Recent content by joelontheroad

My '96 cruiser with 287,000 has a knock bad enough to throw a code for a knock sensor. The knock is rhythmic and increases on acceleration. In trying to determine if it's a bearing or something in the top end, I listened to the engine using a stethescope and a long screwdriver. My assumption is...

If your timing marks above the harmonic balancer are dirty and hard to read, then you probably need to replace the oil cap seal and distributor o-rings. I would consider these your top priority because leaks at this height in the engine will increase the chance of engine damage due to lack of...

Here's what I learned throughout this process. As with anything, thinking through all the steps before hand really helps. Get all parts and tools before hand. I know, obvious, but I sure wish I had purchased that seal puller when I had the chance prior to needing it. A few dabs of petroleum...

OK, replacing the front oil seal and loosening the Harmonic Balancer (pulley) bolt. Put the 30mm socket on the 3/4" breaker bar and then seat it snugly on the Harmonic Balancer bolt. Make sure it's seated all the way. (BTW, it's called a Harmonic Balancer because it balances the up and down...

I can confirm what BadReligion said. The Harmonic balancer will either slide off easily or can be coaxed with some taps of a hammer. Just bump the starter; don't keep it on for any length of time. Of course in order to do so you have hook the battery back up because the first step wad to...

OIL PUMP CAP GASKET Emboldened on my previous success, I attacked the first job that really gave me the willies: getting the screws off the oil pump cap gasket. According to many of the threads, the main problem is stripping the heads of the seven screws and then having to use a screw extractor...

First, we took out the battery and battery box. Then, we drained the radiator. Then we took off the upper and lower hoses. Next, we unbolted the fan shroud and the fan and lifted the fan through the shroud. Finally, we lifted out the fan shroud. THE DISTRIBUTOR O-RING So that we wouldn't have...

Because my '96 cruiser with 280K miles has had a piston knock for the past 40K miles, I thought I'd drive it until it died. But it hasn't. So, I decided to revive it by fixing all the things I've put off. The engine knock occurred because I couldn't keep oil in it. I know I'm going to have to...

Thank you for your thoughts on this. A low mileage (90K) series 100 motor for $2,500 prompted this question, but for me, it'll be easier/cheaper to stick with the 1fzfe. I just don't want it to knock, so it's either a rebuild of some sort or a swap.

My '96 land cruiser with 280,000 miles on it has an engine knock. Listening with a stethoscope and a long screwdriver, I can clearly hear it in either the #1 or #2 cylinder, or both. I'm thinking it's either the rod bushing or the bearing. I'm contemplating: engine swap full rebuild partial...

Thank you ih8mud folks for all the great info here. It's helped me so much. Now, more than ever. I'm writing this for those one :banana: mechanics who want to do more... For years now, I haven't been able to keep oil in my '96 cruiser. Years. It was leaking from somewhere, but I'd get a...

Glad to be here! You work with what you have.

1. 1996 Series 80 2. Joel Greenberg 3. None 4. 281,373. Got her when she had 116,000 miles on her. 5. Pretty much stock. I replaced the radio with a Scion T1810 Radio about five years ago. 6. My DD. Was once my work truck, as the photo shows. Was once my wife's rolling purse. Off road...

Joel Greenberg