1991 3FE FJ80 - What needs to be done? (1 Viewer)

[salilabbas]

So I just took the plunge and picked up my first LC which happens to be a 91 3FE FJ80.

I was just wondering what mods I needed to make the car run better.

I've read around the threads about wiring harness issues and weak brakes with this earlier 80 and also a few have mentioned getting better MPG by disabling the EGR and gutting the cats.

Any 3FE owners who can advise what is right to do and what isn't necessary?

Rookies like us really need encouraging suggestions to fully appreciate this shrinking group of 3FE owners.

 

[Alleycats]

I would start with the basics like:

1) cap and rotor
2) spark plug wires
3) spark plugs
4) set timing at 7 degrees below TDC
5) complete fluid replacement
6) make sure your fan clutch is working properly
7) check for oil seeping at steering knuckle which would indicate bad inner axle seal

Oh yeah and a valve adjustment.

That's a good start.

Paul

 

[Bendcruiser]

I have a list that I've compiled for my 91. These are all things you can pick and choose from. Can I PM it to you?

 

[salilabbas]

Alleycats thanks got those covered already and the seals are being replaced this week.

Bendcruiser, please PM

 

[salilabbas]

Just a quick one here.. i'm guessing you're both 3FE owners too, can you post up pics of your ride...mine's in for a fresh paintjob so will post up as soon as its been coated up. The PO had parked this LC in the sun for over a year and here in Tanzania thats as good as a decade of damaging sunlight.

 

[landroamer]

Welcome to the addiction, Here is my 91. sounds like your off to a good start heading in the right direction.

 

[slowsuki]

advance the timing, desmog if law will let you.

 

[Otter]

Find Jonheld's posts. He bought his 91 brand new and has a great write-up covering parts (with part numbers) needed for baselining our trucks.

 

[salilabbas]

I was given alot of crap for buying a 91. Apparently its the worst engine (according to the not so informed locals here) Toyota ever made. But its absolutely great to see a breed of the earliest 80s and the pinnacle of the Land Cruiser.

 

[salilabbas]

Oh and I don't trust what people say about the 3FE. I think its a very personal choice and is probably the strongest engine made for gasoline.

Thanks everyone for your feedback and help.

 

[jcarter]

Welcome another 3FE (Crazy Old Soldier)

They're not fast, but I like them. Mine is the final 3FE being born in August of 1992 which is actually a pain because for some reason they changed some parts so I see a lot of "fits 90-7/92". I like the engine & just replaced a piston and freshened it up.

Exhaust: I tried a bosnal (IIRC) replacement from manifold thru cat. Tried doing it myself, that thing has never been right. If you get exhaust problems, I wouldn't recommend DIY, spend the coin and bring it in.

Radiator: Cooling is very important! When I brought in the head, first words from the machine shop was "this has overheated". It's true that years ago it overheated, but I think I had a cracked radiator for 2 or 3 years and didn't know it. Watch this!

Oil: Don't use FRAM filters! Get Toyota's good small one or good big one, but I went small.

Desmog/Advanced timing: I haven't found a good write-up for the 3FE, but didn't look real hard. It's probably in my future, in fact I'm going to look at who posted that on this thread and PM him.

O2 Sensors: EXPENSIVE, but important!

Front Axle: My passenger side is still leaking after 2 rebuilds, second one with "other" seal from Slee (IIRC). I think I'm going to talk with Manefre & buy the whole thing DONE, will cost some money, but I'm tired of messing with it.

Commentary: Honestly, I like the look of the 60 series better, but I don't believe they have the 3rd row seat. I really like the 3rd row and have used them (8 people) during night time 4-wheeling (all windows open, splashing, laughing, bouncing), fording people to a river gravel bar, & fishing trips.

Gas: I haven't done this yet, but intend on replacing the Fuel Pulsation Damper & Fuel Pressure Regulator, then gauging the fuel pressure. Don't know if it'll help, but if it does, I'll post something.

 

[Mixelplix]

The 3fe is a terrific (albeit slow) motor.

I also own a 91, and I love it. All of the above suggestions are good ones, but I want to warn you... don't expect a vast improvement. Realistically, doing all of the above will just make it slightly more enjoyable to drive. (which is a good thing, for sure).

In the past year of owning my '91 I've done a full baseline (fluids, plugs, cap, rotor, wires, air filter, valve adjustment), I've done a full desmog (including removing cats), added a snorkel, new O2's, and advanced the timing. The truck will never be 'quick'.

Just learn to enjoy the slower pace, and peace of mind knowing that your truck is likely good for 325k miles of reliability.

Desmond

 

[jonheld]

I was given alot of crap for buying a 91. Apparently its the worst engine (according to the not so informed locals here) Toyota ever made. But its absolutely great to see a breed of the earliest 80s and the pinnacle of the Land Cruiser.

The "locals" know nothing. I'd be interested in hearing what makes this motor so terrible.
It's a tractor motor. You can pour beer in the fuel tank and urinate in the crank case and it'll run for 100k miles.
Many, if not all of the older 3FE Cruisers have been badly neglected by owners who only fix things when they break. The motor will continue to run (albeit poorly) even with severe neglect. The 3FE was designed to use crappy fuel in 3rd world countries and run forever.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/270758-general-3fe-tune-up-info.html

 

[salilabbas]

You're absolutely right! Everyone here wants a turbocharged diesel or V8 petrol simply coz it gives them the acceleration they desire.

Its important to note how stupid that is when the top speeds reachable on the roads here are not even close to 60mph.

My heart sank when my 3FE died because of a wiring harness issue, but I've bounced back to realise that's just about the only bad thing that can ever happen to an FJ80. The 3FE is rock solid and definitely perfect for Africa.

Diesel or Petrol. What is an LC with great torque but low reliability?

 

[salilabbas]

Here she is, taking her first coat of paint. Went for the ultra blue. Can't wait to get my DD LC back

 

[Alleycats]

I was given alot of crap for buying a 91. Apparently its the worst engine (according to the not so informed locals here) Toyota ever made. But its absolutely great to see a breed of the earliest 80s and the pinnacle of the Land Cruiser.

As you'll remember from the story "The Tortoise and the Hare", the tortoise wins in the end.

Plus I'll take reliability over speed off the line any day.

Don't listen to the 3fe haters.

 

[salilabbas]

Couldn't have said it better.

 

[Bendcruiser]

As an owner of of 91 as well, I always tell myself the following. I may get there a few minutes later,but I'll get there come hell or high water!

 

[savvy]

I have a list that I've compiled for my 91. These are all things you can pick and choose from. Can I PM it to you?

Bendcruiser, I have a 92, would you mind sending it via PM to me as well?

Cheers!!

 

[Schnieb]

X2 on that list please and thanks.