The FJ40 with No Name

[lilrdwgn]

Hi everyone,

I'm a newbie to Mud but not to Land Cruisers. I was subscribed to the LCML back in the day (mid 90s to early 2000s) and the PigList for some time, but since I moved to Virginia in 2004 have not had much to do with cruisers. I've had a 78 FJ40 (Sun Baked), 74 FJ55 (Li'l Red Wagon), 95 FZJ80 (actually the wife's), 83 FJ60 (Salt Shaker) and now once again (as of 8/11/2011) have a 78 FJ40 (more or less) after being cruiserless for the better part of 3 years.

Bought the 40 from a fellow Mudder and am overall quite happy with it. I picked it up with the intention of driving it the 1000 miles home but the water pump gave out on me and took out the fan and radiator. The seller went out of his way to help me out of my bind but could not get it to stop overheating (clogged radiator?) and ended up trailering her home.

I consider myself a 2 Banana Shade Tree Mechanic (it helps that I have garage space for the 40) and have access to more capable mechanics along with wielders at work.

Plan on replacing the water pump, fan, and radiator with new (reman or new?) over the next couple of weeks and taking care of a few issues here and there. Going to use this thread to keep anyone interested up to date on my progress and hopefully help me with any issues that I run into.

Did get to turn my first wrench on No Name yesterday since getting her home. The tow hook was loose and after unsuccessfully trying to tighten it took out the rusted bolts holding it on and replaced it with new bolts. Also, had a tow hook laying around from a previous cruiser (60? 55?) so I added a brother on the passenger side.

Look forward to hearing from the Cruiserheads out there.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Welcome, Good to have you. MIke

 

[lilrdwgn]

Thanks Mike, glad to have the addiction back.

 

[subzali]

Look forward to seeing some pictures and watching the progress!

 

[SteveH]

Get a new radiator from any of the vendors (radiatorbarn.com type places) or better yet, a Mud sponsor. They are $225 or so, last I knew. You can hardly afford to have a local shop do much on an old radiator, based on that price. I recall your name from the LCML - I still subscribe and view Mud, too.

I believe that OEM non-oil-cooler water pumps are discontinued, but there are aftermarket choices.

 

[lilrdwgn]

Went to go look at a 70 FJ40 for parts today (coworker thought a buddy of his had a rolled one laying around). Not much left, just a rusted tub and drive train, nothing that I could use. Had to look though.

 

[lilrdwgn]

Probably going to break down and get a new radiator and just get the old one dipped for a back up, at least that is that plan now.

Pictures will come once work calms down a little.

 

[lilrdwgn]

Doesn't look like I'm going to turn a wrench on the 40 this weekend either, sinus infection kicking my butt.

Did however get the title transferred over to me this weekend along with tags and registration.

May even get up and snap some pictures this weekend, time will tell.

 

[mruff]

Welcome. Look forward to seeing some pics

 

[lilrdwgn]

Radiator, water pump, and hoses on the way. Hopefully I will have them here for the weekend. Either way plan on wrenching.

 

[lilrdwgn]

Radiator here when I got home today, water pump and hoses coming next week. Going to do my best to make time this weekend and get her cooling system torn down and ready for the transplant.

 

[lilrdwgn]

Removed the Radiator, water pump, and thermostat today. I believe I found my problem when I removed the water pump, RTV gasket nearly blocking the hole between the pump and the block. Oh well, changing everything to new anyways (except for the thermostat which tested okay).

Waiting on the rest of the parts and hopefully putting her back together next weekend.

 

[lilrdwgn]

Picture

Snapped a couple of pictures after I worked on her today, only one really came out. Wish I took a picture of the RTV gasket clogging the hole but tore it out before I thought of it. Live and learn.

 

[lilrdwgn]

Finally got around to working no the 40 today. Water pump, radiator, fan shroud, thermostat and housing, and hoses all installed. Forgot to pick up the 2 clamps I needed for the hoses so left the fan out until I pick them up (hopefully sometime this week). Everything went in smoothly barring the 2 lower radiator hoses (tight fit and tough time getting the angles right). Looking at getting her back running next weekend and then try and find some time for a state inspection so I can enjoy her at will.

 

[lilrdwgn]

She's Alive

Got all the parts back in and started her up yesterday, ran like a champ. No overheating issues at all, no problems burping the system. Temp gauge ran near the lower end of normal (like it did for the 100 mile or so before the water pump went out), cooled right down after a short park and handled going slow or sitting while running just fine.

Did discover a little issue driving her around afterwards. If she sits for a short time (few minutes to half hour) and started back up without pulling the choke at all she would stall as I accelerated, just felt like not getting enough full. Pull the choke out halfway and restart and runs fine. Don't remember having to pull the choke after a short sit on the other Cruisers I've had. Advice?

Also, sometimes it is nearly impossible to down shift, never a problem upshifting. Clutch fluid level is proper, is it in the transmission?

Taking her to a family reunion today, so nice to have a 40 again. Hopefully I'll snap some pics over the next week and post them up, along with trolling for the little parts I need.

 

[77HesterSue]

Nice looking 40 Mike. Looking forward to more pics.

 

[Eshu Elegua]

i really like that stock look..nice red one

 

[lilrdwgn]

Got my state inspection sticker today...now completely road legal.

Now I got a tough choice (not really) of what to drive.

 

[alaska60]

Thats one nice lookin 40 you have there. looks pretty original too. Even that weak front bumper looks good. Nice score!

 

[wesintl]

Welcome back Brother!

-Wes