A new oldie BJ73, thoughts and opinions please

[snowgoose]

Hey Gang

First let me say a warm hello to all, terrific site and forum.

I'm havin a look at an 85 MWB BJ73 3B Diesel with 300K on the clock to buy with the intention of doin a bit of weekend campin and stuff, you know take the boys and their atv bikes out somewhere safe and where we can't disturb abyone.

I've done a little research on this vehicle type and it would certainly fit the bill, but I'm a little worried by the amount of kays travelled on this little 3.4 diesel. Apparently the heads explode at 150k, but the guy whose sellin reckons he's had it since 200k and it hasnt missed a beat and is in real good nick. Is this something I should be wary of? Is there any little tests one can do while viewing? Anything else to look out for?

Any ideas how long such motors last if maintained well?

Noy actually seen it yet, the owner says the only thing wrong with it is a decent rust hole at bottom of windscreeen. Don't see this as a biggie, got a panelbeater who owes me a few favours. At 4.5k the price seems reasonable compared to others of similiar vintage

Many thanks gang, really appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

cheers

The Snowgoose

 

[roscoFJ73]

I would be more worried about rust unless you are sure that all there is.Look behind the fg flares.

The engine could be good for another 100-200000 klm. A compression test would be a good idea.
Heads dont explode ,they get cracks but keep going for a long time usually.
Understand they are not high performing engines,just reliable and frugal.

Ask if it has had any work done on the fuel pump. Its always a bonus if it has .

Things like gearbox noise ,steering clunks,bad brakes can really blow the budget in a 20 yo 4wd.
Check behind the front wheels for seepage . If there huge mess it means an all day job and $150 kit and materials

 

[crushers]

opinion:
naturally aspirated = slow
milage is a bit high but, like Rosco says, anothe r200,000 is a good possibility.

3B heads crack, part of the life of those little engines but unless the cracks get REAL bad they don't seem to care.

top comes off, cool
MWB so nice ride

if the price is right then go for it but if the guy is asking an arm and a leg then walk away

where are you located?

 

[snowgoose]

Thanks guys, I'm in Perth Western Australia. Appeciate all your advice and thoughts.

Cheers

Snow