'88 FJ62 Build Thread - The Millennium Falcon

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TheElegantFox

TheElegantFox

Joined
Feb 16, 2019
Threads
63
Messages
735
Location
Raleigh, NC
R1-04066-013A.webp


I figured I'd start a build thread here instead of clogging up the general chat. Just got off the phone with the shop, post - oil galley plug failure. We're going to do a compression test, but leaning towards a new engine. Not exactly for the reason you'd think though. Turns out, this 3FE has had pre-detonation issues for miles and miles, causing a host of piston melting and cylinder scoring in the upper half of the chambers. This caused a lot of metal build up on the spark plugs. They were honestly gobsmacked it was running as well as it was pre-oil jettison. I've had this rig since 2018 and there's a lot of sentimental value in it, so we're going to see this one through. I want to say the ODO made it to 247-248k miles before the engine let go.

I'm gonna use this thread to ramble and gather all the other random threads on this rig that are around the forum.
 
  1. Just picked up an 88 FJ62!
  2. 88 FJ62 needs major differed maintenance repairs, recommended shops?
  3. Best plan of attack for interior floorboard surface rust?
  4. FJ62/3FE starts but engine chokes and dies if I apply throttle
  5. 3FE cold start woes
  6. FJ62 cabin water leak round II
  7. FJ62 bad water leak in cabin - continued - wit's end
  8. 3FE FJ62 | Prepping to replace exhaust from y-pipe back, what's needed?
  9. My FJ62 feels likes it’s 1 wheel drive out at Cape Lookout
  10. FJ62/3FE sheared one of the serpentine pulleys
  11. [3FE] Main crank pulley keeps walking, time for engine rebuild?
  12. Right front Aisin hub is wrench turn only and likely not engaging. (FJ62)
  13. FJ62/3FE Potential O2 Sensor Failure
  14. What's the solution for an NLA 3FE throttle control cable? PN: (78410-90A08)
  15. FJ62 neutral safety switch cleaning trouble
  16. FJ62 A440F Transfer case has bum solenoid and sounds like a loose slinging saw blade
 
Another 3FE or engine swap? I wanted to eventually do the Cummins R2.8 in my 62, had I kept it. But I know the LS is easier, cheaper, and more straightforward.
 
UZJ105 said:
Another 3FE or engine swap? I wanted to eventually do the Cummins R2.8 in my 62, had I kept it. But I know the LS is easier, cheaper, and more straightforward.
Click to expand...
We’re thinking another 3FE, likely a reman for this one. I’m still not done with the 496 swap on the Chevy and the mental overload of two swaps at the same time would be a lot lol.
 
1fz-fe-sc 62? :grinpimp:

Agree. The numbers don’t look nearly as bad as the plugs. Within ~10% b/w high and lows.
 
I'll see if I can get photos of the boroscope results. The shop is actually really good, so I trust them. We did mention that we probably could put it back together and run it longer just with slightly less performance. I'd feel better with a new engine but I'll keep y'all updated. I'll be heading over to the shop to talk more in person.
 
onemanarmy said:
Just curious....what do you mean 'slightly less performance '?

With cleaned injectors, new plugs, correct timing, and a desmog it'll probably feel like a rocketship compared to what you have been experiencing with those plugs and obvious bad timing
Click to expand...
I guess I mean compared to the rebuilt 3FE or the high compression 3FE that Man-A-Fre offers that we were considering. Mostly just due to age of the current engine. That is a good point about smog, I still have the EGR setup.
 
IMO putting a rebuilt 3FE in is just kicking the can down the road. Lots of money in the rebuild, same crappy power, and still hamstrung by parts that aren't available anymore.

As far as your compression numbers, I'd be happy with those given it's 37/38 years old.
 
Something seems odd about that site.
No pricing to start with.
They have motors that the Chevy performance site does not like the 6.0L
Every page you click on Contact Us
 
NCFJ said:
Something seems odd about that site.
No pricing to start with.
They have motors that the Chevy performance site does not like the 6.0L
Every page you click on Contact Us
Click to expand...
Yeah, I think it’s the business portal and not the regular customer page.
 
My favorite swap to date was a 6.0 with a Tremec 4050 manual 5 speed
 
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