Recent content by calvinator

Good day, everyone: I've got an 77 FJ40 2F I've been working on -- replaced the cam and lifters a while back -- put about 1000 miles on since then --truck runs really well, idles nicely, lots of power. Was replacing the valve seals the other day and thought I'd go a little further and take...

Thanks, Mark - it was doing pretty much the same thing before the regrind - when I pulled the cam one lobe was beat up and its corresponding lifter looked like someone was going at it with a chisel. I did a compression test; #1-132, #2-130, #3-142, #4-138, #5-147, #6-145. Appreciate the heads-up...

Thanks for the vacuum info - I'll have to pick up a new gauge and study up.

Thanks, Mark, I really appreciate your experience on this -- it does appear that the break-in of the cam may have failed (if the rough idle and the 'dollar-bill trick' are the result), but before I try again (or sell out) I'd like to exhaust all other possibilities, (pardon the pun), however...

Well, finally got some decent weather to work on the beast - everything looked good. Put the lifter cover back on - went for a 50 mile joy ride (drove it like I stole it) out and back on a paved road with a few hills. Noticed right away that the engine running a little rough, not bad but...

Well, I got the side-cover off without having to remove the distributor. Turned engine over by hand to free each lifter - pushed with my finger - all turned freely in their bores. I put a small dot of white paint on the rods and lifters, and a corresponding dot on the block. Unplugged the...

Thanks, Mark - I noticed your reply just after I posted last - I did have the original cam reground and the lifters too. Thanks for the pictures, when I get the side cover off they'll give me something to look for!

Yes, I fired it up and I can easily turn the pushrods with my fingers - I dabbed a little white paint on each of the rods which helps to see what's happening with all of them - some are rotating rapidly, others not so much. Of the problem ones, one is actually moving a little bit, (if it wasn't...

Thanks for responding! Sounds like a good place to start - several questions come to mind: 1. Should I remove the distributor to get the side-cover off? (When I started the project, I think I may have taken the distributor out before I removed the side-cover and put the side-cover back on...

I've been slowly bringing a 77 FJ40 2f back to life - I recently re-installed the cam and lifters - reground by the local machine shop. Followed the prescribed break-in procedure with recommended lubes and oils, etc. and 1/2 hour of 2000-2400 varied RPM. Took out for a few joy rides - have...

77 FJ40 - Thanks for all the info, guys - I just replaced the rings and springs on my manifold horns and was wondering if you would recommend applying some sort of non-hardening paste(?) that could withstand the heat, assist with sealing, and prevent rust?? The horns feel a little loose and I'm...

Thanks for taking the time to reply - I rarely post since every question I have seems to be already answered somewhere on this amazing website.

Thanks - I'm a noob just taking it slow and careful - I appreciate your advice. I've been studying every thread I can find about this, and I can see the need to be careful with these fragile exhaust manifolds. I didn't notice any leakage from the horn connections while on the truck and was...

Looking for some advice on the best way to remove/clean/rebuild the manifold horns - mine are rusted tight & won't move. Didn't want to apply too much force and break them....