Need help with my FJ40/Mechanic in Chicago

edin351 · 10-18-09, 08:55 AM

Last Sunday, I purchased a 1972 FJ40 from someone up near Minneapolis for 6k. It has 12k in parts invested and it drove the 8 hrs home fine.

However, when I got home, it started leaking, the wiper motor blew, one of the front shocks blew. Our mechanic also told us that it has a lot of play in the front differential (we haven't tried it yet though)

I'm a senior in high school and my parents bought me this, but we can't afford to pour money into this, we bought it thinking it was going to be a solid rig that wouldn't require maintenance for a while.

Does anyone know of a good LC mechanic in Chicago? Or would anyone want to come take a look at it?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Eric

PhilC64 · 10-18-09, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edin351

Last Sunday, I purchased a 1972 FJ40 from someone up near Minneapolis for 6k. It has 12k in parts invested and it drove the 8 hrs home fine.

However, when I got home, it started leaking, the wiper motor blew, one of the front shocks blew. Our mechanic also told us that it has a lot of play in the front differential (we haven't tried it yet though)

I'm a senior in high school and my parents bought me this, but we can't afford to pour money into this, we bought it thinking it was going to be a solid rig that wouldn't require maintenance for a while.

Does anyone know of a good LC mechanic in Chicago? Or would anyone want to come take a look at it? We're trying to have the previous owner buy it back, but in case he doesn't, we're looking to fix it up and then sell it. We might just buy a stock truck and lift it ourselves.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Eric

First off congats on the 40 and welcome to Mud Eric! A 40 as a first vehicle can be frustrating but well worth it! Like most first time 40 owners you'll have a few misgivings about it but don't sweat it. They are solid and dependable with just a minimum amount of sweat involved.

If it drove the 8 hours home without issue then I would have to think that whatever ailments it has are some fine tuning issues. Whether it's electrical, or mechanical it can be figured out without a problem. Parts are readily available through vendors and if you play your cards right, there may be somebody on here that may have a replacement for a screaming deal.

I'll shoot you a PM and hopefully can swing by to take a gander at it.

Phil

4rnr · 10-18-09, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edin351

Last Sunday, I purchased a 1972 FJ40 from someone up near Minneapolis for 6k. It has 12k in parts invested and it drove the 8 hrs home fine.

However, when I got home, it started leaking, the wiper motor blew, one of the front shocks blew. Our mechanic also told us that it has a lot of play in the front differential (we haven't tried it yet though)

I'm a senior in high school and my parents bought me this, but we can't afford to pour money into this, we bought it thinking it was going to be a solid rig that wouldn't require maintenance for a while.

Does anyone know of a good LC mechanic in Chicago? Or would anyone want to come take a look at it? We're trying to have the previous owner buy it back, but in case he doesn't, we're looking to fix it up and then sell it. We might just buy a stock truck and lift it ourselves.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Eric

Sounds like a fj40 to me.... its "reliable" for a 37 yr old all original vehicle. But a monkey can maintain a 40. So relax do some searching, and learn how to fix it. The problems you are having are all easy. Wiper motor and shock could take you maybe 30 min to fix. Differential play? I dont trust mechanics for shit! either way...easy fix. Worst case scenario, you swap in a new 3rd....easy. But just know these kinds of things will be somewhat regular, especially if your not good about keeping on top of things.

Or if it really is over your head, post up some pics. Maybe I can get my wife to trade you for her fj62. She has been driving it with very little maintenance required for years.

Gumby · 10-18-09, 09:53 AM

Trying to get the previous owner to buy it back or selling it because it has a leak sounds like you have no business owning a 37 year old vehicle.

It ain't no mid 90s Honda. Reliability is relative.

My suggestion is buy a Tacoma or John's FJ62.

and don't wheel it. If you can't afford for it to break you can't afford to wheel it.

PhilC64 · 10-18-09, 10:00 AM

Eric where is it leaking from and what kind of fluid is it?
When the mechanic said there is play in the diff, did he tell you what indicators there were?
Did you check the fuse for the wiper motor? Also what wiper motor do you have? Two separate motors or a single motor with a shielded cable connecting them?

edin351 · 10-18-09, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gumby

Trying to get the previous owner to buy it back or selling it because it has a leak sounds like you have no business owning a 37 year old vehicle.

The leak itself is not the reason we would try to have the PO buy it back. If the shocks are mounted upside down, the first time the wiper motor is turned on, it breaks, etc...we have to be skeptical of what else is wrong right? I drive a 1984 Alfa Romeo Spider, so I'm familiar with imperfect cars...

PhilC64- i don't know waht type of fluid it is, but it was leaking onto the front diff and tie rod, but I couldn't see where it's coming from.

i'll find out from the PO what kind of motor it is.

Thanks everyone!

4rnr · 10-18-09, 10:29 AM

shocks can be mounted either way.

edin351 · 10-18-09, 10:37 AM

I thought they could only be mounted upside down if they were external bypass.

I built a dune buggy this summer and thats what I found in my research...maybe i'm mistaken.

4rnr · 10-18-09, 03:22 PM

nope goes either way

So which is it, are you a dune buggy buildin, crappy ol' Alfa owning, mechnic master mofo, or a "I cant maintain the 40 my mom bought me" newb?

edin351 · 10-18-09, 03:58 PM

Here are some pictures of where it's coming from and of the truck itself. If it seems like i don't want to keep this truck, I'm sorry. i love it, and i really would like to keep it, but my parents ultimately have the last say because they did buy it for me. Right now i'm just trying to do some research on the stuff we know is wrong with it.

The liquid is very thin, yellow, and it seems odorless. I don't know if this will help. It was dripping onto the tie rod and differential.

Thanks!

4rnr · 10-18-09, 04:06 PM

very nice, tell your parents you would be better off in a cherry 62

color, consatancy, and the way it splashed on the diff...I say coolant. Wheres it coming from, is the coolant low?

Gumby · 10-18-09, 05:23 PM

Maybe coolant. If it doesn't have a coolant overflow jug it is designed to spit out on the ground if the radiator is overfilled.

Gappy · 10-18-09, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4rnr

So which is it, are you a dune buggy buildin, crappy ol' Alfa owning, mechnic master mofo, or a "I cant maintain the 40 my mom bought me" newb?

I was beginning to wonder, thats more like it.......your first post was not very "Johnish".

PhilC64 · 10-18-09, 06:58 PM

Eric whenever you deal with the Ginger (4Rnr) be aware that he loves getting under everyones skin. Just remember he's a Ginger, he has no soul.

That is a very sweet 40! As previously posted, it may be anti-freeze overflow. A bit of trouble shooting and it should be easily fixed.

Just looked at the pics again and picked out a few things already done to the rig.

Saginaw power steering conversion.
Spring over.
High steer.
Probably a disc brake conversion as well.

No need for a lift!! You just might have a bad shock is all!

Damn Jr.! You got yourself a hell of a rig from what I'm seeing!

4rnr · 10-18-09, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilC64

Eric whenever you deal with the Ginger (4Rnr) be aware that he loves getting under everyones skin.

Untrue. Im just not a punch pulling pussy (cough) and if someone pops up and says he is going to try to return a 40 because it has a couple issues im gonna try to "explain" to him the error of his ways. Besides im being nice.

I thought you were going back to the blue room.

PhilC64 · 10-18-09, 07:18 PM

At least I didn't start out on TTora you wanna-be mini driver! Don't you have a few welds to booger up?
Reminds me...I may need to Todd up the cage a little. I'm feeling a bit creative and want to do something.

4rnr · 10-18-09, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilC64

At least I didn't start out on TTora you wanna-be mini driver! Don't you have a few welds to booger up?
Reminds me...I may need to Todd up the cage a little. I'm feeling a bit creative and want to do something.

TTORA? Are you on crack? I think my first board was pirate, which is why im such a dick. TTORA licks taint

Hey im all mini bitch, no cruisers for me

edin351 · 10-19-09, 07:21 AM

Thanks everyone for their input, I think it is the coolant, the previous owner did warn me about that.

What is the next step to fixing this?

Thanks!

PhilC64 · 10-19-09, 07:43 AM

The question is when does it over flow? Is it when the engine is running, is it after you shut it off? What does the temp gauge read while the engine is running? Where is the leak coming from? Is it at the overflow tube; a hose; the radiator; water pump; thermostat housing; heater lines, .... Find where it's coming from first, then you can adequately address the issue.

What would give you the indication a shock is broke? Does the truck "lean" to the passenger side? Does the suspension bottom out? Does the truck "porpoise" after hitting a decent bump? Give me something to go on.

edin351 · 10-19-09, 07:51 AM

It leaks when the engine is turned off, and I don't think it leaks when it is running. when it started leaking, i opened up the hood and tried to see where it was coming from...but I couldn't see anything. I think it's coming from the radiator but i'm not positive. The problem is, I don't know where all the stuff is that you mentioned. Sorry guys...this is my first car and i'm only 17 yrs old. This is going to be a huge learning experience.

When we were on the highway driving back, the temp was just below 180.

4rnr · 10-19-09, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edin351

It leaks when the engine is turned off, and I don't think it leaks when it is running. when it started leaking, i opened up the hood and tried to see where it was coming from...but I couldn't see anything. I think it's coming from the radiator but i'm not positive. The problem is, I don't know where all the stuff is that you mentioned. Sorry guys...this is my first car and i'm only 17 yrs old. This is going to be a huge learning experience.

When we were on the highway driving back, the temp was just below 180.

Sounds like you dont have an over flow.

Post some good pics of the engine bay. Also start it, let it warm up, and shut it off and se where the coolant comes from.

PhilC64 · 10-19-09, 07:59 AM

Shouldn't you be in school studying trig or physics or something? Jeepers! If Gumby gets on here and see you cutting class he'll have a conniption then arrange to give you a Saturday detention. He is not only a Cruiser god, he's also a teaching god!

Send me an email and I'll pass along pictures of where you want to start looking. In the meantime, get back to class and focus on your studies. The cruiser can wait until you get your homework done.

4rnr · 10-19-09, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilC64

Shouldn't you be in school studying trig or physics or something? Jeepers! If Gumby gets on here and see you cutting class he'll have a conniption then arrange to give you a Saturday detention. He is not only a Cruiser god, he's also a teaching god!

Send me an email and I'll pass along pictures of where you want to start looking. In the meantime, get back to class and focus on your studies. The cruiser can wait until you get your homework done.

Shouldnt you be writing seat belt tickets and scarfin pastry rings?....

PhilC64 · 10-19-09, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4rnr

Shouldnt you be writing seat belt tickets and scarfin pastry rings?....

Why break my streak? I haven't been to traffic court or written a moving violation in 11 years. I haven't written a parking ticket in 5 years. As far as pastries go, I gave those up a few years back to avoid the sugar and heavy carbs.

The only thing I have on my agenda today is reports. Then more reports. Do a little lunch. Then more reports. Tomorrow is a fun day though. I get to go and evict the residentially challenged from my vacant buildings.

Lynchmobracing · 10-19-09, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4rnr

Shouldnt you be writing seat belt tickets and scarfin pastry rings?....

Who is this guy, Rev. Pflegar?

edin351 · 10-19-09, 01:28 PM

I don't have a first period, so either I come in late or I just hang out around school. And right now it's the last period of the day where i have an economics independent study...but my buddies aren't here so I just get to mess around.

I'll run the car a bit tonight and get some pictures and get back to you guys.

Thanks soo much everyone! This thread should be helpful in convincing my parents to keep the truck.

edin351 · 10-19-09, 08:56 PM

Ok I got some pictures of the engine up on photobucket

Pictures by edin351 - Photobucket

4rnr · 10-19-09, 09:09 PM

Nice 40.

Looks like you have no over flow resevoir on the rad. That would be the source of the "leak"

Seriously, if your parents decide they dont feel like maintaing this rig, Im pretty sure I can convince my wife to trade her fj62 for that. If you/they are looking for "reliable/vintage" 62 is the best bet.

edin351 · 10-19-09, 09:13 PM

Ok thanks!! Is it easy to install an overflow bottle?

I'm glad I joined this thread because they are definitely leaning more towards keeping the truck,

I'm really happy about that, I love it.

4rnr · 10-19-09, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edin351

Ok thanks!! Is it easy to install an overflow bottle?

I'm glad I joined this thread because they are definitely leaning more towards keeping the truck,

I'm really happy about that, I love it.

In that case....no its terrible to install and nearly impossible.....

I would think there was a factory resevoir that was offered in the later models when they became manditory.

But for the best answer you must consult the elders....you must be patient, they are likely asleep now, and usually dont check boards until after brunch.