The hood ornament is on South American and Middle East trucks. 
Bobby
- Thread starter majdomo
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- Thread starter
- #182
WAIT! Before you judge, there’s a story behind this box.
Took the 80 on a long-awaited and planned father-son camping trip out to the mountains, about 2.5 hours away from LA. Stuck in Friday afternoon traffic after leaving too late, the red light on the dash came on somewhere near San Bernardino / Colton. Pulled off the freeway, and right there was an AutoZone, who directed me to another AutoZone about 10 minutes away who had the part. Meanwhile, I was put on hold with Toyota of San Bernardino’s parts counter three times trying to get an OEM part - either brushes or a whole alternator - but the place just couldn’t get their sh*t together in time and we were burning daylight.
Bought this and some el cheapo tools, and busted out an alternator replacement in the parking lot in about 90 minutes. Back on the road and at the campsite in time to throw up a tent, get a campfire going and make some dinner.
Came home today with the box, and wanted to see how bad the brushes were:
To be fair, the truck has been sort of warning me about this for the last few months. The light came on briefly a few months ago, and then switched off when I revved the engine a bit. It didn’t happen again until Friday, in traffic, on the way to the campground. Thankfully it gave up the ghost someplace where I could get parts and fix it without a tow.
Yep, these probably need replacing.
I don’t know if this is bad or not, but figuring I’ll get a new set of brushes and keep as a spare. Or, take the AutoZone junk off and put the OEM one back. Not sure which, yet, but the replacement seems to be running fine. Fortunately I didn’t kill the battery, seems to be starting and charging as it should.
And obligatory camping pic from the weekend. Mid 70s during the day, low 40s overnight. Already making plans to return.
Nothing like showing the boy some quick thinking and a McGyveresque approach to living.
- Thread starter
- #184
100%. We talked a lot about what perseverance means this weekend. Had a few other examples - getting “lost” on a hike but finding our way again, solving problems with gear on the fly. Also generosity - sharing a campfire with some fellow campers who were having a tough time with their fire (windy) while cooking a mean tri-tip.
- Thread starter
- #185
After driving the rig for a week, noticed the voltage fluctuating on the AutoZone alternator. Bought some OEM brushes and repaired the original alternator, put that one back in and all is good with the world.
- Thread starter
- #186
Well… it happened. Bobby is off to a new caretaker. I really enjoyed my 80 ownership, but ended up looking for a smaller rig to daily. New owner’s plan so far is to keep it stock and make it even better than he found it. Which, ultimately, is all we can ask for, I think.
This community is awesome and I still have the FJ40 for now, along with my new 3RZ 4Runner, 4WD 5 speed. No joke, this community is one of the best reasons to own a LC. I’ll keep updating the thread on Mud as long as folks are interested, but most of my focus for that truck is on the 4Runner forum. Link - Frank.
Until I get the urge to drive the most capable vehicle created by man, which will probably happen, a hearty
This community is awesome and I still have the FJ40 for now, along with my new 3RZ 4Runner, 4WD 5 speed. No joke, this community is one of the best reasons to own a LC. I’ll keep updating the thread on Mud as long as folks are interested, but most of my focus for that truck is on the 4Runner forum. Link - Frank.
Until I get the urge to drive the most capable vehicle created by man, which will probably happen, a hearty
Well, I too just had the red charge light come on mine, along with the air filter light & A/T Oil Temp.
Its the original alternator & over 500,000k so have ordered new brushes for it.
The red light stayed on for about 5 min & I could see by a separate voltmeter whilst driving that both batteries were not getting the normal 14v, they were down to 12.4 & aux 13, it then went off for a few minutes and then came back on so I pulled over and whilst the engine still running gave the alternator a tap at the back and it started charging again. I suspect very worn bushes and not making proper contact
I too was out in the great aussie bush and got pretty worried cause it was not far off sunset and on the way home so made my way to the nearest highway - prefer the back roads being more scenic & less lunatics but played it safe.
It stayed good for the rest of the trip home which was just on 250k, i kept an eye on the voltmeter and was seeing proper voltage all the way
Parts should arrive tomorrow so expect to see similar wear to the pics above
Its the original alternator & over 500,000k so have ordered new brushes for it.
The red light stayed on for about 5 min & I could see by a separate voltmeter whilst driving that both batteries were not getting the normal 14v, they were down to 12.4 & aux 13, it then went off for a few minutes and then came back on so I pulled over and whilst the engine still running gave the alternator a tap at the back and it started charging again. I suspect very worn bushes and not making proper contact
I too was out in the great aussie bush and got pretty worried cause it was not far off sunset and on the way home so made my way to the nearest highway - prefer the back roads being more scenic & less lunatics but played it safe.
It stayed good for the rest of the trip home which was just on 250k, i kept an eye on the voltmeter and was seeing proper voltage all the way
Parts should arrive tomorrow so expect to see similar wear to the pics above
- Thread starter
- #188
Talk about a pucker-up moment… in the middle of nowhere! Goes to show these rigs just keep going wherever they are.Well, I too just had the red charge light come on mine, along with the air filter light & A/T Oil Temp.
Its the original alternator & over 500,000k so have ordered new brushes for it.
The red light stayed on for about 5 min & I could see by a separate voltmeter whilst driving that both batteries were not getting the normal 14v, they were down to 12.4 & aux 13, it then went off for a few minutes and then came back on so I pulled over and whilst the engine still running gave the alternator a tap at the back and it started charging again. I suspect very worn bushes and not making proper contact
I too was out in the great aussie bush and got pretty worried cause it was not far off sunset and on the way home so made my way to the nearest highway - prefer the back roads being more scenic & less lunatics but played it safe.
It stayed good for the rest of the trip home which was just on 250k, i kept an eye on the voltmeter and was seeing proper voltage all the way
Parts should arrive tomorrow so expect to see similar wear to the pics above
Brush fix is easy, 5 minutes tops once the alternator is out. Get to the bottom adjuster bolt through the driver’s side wheel well with a long extension. You can probably get to the brushes with the alt installed, but it’d probably take you just as long to pull it and take care of it on the bench.
all done, about 2.5mm left on the old brushes so suspect the springs maybe struggled for a bit maintaining pressure on the rotor, who knows but checked the fusible links and theyre in great shape but have a spare in the glove box
Was surprisingly very clean in there as well
based on this I think ill put a reminder in the calendar for around the year 2049 to replace em again
Was surprisingly very clean in there as well
based on this I think ill put a reminder in the calendar for around the year 2049 to replace em again
Welcome back, that was quick....
- Thread starter
- #193
So just saw it, and it was good to be back in the saddle again, so to speak. It was basically as I'd left it, but it must have known it was home, since it puked coolant out the overflow hose as soon as he pulled in the driveway. And not a little... it was a fair amount. He says he didn't do anything to it since buying, and the coolant was green, I remember this vaguely from my ownership but not that much. The steering wheel, front floor mat and all the records that I gave him were in the exact same spots in the rear of the truck that I left them.
Other things.. front brakes feel warped, will need tires probably in the next 3-5k miles at most, and he drove it maybe 8k miles over the last year+ of ownership. Clear fade is getting worse and will want to deal with that at some point. I did miss the truck, but very much on the fence about it right now mainly due to that coolant problem.
Other things.. front brakes feel warped, will need tires probably in the next 3-5k miles at most, and he drove it maybe 8k miles over the last year+ of ownership. Clear fade is getting worse and will want to deal with that at some point. I did miss the truck, but very much on the fence about it right now mainly due to that coolant problem.
Puking coolant from the overflow hose is a early sign of a blown head gasket. Ask me how I know
I would get a blown head gasket check kit, the kind that you place over the open radiator
I would get a blown head gasket check kit, the kind that you place over the open radiator
- Thread starter
- #195
This is exactly why I'm hesitant. It did have the HG replaced by K&H at about 195K miles, but that may not mean much and at 247K miles it's at the point where most shops would strongly recommend a full rebuild in the event of a blown HG. 1FZ rebuild with shop labor is upwards of $12K, I had it quoted by Valley Hybrids back in the spring when I found another attractively priced (but overheated) 80 that I passed on.Puking coolant from the overflow hose is a early sign of a blown head gasket. Ask me how I know
I would get a blown head gasket check kit, the kind that you place over the open radiator
Then again, it could just be the rad cap.
Ugh.
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FMC80
SILVER Star
Could be a blessing in disguise. Who knows. You good?
- Thread starter
- #198
All fine, thanks for asking. Low speed idiot hit the 135i driving in to work. Looks like just the bumper cover and d/s taillight, but who knows what happened underneath. I'll pull it off and if there's metal work, will get the insurance co's involved. If not I'll probably just do it myself, can get it done faster and cheaper.
I talked to the owner, he's just going to hold it for now, but leaving the door open possibly down the line. He's moving to Palo Alto but leaving the truck here, evidently he just doesn't drive it.
Hi!!
This is my first post on here!
I would like to keep adding to this thread since I’m currently the caretaker of this beautiful Landcruiser!
It’s been an absolute unit for me!
Current mileage is @ 249,227
Since I’ve owned it, I’ve only done very minor things to it.
New Interstate Battery MTZ ($$$)
Repainted Rear Fender Flare (clear coat failure)
Reupholstered drivers seat( bottom portion only)
Added missing center caps for 2 wheels.
Added missing screws for step up plates for rear passengers
4 oil changes (3K intervals)
Coolant flush
Brake Fluid Flush
Changed Engine Air Filter
Replaced a few bulbs for A/C controls
Replaced a bulb for license plate in rear
Looking forward to making this awesome rig (thanks to previous owner seriously) even more awesomer haha
This is my first post on here!
I would like to keep adding to this thread since I’m currently the caretaker of this beautiful Landcruiser!
It’s been an absolute unit for me!
Current mileage is @ 249,227
Since I’ve owned it, I’ve only done very minor things to it.
New Interstate Battery MTZ ($$$)
Repainted Rear Fender Flare (clear coat failure)
Reupholstered drivers seat( bottom portion only)
Added missing center caps for 2 wheels.
Added missing screws for step up plates for rear passengers
4 oil changes (3K intervals)
Coolant flush
Brake Fluid Flush
Changed Engine Air Filter
Replaced a few bulbs for A/C controls
Replaced a bulb for license plate in rear
Looking forward to making this awesome rig (thanks to previous owner seriously) even more awesomer haha
One thing I forgot to mention on my previous post was I also replaced the EGR Valve so it could pass smog out here in good ol Commiefornia.
Last service done a week or so ago
Changed transfer case fluid
New spark plugs/wireset/rotor/distributor cap/pcv/replaced some ventilation hoses (even though they were not needed to be replaced lol)
Just ordered some meat for the wheels at Costco came out to $1289 installed
BFG K02 285/75/16
My appointment to get them installed will be early April.
Will post pics when installed!
After owning this car for some time now, i have come to realize that this is the ultimate dad vehicle.
Too bad I have no kids
Current mileage 249,550
Last service done a week or so ago
Changed transfer case fluid
New spark plugs/wireset/rotor/distributor cap/pcv/replaced some ventilation hoses (even though they were not needed to be replaced lol)
Just ordered some meat for the wheels at Costco came out to $1289 installed
BFG K02 285/75/16
My appointment to get them installed will be early April.
Will post pics when installed!
After owning this car for some time now, i have come to realize that this is the ultimate dad vehicle.
Too bad I have no kids
Current mileage 249,550