3B Rebuild

[frankenyota]

Hi,
Just pick up a 82 LX that has a lot of rust but the 3B seems to start and run fine.
I currently have a $1,000 credit at Precision Int and was thinking about a rebuild of the engine.
I have had the credit for 6 months and would like to cash it in.
My thoughts are a compression check first then strip and replace all gaskets, water pump, and new big ends and mains.
Should i go all the way and do rings and have the head serviced as well?
If i do the head Precision sell a new one but it is a budget brand, assume that is a chinese head.
What replacement heads are the best brand to buy?
Or should i just get my head checked out.
Would like to maybe go a turbo down the track.

Matt

 

[cruisedeisel]

I wouldn't rebuild a 3b with less than 500,xxx on it.

It starts and runs? Dont fxxx with it. My two cents.

I see people one here take apart perfectly running trucks, rebuild the whole thing and forget one little detail and BOOM! 3 weeks down the road and they're calling a tow truck.

 

[frankenyota]

The engine seems to run fine, just looking to cash in on my credit.
Precision seem to only do engine parts, otherwise i would have used most of it already with service parts, radiator etc
Shame they don't sell turbos.

 

[cruisedeisel]

Depending on mileage, I would do BEB's first

 

[alberta mac]

Sell your credit and just drive the lx

 

[ozcrusier]

Do a compression and leak down test and go from there. Will the shop supply you a turbo for your credits.

 

[FF LC FREAK]

Check compression. If that's okay, pull the head, check/replace precups. Replace cam bearings. New MLS head gasket. And you should be good to go. BEBs will far outlast the cam bearings in these engines. With parts and labor, that should take a nice chunk out of your credit.

My $.02

 

[cruisedeisel]

fur enough

 

[gerg]

LC freak nailed it. Put your money where it matters most. Don't replace parts that don't break.

 

[frankenyota]

Can't see turbo's listed on there web page. Seems like they mostly do engine rebuild parts, this is where i got all my engine parts for my turbo 1HZ.
The labour for the build will be done by myself.
LC Freak is there a way to check if the cam bearings are worn? Engine runs well with no unusual noises.
Ordered a Diesel compression gauge and will start there first.
This truck will need a lot of rust repairs before i get it registered, but its a long term project.
Couldn't turn it down 3B, H41, factory power steering, triple wipers, tacho and plenty of rust lol

 

[FF LC FREAK]

LC Freak is there a way to check if the cam bearings are worn? Engine runs well with no unusual noises.

Check the oil pressure at hot idle. Mine was getting pretty low on the gauge, and when I finally dug into the engine, the cam bearings were the only ones that showed damage (see pic below). I pulled a couple of caps off to check the mains and rods, and those bearings looked great.

The precups weren't horrible, but they were starting to crack. I'm glad I replaced them.

Good luck with the build!

 

[frankenyota]

Finally got around to doing a compression check 360-380 PSI on a cold engine ( Don't have a good radiator to run it too long)
Next step will be fix the clutch hydraulics and get it on the hoist for a good check over.
The BJ has some body rust but the chassis looks solid.

 

[cruizerbuddy]

I wouldn't rebuild a 3b with less than 500,xxx on it.

It starts and runs? Dont **** with it. My two cents.

I see people one here take apart perfectly running trucks, rebuild the whole thing and forget one little detail and BOOM! 3 weeks down the road and they're calling a tow truck.

Criuserdiesel do you know if its possible to replace the timing gear gasket and front main without any special tools?
TIA.
3b runs well but needs to be resealed while its out of the truck..

 

[gerg]

I use a puller, heat, penetrating oil and a lot of prayer to pull the front crank pulley off. Quite easy to break them. Use a hair dryer to heat it so you don't cook the rubber. I honestly never enjoy doing that job.

 

[cruizerbuddy]

Almost through the frame. Those new hd sawzall blades are legit. Butter.
Thought i should take a minute and block up the frame.. Still planning my egress route should it come down like a can of spilt fxxx.
Maybe come to think of it...i should put the tires on!?
Thank water.

 

[cruizerbuddy]

Was successful at cutting the engine mounts out lf the bj60. The driver side is will need be replaced. Got the h55f soaking in some fresh gear oil. Hoping for zero leaks in the AM.

 

[cruizerbuddy]

Topo of the h55f cleaned and ready for install. The one that came original in the wifes Canukee had all kinds of issues and the one i got to replace it in Merritt BC wont shift into 5th gear so ill swap this one out for that one and have it fixed. Pretty sure its nothing serious as the tranny works proper otherwise.

 

[cruizerbuddy]

This 5 speed shifts nicely. Need to get a clutch on order from sor and get the flywheel machined as well for the conversion. Canukee juat got the full package a couple months ago.

 

[too tall]

You might want to check the underside of the rocker arms when you do a valve adjustment . You might be able to cash in a bit of credit at the machine shop if any of them need to be re-surfaced/ground and re hardened . If any are really bad it might be worth a look at the entire rocker shaft .