Buying an 85 fj60, but runs very rough, stalls, leaks gas, etc...HELP!

[Trail Outfitters]

So I drove up a few hours to check out an FJ60 that I found for $1200. It has 92,000 original miles and was recently purchased by a kid from the origianl owner after sitting for a few years. He got it running, but gas is leaking from the "slow cut valve" (I believe it is called and I found an easy fix to plug it in the forum), it also spews gas from the exhaust (related to the slow cut valve leak?????), and finally it will not idle it stalls out unless you stay on the gas.

It runs fine when driving at normal speeds, but as soon as you slow down it begins sputtering and stalls at a stop.

I REALLY want to pick up this project, but would also like to get it running properly.

I am going to offer him 1000 and try to get it towed to my house. What do you guys think? Should I skip this one? I am dying to get an fj60 for trip this summer and if I could get this running well, I could have alot more travelling money!

Thanks a lot guys!

 

[NLXTACY]

Here's what happened the last time some idiot got an FJ60 for $1200:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/229660-new-fj60-world-come-share-my-pain.html

Buyer beware first off!

Secondly it really only sounds like a carb issue and there are plenty of threads on how to work with it and at least two really good people to rebuild it: Jim C. and Mark A.

 

[Texx]

Offer 600 and spend the rest on carb and emissions. A grand is too much unless it's a rust free vision of cruiserness!

 

[szester]

I just bought an fj60 for 300 that has 240000 miles on it. Hope my experience is better then yours...

 

[jgordon]

My experience has been to buy a clean frame and body, and try to get the best engine/tranny/etc that you can find with a clean body and frame. The rest of the truck usually needs attention anyway (fluids, valve adjustment, knuckle rebuild, brakes, etc) and can be fixed either by yourself or with fewer dollars and headaches than rust would mean.

That said, others have come up with stories of mint, beautiful trucks for around that price. They are out there, but relatively difficult to find.

Post your location, other details of the truck, and pics if possible. That will give people a better foundation on which to offer advice.

 

[NocalFJ60]

Depends on the condition of the cruiser like the body,rust, and other mechanical condition. If it has been sitting awhile, I would plan on spending another $500 at-least to get everything tuned up so it runs well.

 

[Dynosoar]

Rust=problems Rust never sleeps and will totally consume your car if not taken care of. Taking care of rust is 1. expensive (if you don't do your own metal work) and 2. extremely time consuming (if you do your own metal work). That said, there are plenty of replacement panels availible if you are interested in that type of repair. The rest sounds like a carb issue.


Dynosoar

 

[HeartCooksBrain]

2X on the rust.

 

[bigblackbeard]

buy it for 1000...sounds like a great deal to me. Even if you put another 700-1000 into it, you're still getting a great deal!