seems to whine with the a.c, and only some of the time. Had a new radiator put in @ 120K from previous owner, would they have replaced fan cluthes when doing this? Don't know that much about these engines yet, (only familiar with newer Toyotas 03+) How much does PS pump cost and oil pump o-ring? looks like ill be contacting CDan sometime soon. ha