Builds 1969 FJ40 named Mavis

[Thechief86]

So I installed a battery and the fender directional lights and taillights were lit and stayed lit.

Turned the key and got a click and that's it.

The headlights and turn signals do not work.

Now for troubleshooting.

Are you using the starter and flywheel from the 1F, or the 2F stuff you got from me?
That starter was a bit questionable in my 60 when I first started that engine, but I didn't have any issues after cleaning grounding points and cable connections at the starter.

 

[120mm]

Are you using the starter and flywheel from the 1F, or the 2F stuff you got from me?
That starter was a bit questionable in my 60 when I first started that engine, but I didn't have any issues after cleaning grounding points and cable connections at the starter.

I'm using your starter but the 1F flywheel.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

make sure you have good grounds. Lights complete the circuit via body and chassis as ground wire.

 

[thatcabledude]

I suggest adding grounds to the lights. Well worth the little effort it takes. Good time to upgrade the connectors too.

 

[120mm]

I'm starting with all new lights and wiring, so I will check all my grounds. Something is hinky with my turn signals, since I only have one wire and a ground. Gotta reevaluate what is going on there.

But in the meantime, I need to put Mavis on hold. My wife just got a new project that needs my attention this week.

So now there are three Land Cruisers sitting in the driveway/garage.

Hers is a 2017 Lexus GX460, which is a Land Cruiser. Fight me.

1 owner, 78,000 miles, California car with the cleanest undercarriage/body I've ever seen. Still has original shocks and struts and the tires are horribly dry rotted and the disks have grooves, heat color and one has a crack running through it.

Nothing I can't fix.

 

[Pura Vida]

Hers is a 2017 Lexus GX460, which is a Land Cruiser. Fight me.

 

[120mm]

Well, after a visit by @Thechief86 and some struggling, I can get the headlights and marker lights to light when the light switch is on marker only and only the headlights to light when the switch is fully on.

Of course, when I push the light switch back down to marker the markers won't light.

I can get the engine to turn over and it will fire if I dump gas in the carb, but it won't run on it's own.

Lots of mysteries to solve here.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Lots of mysteries to solve here.

That's half the fun of a 40!

 

[120mm]

So, for sure, I am not getting fuel from the tank to the pump.

I'm looking at this '69 FJ40 tank set up, and the outlet to the fuel line is smack midway up the tank. This tells me there is some kind of pickup inside the tank. Probably with a screen. And no way that I can see to remove and/or access it.

Any ideas on how to trouble shoot this? I suppose I can put some air up to the outlet and give it a good blow to clear the line.

 

[locklaw]

So, for sure, I am not getting fuel from the tank to the pump.

I'm looking at this '69 FJ40 tank set up, and the outlet to the fuel line is smack midway up the tank. This tells me there is some kind of pickup inside the tank. Probably with a screen. And no way that I can see to remove and/or access it.

Any ideas on how to trouble shoot this? I suppose I can put some air up to the outlet and give it a good blow to clear the line.

Yep, blow air through the line to clear it. I have had some luck to then, after the line has cleared (fuel will flow freely out of the line without pressure) to then pull the fuel tank drain plug. The nasties are suspended in the fuel still at that time and tend to come out with the fuel.

 

[mrboatman]

Yea that fuel tube is just a tube with a 90 deg bend and straight down to about 1/4" from bottom with no screen. Blow air and clear it out. You can pull the tank and clean it out with soap & water or what ever.

 

[120mm]

Yea that fuel tube is just a tube with a 90 deg bend and straight down to about 1/4" from bottom with no screen. Blow air and clear it out. You can pull the tank and clean it out with soap & water or what ever.

Thinking about replacing it, but will do all the above and try to get it running as is

 

[mrboatman]

I had the rubber hose from the fill to tank connection start flaking rubber into the tank and would plug the suction tube.

 

[120mm]

I had the rubber hose from the fill to tank connection start flaking rubber into the tank and would plug the suction tube.

Yeah, I replaced the hose already.

I couldn't clear the clog with .032 safety wire so will sacrifice a hanger next

 

[Thechief86]

Yeah, I replaced the hose already.

I couldn't clear the clog with .032 safety wire so will sacrifice a hanger next

If you get it clean, and find that it is still rusty, go get a few gallons of Evaporust and let the tank sit with that stuff, rotating to soak different sides periodically, for a couple of days. I've done this with barn find VW tanks and been able to save them all. Your lights sound to me like you have the headlight power swapped with your running light power, at those junction bars on the inner fenders.
Sorry I texted to late to catch you today. I may have some time to kill on Monday or Tuesday if you want a hand.

 

[120mm]

If you get it clean, and find that it is still rusty, go get a few gallons of Evaporust and let the tank sit with that stuff, rotating to soak different sides periodically, for a couple of days. I've done this with barn find VW tanks and been able to save them all. Your lights sound to me like you have the headlight power swapped with your running light power, at those junction bars on the inner fenders.
Sorry I texted to late to catch you today. I may have some time to kill on Monday or Tuesday if you want a hand.

Tuesday morning is dentist, but you are welcome anytime.

 

[mrboatman]

Short piece of speedo cable works well on a drill motor to rooter the pick up tube.

 

[120mm]

I wish the fuel pickup were clogged with rust.

But some PO addressed a fuel leak with that tar stuff.

Air won't move it and right now I just poked a hole to the bottom of the tank

 

[120mm]

Short piece of speedo cable works well on a drill motor to rooter the pick up tube.

That was an excellent suggestion, btw.

I have a '67 Mustang that likes to eat speedo cables, so had an extra hanging around.

I've managed to hit gas, and the air now blows into the outlet.

I'm currently sloshing it with Evaporust, and am thinking of hooking my steam cleaner to the outlet to see if that will knock more of that tar substance loose.

 

[120mm]

And boom goes the dynamite.

That's Evaporust leaking from a compromised seam.

Looks like next stop is a new and/or different tank.