1996 FJ80 Engine Dilemma

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MKinMT1996

MKinMT1996

Joined
Nov 15, 2019
Threads
15
Messages
170
Location
Montana
So I have a question/situation I thought I would ask all of you with much more knowledge than myself!!

My 96 started running really poorly last winter. Idled super rough and smelt really bad. I finally sent a oil sample in to Blackstone as I saw many people suggested on another thread. It showed 5% fuel in engine oil, high iron, copper and potassium, and a small amount of coolant in oil. Obvioulsy not the news I was hoping for but the way it was running I'm not surprised. I guess I probably need to have the engine rebuilt, find a low mileage 1FZ(not easy to find), or do a swap(expensive). What would those of you that have had similar experiences recommend? It has 265,000 on it and as far as I know the head gasket has never been replaced. Thanks for any help/suggestions!!
 
I did an engine rebuild and in the process of a swap. NC isn't as expensive as the West Coast so it's cost me about $1,400 for the rebuild + the rebuild kit I bought ~$1,000 (not OEM)(a buddy and I pulled and re-installed the engine.)

"If" I just did motor, transmission, adapter, wiring harness for the swap, it'll cost about ~$4k/5k. I found an motor/trans for $900 on Craigslist, adapter from Australia ~$1,000, and PSI wiring harness ~$1,200.
 
I would say just do the head gasket.
The bottom end is probably fine.
Sounds like the head gasket is just bad enough to make the motor run bad
Very common on these.
 
White Sheep and Broski I appreciate the input!!! Any idea what a shop might charge for the head gasket? Im in Montana so not many cruiser shops around here.
 
White Sheep thanks again!!! I will reach out to them.
 
Broski would bad injectors probably be the cause of the gas in in the oil?
 
MKinMT1996 said:
White Sheep and Broski I appreciate the input!!! Any idea what a shop might charge for the head gasket? Im in Montana so not many cruiser shops around here.
Click to expand...
Definitely want to find a shop that is familiar with these motors.
MKinMT1996 said:
Broski would bad injectors probably be the cause of the gas in in the oil?
Click to expand...

I thinking the one bad cylinder that's getting coolant in it is not burning up all the fuel.
 
That makes sense. Thank you!
 
Like @Broski said above. Needing a new head gasket is very common. Usually around the 200k mark. If it hasn't happened, it's about to happen.
 
I would reach out to @SNLC there in Boise Idaho not sure how close to you that is.
 
I haven't had any overheating issues so hopefully there isn't any internal damage.
Boise is a haul from me! I'll try and find someone in the area. I think Bozeman has a reputable shop.
What would you guess it would cost ballpark?
Thanks fellas!!
 
Would anything with a failing head gasket cause the high iron content?
 
I would expect 3k or more to have someone do it for you.
There's a lot of variables with all the while your in there stuff. Most people will go through the cooling system, new radiator, water pump, thermostat, all new hoses and a full tune up.
Then the machine shop. They usually don't need a valve job but need valve stems and seals and the head to be decked.
Some will go deeper and get into the timing chain and tensioner, oil pump seal and front main seal.
 
Broski thank you for all the help!! Much appreciated. I better start saving!!!
 
MKinMT1996 said:
Broski thank you for all the help!! Much appreciated. I better start saving!!!
Click to expand...
Used to be a shop (still there?) On Springhill road north of the country club about a mile, forgot the name.
I'd do it yourself. Pull the engine and do a complete rebuild. Basically, you'll have a "new" old beast.
Best of luck, no matter what you do
 
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