Who needs the Head Gasket DVD when you have. . . .

Romer · 12-09-05, 08:39 PM

Adventure off road do the work.

When I was changing the starter contacts I noticed my PHH was in bad shape. Robbie had previously said he saw signs the Head Gasket was going, I also had been wanting to change out the Fuel Injectors. It was running OK, but I wanted to get it in great shape. So I took it to Adventure Off Road and had the following work done:

Head gasket setreplaced, New Spark plugs, Distributor cap and rotor replaced, Spark plug wires replaced, fuel filter replaced, EGR gasket replaced, Distributor O-ring replaced, Water pipe gasket replaced, Fan Clutch replaced, Thermostat and O-ring replaced, Throttle body cleaned out and the PHH replaced.

When the head came off I was told there was tremendous buildup of carbon, more than normal for my engine. The pictures below show the before and after shots.

The head was also slightly warped and the valves needed to be resealed. The head was milled .11. It was running pretty good for all that crap. Must have been the computer compensateing. It runs great now.

The PO must have run cheap oil and did not change the oil when they should have. They probably ran cheap gas as well.

Great service and I would highly recommend Adventure Off Road. You probaby know it by another name, Robbie.

Like I said, who needs the Head Gasket DVD when you have Robbie.

Romer · 12-09-05, 08:44 PM

The only remaing problem is Robbie said the carbon build up behind the rings. allowied the rings to push a little more into the cylinder wall, creating a little ring groove. Don't know if you can see it in the photo.

The engine will still run fine for quite sometime and I should be able to get well over 200,000 miles on it. Currently at 114,000 miles. I run Red Line synthetic so that good oil should help and the grooves hopefully won't be a problem.

Was wondering if I should run Seafoam or AutoRx in the oil to help get rid of any remaining carbon.

Thoughts?

tarbe · 12-09-05, 08:59 PM

AutoRx is good stuff for getting carbon out of the ring packs. Many users have found significant improvements in compression after running ARx. This can translate into improved fuel economy also. Check out Bobistheoilguy.com - ARx has its own thread. I'd say 80%+ of users are satisfied that the product is money well spent (just my guess based on following the product - and I use it myself).

The esters in ARx will liquify sludge, carbon and varnish and deposit it into your filter. Just be sure to follow the directions and don't second guess.

Junk · 12-09-05, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romer

Great service and I would highly recommend Adventure Off Road. You probaby know it by another name, Robbie.

Robbie started his own shop? When did that happen? I imagine it's in CO as we on the east coast aren't lucky enough to have many good shops.

Robbie is a great guy - I'm sure he'll do well and I wish him all the best.

Montana Cruiser · 12-09-05, 10:43 PM

Whats a headgasket and mill job on the head run, if you dont mind me asking?

Romer · 12-09-05, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montana Cruiser

Whats a headgasket and mill job on the head run, if you dont mind me asking?

This was the cost from the Machine shop:

Cylinder head cleaned, valves buffed, new valve seal installed. Head milled 0.011 Head was lightly warped 252.50

If everything else is OK, you could have the head milled for about $100.

I got the headgasket "set" from CDAN. I think it was less than $200.

Edit: it is a flat rate of 15 hours. Robbie corrected me below

lowtideride · 12-09-05, 11:09 PM

or a 3fe

NorCalDoug · 12-09-05, 11:10 PM

Sorry to hear that you had to open her up. I can't think of a better person to perform the work though.

I'd consider making the drive out there to have it done right the first time.

Montana Cruiser · 12-09-05, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romer

This was the cost from the Machine shop:

Cylinder head cleaned, valves buffed, new valve seal installed. Head milled 0.011 Head was lightly warped 252.50

If everything else is OK, you could have the head milled for about $100.

I got the headgasket "set" from CDAN. I think it was less than $200.

10 hours of labor was what I was told a headgasket job takes. Mine was more becuase I had other things done (see above) and it came to about 15 hours.

Not quite as bad as I would have thought, and you know you got quality work.

Cruiserdrew · 12-09-05, 11:57 PM

How did Robbie get it so clean? That engine block looks really great with the carbon cleaned off. 10 hours of shop time is not as bad as I thought.

cruiserdan · 12-10-05, 01:38 AM

Robbie has forgotten more about the 1FZ than probably any other mechanic/technicion in the US knows...

It is a safe bet that he has serviced/repaired/overhauled more of them than the next 20 or so combined.

In addition he is a gentleman and a damn fine friend.

There is only ONE person I would "sublet" ANY work on my 80 to and that is Robbie....

reffug · 12-10-05, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junk

Robbie started his own shop? When did that happen? I imagine it's in CO as we on the east coast aren't lucky enough to have many good shops.

Robbie is a great guy - I'm sure he'll do well and I wish him all the best.

Where the heck have you been???

Busy with your sock collection???

Congrats Romer you guys in CO don't know how lucky you are to have an asset such as Robbie so close by and available for truly technical work on your trucks.

powderpig · 12-10-05, 08:22 AM

Andrew I use a combination of scraper, and scotchbrite pads on a air grinder, with some hand work inbetween. The one mistake Ken stated is the job is a flatrate of 15 hrs. He had some extra time involved with the wiring and fan hub, injectors, thermo stat. A little extra work, but it is the way I think it needs to be when you pull the head off. I learned head jobs on big diesels and in those days you used sand paper and wire brushes and used cylinder plugs to keep the sand out of the engine.Oil is also used to clean the cylinder walls and any depree from the cylinder walls before the head goes back on.
Thanks for the kind comments from you all. later robbie

Uncle Ben · 12-10-05, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reffug

Where the heck have you been???

Busy with your sock collection???

Congrats Romer you guys in CO don't know how lucky you are to have an asset such as Robbie so close by and available for truly technical work on your trucks.

And he is one hell of a skier too!

Robbie is the only one besides myself that I would let mess with my stuff!

Romer · 12-10-05, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowtideride

or a 3fe

Oh yeah, instead of cleaning it up and milling the head to make it perform better, lets put a slower engine in it. Bwaaahaaaaaaaaa. Sounds like 1FZ envy to me.

powderpig · 12-10-05, 11:25 AM

I would also venture to guess there is many 3fe's out in the country that have a middle of the gasket leak under the intake/exhaust manifold. I have also done a few of these. the 3fe leak is more little bubbles that can be seen with out a real loss of perfromance(like their is any except in low range LOL real hard). So 3fe owners take a gander some time in this area and see what you can see. The 3fe will also come alive if the head is milled (also want to take care of the plug that is in the oil passage) if the head is out. But yes I have seen more of the 1fz HG failures. later robbie

timmbuck2 · 12-10-05, 11:32 AM

Looks like I will be next in line for some HG work from Robbie. The SC adds some hours, more like 20-23 hours. I will probably replace the radiator also. Just have to find the right time to drive ALL the way out there Maybe 20 miles.

Sorry guys who don't live in CO, I feel very lucky that Robbie will be able to work on my rig.

T

lowtideride · 12-10-05, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romer

Oh yeah, instead of cleaning it up and milling the head to make it perform better, lets put a slower engine in it. Bwaaahaaaaaaaaa. Sounds like 1FZ envy to me.

Nope not really at all when, PM includes replacing a HG i really dont want it under the hood. I like slower a reliable. I just joking with you nutty 80 owners.

Area51 · 12-10-05, 01:35 PM

Romer,
Can you give some info on how to contact Adventure off road?
Phone#, website, address, etc.
Thanks in advance

Romer · 12-10-05, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Area51

Romer,
Can you give some info on how to contact Adventure off road?
Phone#, website, address, etc.
Thanks in advance

PM Powderpig - He is Adventure Off Road. I'd rather not post a phone number in a public forum. He has posted above, so you can click on his name and take it from there

concretejungle · 12-10-05, 02:17 PM

I do remember him posting that he is a "traveling" mechanic. So, perhaps us east coast @&@&@&@&ers could get a group purchase of head gaskets and convince him to come our way. Perhaps if he knew there were 10 rigs that needed head gasket's done, it would be worth his time for a road trip.

Romer · 12-10-05, 03:03 PM

Thanks Trabe for answering my question on AutoRx. I spent the morning reading Bobistheoilguy.com The Owner of the company is on the site and you can tell when he posts about his product. However, plenty more recommend it. Looking at what they did in the Automotive industry gave their posts a lot of credibility. I ordered some and I'll give it a try.

The head is clean, but I am sure there is still carbon behind the ring packs and I would like to get rid of that. I'll post up results.

cruiserdan · 12-10-05, 05:20 PM

Robbie will travel. Do be prepared to compensate him accordingly......

Romer · 12-10-05, 06:37 PM

Just look at his sig line.

Can't wait for a trip

Junk · 12-10-05, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reffug

Where the heck have you been???

Busy with your sock collection???

No socks, but you're wife won't be home til later.

Hadn't realized that Robbie has his own shingle now. I'm happy for him. Definitely one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. Only had a chance to wheel with him one time, but when I'm in Denver in early Jan maybe I'll try to swing out and say hi.

Robbie - if you happen to read this - I wish you all the luck in the world, but you won't need it. Good things happen to good people.

bh4rnnr · 12-10-05, 09:21 PM

Romer, your truck is in good hands. It's a plessure to wheel with you Robbie, even if I do get you lost

. The best of luck to you

. Junk, give us a ring when you get out here

12-09-05, 08:39 PM	#1
Romer Kneel for the Shaman Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Englewood, Colorado TLCA# 13968 Posts: 7,556	Who needs the Head Gasket DVD when you have. . . . Adventure off road do the work. When I was changing the starter contacts I noticed my PHH was in bad shape. Robbie had previously said he saw signs the Head Gasket was going, I also had been wanting to change out the Fuel Injectors. It was running OK, but I wanted to get it in great shape. So I took it to Adventure Off Road and had the following work done: Head gasket setreplaced, New Spark plugs, Distributor cap and rotor replaced, Spark plug wires replaced, fuel filter replaced, EGR gasket replaced, Distributor O-ring replaced, Water pipe gasket replaced, Fan Clutch replaced, Thermostat and O-ring replaced, Throttle body cleaned out and the PHH replaced. When the head came off I was told there was tremendous buildup of carbon, more than normal for my engine. The pictures below show the before and after shots. The head was also slightly warped and the valves needed to be resealed. The head was milled .11. It was running pretty good for all that crap. Must have been the computer compensateing. It runs great now. The PO must have run cheap oil and did not change the oil when they should have. They probably ran cheap gas as well. Great service and I would highly recommend Adventure Off Road. You probaby know it by another name, Robbie. Like I said, who needs the Head Gasket DVD when you have Robbie. Attached Images __________________ Ken Romer ~ Friend of Shaman Keeper of the FAQ, Defender of Newbies, and Slayer of Tards Commander Rising Sun 4WD Club - K0ROM 97 LX450, Supercharged, Locked, and lots of other stuff ROTW 96 LX450 - ROD's 06 4Runner - Wife's 99 4Runner - daughterofromer's 03 BMW Z4 Roadster

12-09-05, 08:44 PM	#2
Romer Kneel for the Shaman Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Englewood, Colorado TLCA# 13968 Posts: 7,556	The only remaing problem is Robbie said the carbon build up behind the rings. allowied the rings to push a little more into the cylinder wall, creating a little ring groove. Don't know if you can see it in the photo. The engine will still run fine for quite sometime and I should be able to get well over 200,000 miles on it. Currently at 114,000 miles. I run Red Line synthetic so that good oil should help and the grooves hopefully won't be a problem. Was wondering if I should run Seafoam or AutoRx in the oil to help get rid of any remaining carbon. Thoughts? Attached Images __________________ Ken Romer ~ Friend of Shaman Keeper of the FAQ, Defender of Newbies, and Slayer of Tards Commander Rising Sun 4WD Club - K0ROM 97 LX450, Supercharged, Locked, and lots of other stuff ROTW 96 LX450 - ROD's 06 4Runner - Wife's 99 4Runner - daughterofromer's 03 BMW Z4 Roadster

12-09-05, 08:59 PM	#3
tarbe IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 1,374	AutoRx is good stuff for getting carbon out of the ring packs. Many users have found significant improvements in compression after running ARx. This can translate into improved fuel economy also. Check out Bobistheoilguy.com - ARx has its own thread. I'd say 80%+ of users are satisfied that the product is money well spent (just my guess based on following the product - and I use it myself). The esters in ARx will liquify sludge, carbon and varnish and deposit it into your filter. Just be sure to follow the directions and don't second guess. __________________ Tim A TLCA #2620 '97 LX-450, 163K miles SOLD to BUCKRU

12-09-05, 10:43 PM	#5
Montana Cruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 1,139	Whats a headgasket and mill job on the head run, if you dont mind me asking? __________________ 98' 4Runner 3.4L V6 / OEM Rear Locker/ .... lifted soon! 99' Audi 2.8 A6 Avant Quattro VAG-Com first, then the mods 92' Honda Accord Wagon DD SOLD! 97' FZJ80 "Junior" Black/ARB winch bar/OEM Lockers

12-09-05, 11:09 PM	#7
lowtideride Ride On... Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Florida TLCA# 14891 Posts: 7,004	or a 3fe __________________ www.NFCruiserheads.org 1983 SR5 Hilux... has had no peers for 50 years...

12-09-05, 11:10 PM	#8
NorCalDoug I Solve Problems... Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: uhhhh...duh...Northern CA TLCA# yes, I have one Posts: 5,065	Sorry to hear that you had to open her up. I can't think of a better person to perform the work though. I'd consider making the drive out there to have it done right the first time. __________________ a couple pairs of pink panties... Another convert to the Church of Latter Day Swank, a sub-cult of Shahrislam "...Opportunity doesn't knock, you have to kick the fuckin door in and drag the bitch out screamin." -- Ullr "I have more respect for people who change their views after acquiring new information than for those who cling to views they held thirty years ago. The world changes. Ideologues and zealots don't." - Michael Crichton Buy TEQ Bottle Openers

12-09-05, 11:57 PM	#10
Cruiserdrew KI6MIE Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA TLCA# 11734 Posts: 7,190	How did Robbie get it so clean? That engine block looks really great with the carbon cleaned off. 10 hours of shop time is not as bad as I thought. __________________ Andrew 1971 FJ-40 Rubicon tested, 2F powered, some mods 1976 FJ40 Rusting slowly in the back yard 1984 FJ-60 H55f, 4.11, OME, Daily Driver 1989 FJ-62 117k-son's driver for now-low and slow 1997 FZJ-80 Driveway queen

12-10-05, 01:38 AM	#11
cruiserdan Parts Shaman (per Romer) Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Where's my glasses? TLCA# 11332 Posts: 14,053	Robbie has forgotten more about the 1FZ than probably any other mechanic/technicion in the US knows... It is a safe bet that he has serviced/repaired/overhauled more of them than the next 20 or so combined. In addition he is a gentleman and a damn fine friend. There is only ONE person I would "sublet" ANY work on my 80 to and that is Robbie.... __________________ Original owner 93 FZJ80,locked,blown,water/methanol injected(like a WWII fighter aircraft),lifted,winched,snorkeled,slidered,Sleeed ,moneypit. Balanced on a pin head. 95 FZJ80 trail truck (hers), 94 FZJ80 320K with a knock and a lumpy old Dodge car.

12-10-05, 08:22 AM	#13
powderpig IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boulder Foothills, CO TLCA# 8901 Posts: 730	Andrew I use a combination of scraper, and scotchbrite pads on a air grinder, with some hand work inbetween. The one mistake Ken stated is the job is a flatrate of 15 hrs. He had some extra time involved with the wiring and fan hub, injectors, thermo stat. A little extra work, but it is the way I think it needs to be when you pull the head off. I learned head jobs on big diesels and in those days you used sand paper and wire brushes and used cylinder plugs to keep the sand out of the engine.Oil is also used to clean the cylinder walls and any depree from the cylinder walls before the head goes back on. Thanks for the kind comments from you all. later robbie __________________ 93 FZJ 80, 4.6 l, 6 slee suspenion, Front and rear and side aromor, 44 gal aux tank, 4.88, 35 MTR, daily driver, 36 TSL fun tire, drawer system, dual batteries. Can't wait for a trip. Senior Driver FJCTT

12-10-05, 11:25 AM	#16
powderpig IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boulder Foothills, CO TLCA# 8901 Posts: 730	I would also venture to guess there is many 3fe's out in the country that have a middle of the gasket leak under the intake/exhaust manifold. I have also done a few of these. the 3fe leak is more little bubbles that can be seen with out a real loss of perfromance(like their is any except in low range LOL real hard). So 3fe owners take a gander some time in this area and see what you can see. The 3fe will also come alive if the head is milled (also want to take care of the plug that is in the oil passage) if the head is out. But yes I have seen more of the 1fz HG failures. later robbie __________________ 93 FZJ 80, 4.6 l, 6 slee suspenion, Front and rear and side aromor, 44 gal aux tank, 4.88, 35 MTR, daily driver, 36 TSL fun tire, drawer system, dual batteries. Can't wait for a trip. Senior Driver FJCTT

12-10-05, 11:32 AM	#17
timmbuck2 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Denver TLCA# 15572 Posts: 203	cool Looks like I will be next in line for some HG work from Robbie. The SC adds some hours, more like 20-23 hours. I will probably replace the radiator also. Just have to find the right time to drive ALL the way out there Maybe 20 miles. Sorry guys who don't live in CO, I feel very lucky that Robbie will be able to work on my rig. T __________________ 97 FZJ80 73 FJ40 *74 FJ55 www.tlca.org TLCA #15572 TLCA Executive VP

12-10-05, 01:35 PM	#19
Area51 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Fallon, Nevada Posts: 21	Romer, Can you give some info on how to contact Adventure off road? Phone#, website, address, etc. Thanks in advance

12-10-05, 02:17 PM	#21
concretejungle IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: North Cadillac TLCA# 14646 Posts: 6,174	I do remember him posting that he is a "traveling" mechanic. So, perhaps us east coast @&@&@&@&ers could get a group purchase of head gaskets and convince him to come our way. Perhaps if he knew there were 10 rigs that needed head gasket's done, it would be worth his time for a road trip. __________________ 95' FZJ80 OME med./J lift, ARB rack, ARB Bull Bar w/tmax 12,500, 315 Nitto, stainless brake lines, Center Diff Lock, Sliders, IPOR Skid, IPOR rear bumper, upgraded slee sticker, custom dents, more to come. . . Remember it's a gateway drug, so it will actually lead to "crystal meh".

12-10-05, 03:03 PM	#22
Romer Kneel for the Shaman Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Englewood, Colorado TLCA# 13968 Posts: 7,556	Thanks Trabe for answering my question on AutoRx. I spent the morning reading Bobistheoilguy.com The Owner of the company is on the site and you can tell when he posts about his product. However, plenty more recommend it. Looking at what they did in the Automotive industry gave their posts a lot of credibility. I ordered some and I'll give it a try. The head is clean, but I am sure there is still carbon behind the ring packs and I would like to get rid of that. I'll post up results. __________________ Ken Romer ~ Friend of Shaman Keeper of the FAQ, Defender of Newbies, and Slayer of Tards Commander Rising Sun 4WD Club - K0ROM 97 LX450, Supercharged, Locked, and lots of other stuff ROTW 96 LX450 - ROD's 06 4Runner - Wife's 99 4Runner - daughterofromer's 03 BMW Z4 Roadster

12-10-05, 05:20 PM	#23
cruiserdan Parts Shaman (per Romer) Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Where's my glasses? TLCA# 11332 Posts: 14,053	Robbie will travel. Do be prepared to compensate him accordingly...... __________________ Original owner 93 FZJ80,locked,blown,water/methanol injected(like a WWII fighter aircraft),lifted,winched,snorkeled,slidered,Sleeed ,moneypit. Balanced on a pin head. 95 FZJ80 trail truck (hers), 94 FZJ80 320K with a knock and a lumpy old Dodge car.

12-10-05, 06:37 PM	#24
Romer Kneel for the Shaman Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Englewood, Colorado TLCA# 13968 Posts: 7,556	Just look at his sig line. Can't wait for a trip __________________ Ken Romer ~ Friend of Shaman Keeper of the FAQ, Defender of Newbies, and Slayer of Tards Commander Rising Sun 4WD Club - K0ROM 97 LX450, Supercharged, Locked, and lots of other stuff ROTW 96 LX450 - ROD's 06 4Runner - Wife's 99 4Runner - daughterofromer's 03 BMW Z4 Roadster

12-10-05, 09:21 PM	#26
bh4rnnr IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Littleton Colorado TLCA# 13919 Posts: 313	Romer, your truck is in good hands. It's a plessure to wheel with you Robbie, even if I do get you lost . The best of luck to you . Junk, give us a ring when you get out here __________________ Perry Loughridge, aka "Skelator" 1987 Toyota 4runner. Flat bed by Proffitts Cruisers. 5.29 gears, rear locker, 33" goodyear mt/r's. rising sun 4x4 club of colorado. 4th generation Coloradoan. COLORADO:my "Monument in Green"