Any FJ40 specialists in Memphis area?

[crimsonaudio]

Got my rig back on the road after a year of neglect, really enjoying it. That said, there's a light knock in the engine and frankly, I'd rather pay someone who knows about these beasts to look at it / fix it than try to find the time to do it myself. Is there anyone in the Memphis area that works on these things?

Any help appreciated.

 

[FJ60Cam]

I have no idea. I think all of us with with pre-80 series have done our own wrenchin' for the most part.

Other than adjusting valves, I'm not too knowledgable about fixing motors.

There used to be a Toyota shop on Democrat Rd. I have no idea if it still exists or they know anything about 2Fs.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Thanks, I kinda figured as much. Mine's even tougher than a 2f - it's the original F engine. I'm rejuvenated this AM and have decided I'll just live without the FJ40 as long as necessary to figure it out - no better time to learn that right now...

Any Memphis-area Fj40 guys keen on dropping some knowledge on me? Burgers, pizza, (good) beer, even cash will be passed out to anyone interested in dropping by some time...

 

[FJ60Cam]

When you say a "knock", do you mean like timing related (maybe only under load)? Or is there a physical metal on metal knocking going on?

 

[crimsonaudio]

Well, it's fairly faint at idle, gets louder under load. Seems to go away when clutch is depressed but I'll have to drive it around the neighborhood a bit more to nail that down. Climbed under the truck with it running last night, seems to be coming from around the flywheel housing, but I can't quite locate it. Think I'll pull the transmission hump and see if I can better isolate where it's coming from. I don't think it's coming from the block, which I assume is Good News, if true.

It's a knock, I don't hink it's timing related, almost sounds like something is a bit loose. Talking about sounds is tough, but after reading around on here, I'm kinda wondering if the flywheel doesn't have bolt or two loose.

I've got a very slight oil leak somewhere in the drive train, I think - I know my original valve cover leaks - I have an aluminum replacement on hand along with a fresh gasket, need to replace that and clean the engine up to see if what I'm seeing on the bell housing is simply run-off from the valve cover. But I do have to replace the e-brake pads (at least) so I'll be digging around under there soon enough.

Hoping it's 'just' a loose flywheel...

 

[crimsonaudio]

And to be fair, I know very little about these engines / drivetrains and have zero experience with them, so I'm trying to learn as I go. Really makes it tough when you're ignorant about it, gaining experience through mistakes!

 

[cathaan]

I would be up for dropping by and helping you track down the noise. I'm no engine expert but maybe I could help out

 

[crimsonaudio]

Thanks, cathaan, just let me know when's good for you. Four ears are better than two, and there's no way you know less about these beasts than I...

 

[FJ60Cam]

You could pull the inspection cover off the bottom of the bell housing and snoop around.

Maybe have someone (you trust!) work the clutch with the engine running while you're under there.

 

[crimsonaudio]

You could pull the inspection cover off the bottom of the bell housing and snoop around.

Maybe have someone (you trust!) work the clutch with the engine running while you're under there.

Good call, I think I'll do that when I pull the transmission hump - just open that up to see if I can better dial it in.

 

[crimsonaudio]

OK, I pulled the choke full and started it up just now so I could record the sound with my phone. This noise exists regardless as to whether the clutch is engaged. It's the 'helicopter' knocking sound you'll here in this little audio clip:
http://crimsonaudio.net/fj40/crimsonaudio_knocking_fj40.mp3

Sounds an awful lot like it's coming from the flywheel, but it's pretty noisy under there, very hard to pinpoint. ideas?

 

[FJ60Cam]

I doubt it's the flywheel. If it was loose you'd have some scary stuff going on.

Mine makes noises kinda like that, but quieter. Is this new? Does it change after it warms up?

You might have to post up in 40 tech on the main forum.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Just posted it in the 40 forum above, some of those guys are insane, they might get it right out of the gate.

I don't *think* it was doing this before, but it ran so poorly with the crappy aftermarket carb that was on it, it may well have done this and I simply could hear it.

Does seem like it gets fainter when it's warmed up, but it's there. I can really hear it starting in first gear from a dead stop.

Was thinking flywheel based on where it sounds like it's coming from and based on a few folks who had found a bolt backing out on the flywheel, causing what seemed like a similar sound based on description...

 

[crimsonaudio]

Thanks for all the help, found the problem - an exhaust leak at the manifold flange. The gasket was gone and one of the three bolts was missing. The exhaust isn't sealed perfectly now, but it sounds good and I'll take it to a shop for a new exhaust back-end at some point.

So relieved it was a minor issue!

 

[Bomar]

Yeah these are pretty hardy motors...

 

[FJ60Cam]

Excellent news!

 

[LandCruisinMike]

glad to hear you got it figured out Adam, didn't see this thread til now. Should have had me come over to try and help, i'd been more than happy to!