Diesel rookie needs DD tips.

[chadclair]

I recently sold my daily driver (300e) and replaced it with an hj60 that has recently been resurected from a 3 year hibernation. Anything I should look out for like any common hj problems? Mine has a 2h with an auto. tranny. Thanks in advance.

[canucksafari]

Originally Posted by chadclair

Anything I should look out for like any common hj problems?

Iron oxide infestations are quite common.

[cruiser_guy]

John's comment on rust is very true if you're in Canada. If the truck was out of use for 3 years be prepared to replace a few seals as they leak if they are unused for a while.

[street tractor]

I would check/change the transmission fluid and check the condition of the batteries. I would also make sure the PO was not running any accessories off of one of your batteries (I am assuming it is 24 volt).

The only problems I have had with mine were electrical.

If you're in Canada or somewhere else that is cold, check glowplugs.

[Eric Winkworth]

The only real issue you'll ever have with a diesel early on in it's life, are fuel, and if someone hacked the electrical... I've had both of these problems, the fuel issue, was from rusted vent tubes, and the electrical issue was from someone hooking up some really sketchy trailer lights...

[jmylie]

3 years is a long time for a vehicle to sit unused.

Go through it, especially seals, all brake components and change all fluids.

Shocks and springs may need replacement, just an excuse for a new lift.

Let us know how you make out and post some pictures.

[chadclair]

Thanks Y`all,

I`ve been going through this truck for about a month now and thanks to everyones help on here, I started driving it full time today. I replaced about 20 seals and gaskets, replaced a bad t.case and fixed my leaning OME suspension. I am a total hack when it comes to the wrenches but got through it with no major hang ups. I drove 320 kms today without a glitch, love this truck!!!!

[Tapage]

Originally Posted by chadclair

Thanks Y`all,

I`ve been going through this truck for about a month now and thanks to everyones help on here, I started driving it full time today. I replaced about 20 seals and gaskets, replaced a bad t.case and fixed my leaning OME suspension. I am a total hack when it comes to the wrenches but got through it with no major hang ups. I drove 320 kms today without a glitch, love this truck!!!!

Congrats and welcome to the club .. it's a Land Cruiser ..

I thought you also replace all your fluids ..

[eleblanc]

Originally Posted by chadclair

I recently sold my daily driver (300e) and replaced it with an hj60 that has recently been resurected from a 3 year hibernation. Anything I should look out for like any common hj problems? Mine has a 2h with an auto. tranny. Thanks in advance.

Forget about what it could need, what is your budget for repair/improvements?

[rstl99]

Originally Posted by Eric Winkworth

The only real issue you'll ever have with a diesel early on in it's life, are fuel, and if someone hacked the electrical... I've had both of these problems, the fuel issue, was from rusted vent tubes, and the electrical issue was from someone hooking up some really sketchy trailer lights...

Adding to Eric's note about fuel vent tubes, and depending on where the vehicle has sat for those 3 years (dry garage is best; on cement, pavement or gravel ok; on grass or dirt bad), the underside could have been exposed to a fair amount of moisture, resulting in rust in all kinds of places. Be particularly attentive to possible rust and deterioration of fuel lines, and most importantly, BRAKE LINES!!! Having a serious brake failure at highway speeds can be hazardous to your life (or someone else's), so please do check all those lines, and get them replaced if they're corroded and too rusty. Won't be cheap if you get it done by a shop, but unless you have the tools and knowhow, will be a pain to do it yourself. On the 82 BJ60 that I recently bought, and that had sat for 3 years, the mechanic who did the safety inspection had to replace most of the brake lines.

So: find out how/where the vehicle was stored, and check the condition of those steel fuel/hydraulic lines, for safety's sake.

Good luck.

[chadclair]

Thanks again, I did have to replace all of the brake lines, as they were almost all leaking. Rotors are next, this truck has so much frame rust I`m not sure that it`s safe. The rear section is worst and should at least be re-enforced. I live in the states, always wanted a diesel 60, every time I start it I smile.

[rstl99]

Too bad about the frame rust, it's a killer on those trucks for sure! Thankfully, mine is quite solid front to back.
I'm sure others on the list here will suggest to you that if the frame is that bad, you might consider transplanting the diesel drivetrain onto a relatively rust-free Southern FJ60. Will give you a longer lasting solution in the end, with that diesel powerplant that you like so much. For some people, that kind of drivetrain transplant is easier than for others (experience, skills, tools, space), but it's always possible to pay someone else to do it, if you find a good LC mechanic near you.
All depends how bad the frame is (and possibly, the body too). If it's more than just the rear portion that's going, you may want to consider that FJ60 transplant route sooner than later. Your call.
Good luck, and glad you like the sound of that diesel!

[brownbear]

Originally Posted by chadclair

Thanks again, I did have to replace all of the brake lines, as they were almost all leaking. Rotors are next, this truck has so much frame rust I`m not sure that it`s safe. The rear section is worst and should at least be re-enforced. I live in the states, always wanted a diesel 60, every time I start it I smile.

well if your in the states it's easier for yah for frame help.

I would find a clean fj60 frame to convert over on your hj.

Also if the body is really rusty if you look here on mud you might get a real good deal on a rust free 60 with a shot engine. Then transfer all the diesel goodies in there.