Hi everyone,
I'm in Albuquerque and bought an '85 FJ60 from an awesome Russian guy who I think might be on this forum.
The FJ is running, driving, stopping, etc. But it is a bit rough and hasn't been driven a lot in a while. I have a few tools with me but sadly forgot to bring my multimeter. Will be drivinig this FJ about 380 miles to Van Horn to register it in Texas. From there, will head up to Northern Colorado where I have the rest of my tools. Eventually, she'll take me to Idaho where I'd like to settle down.
It's mostly stock. Has a few things like a smog pump pulley stub. Mismatched doors, salvage title, etc. But the head was rebuilt somewhat recently.
When I first drove the truck a month ago, it had a high idle but good power. Since then, the seller retarded the timing a bit (which brought the idle right down), but it would barely pull above 2,500 RPM. I had to buy a 12mm wrench in town and advanced the timing a bit. Power is back for the most part, but idle is a bit on the high side. I would like to fix it up correctly, but correct-enough might have to do for now.
There's no obviously bad vacuum hoses that I can see. I don't know if the idle stop screw is just set too high or if something else is going on. Pulling the choke out when it's warm won't kill it, but it will bog. It does look like the choke is opening/closing as it should.
Albuquerque is at 5,000 feet if I'm not mistaken. It sounds like these will advance the timing at altitude? Not sure how that is done and if it's acting up or not. I don't have a timing light to sanity check my settings. Also seems there's no points, so no points gap to worry about.
The turn signals are flashing fast and it looks like it's the right bulb in all of them. They do flash, just too fast. Sounds like I can open up the flasher and make some adjustments.
Voltage is weird. I don't know how accurate it is on the dash, but with the headlights on, it seems to say about 10 volts. It is close to 12 if I have no lights on and the truck running. Don't know if the alternator is weak or if there's thin wires, corroded fuses, etc. Seller sent me off with a ton of FSM books to mail back once I make it, so at least I have that going for me.
Front right axle seal is leaking, not sure how fast. Imagine it's enough to contaminate the brake pad, but seems to stop okay enough for now.
All around, a very cool and fun truck. I'm trying to sell my '95 Tacoma 4x4 today/tomorrow so interesting timing on it all.
Lots more I could write, but with limited tools and time, what should I do to help improve my odds for the trip ahead?
Was able to pull 65 steady last night in 4th, but was using most of the throttle.
I appreciate any advice you can offer.
-Teran
I'm in Albuquerque and bought an '85 FJ60 from an awesome Russian guy who I think might be on this forum.
The FJ is running, driving, stopping, etc. But it is a bit rough and hasn't been driven a lot in a while. I have a few tools with me but sadly forgot to bring my multimeter. Will be drivinig this FJ about 380 miles to Van Horn to register it in Texas. From there, will head up to Northern Colorado where I have the rest of my tools. Eventually, she'll take me to Idaho where I'd like to settle down.
It's mostly stock. Has a few things like a smog pump pulley stub. Mismatched doors, salvage title, etc. But the head was rebuilt somewhat recently.
When I first drove the truck a month ago, it had a high idle but good power. Since then, the seller retarded the timing a bit (which brought the idle right down), but it would barely pull above 2,500 RPM. I had to buy a 12mm wrench in town and advanced the timing a bit. Power is back for the most part, but idle is a bit on the high side. I would like to fix it up correctly, but correct-enough might have to do for now.
There's no obviously bad vacuum hoses that I can see. I don't know if the idle stop screw is just set too high or if something else is going on. Pulling the choke out when it's warm won't kill it, but it will bog. It does look like the choke is opening/closing as it should.
Albuquerque is at 5,000 feet if I'm not mistaken. It sounds like these will advance the timing at altitude? Not sure how that is done and if it's acting up or not. I don't have a timing light to sanity check my settings. Also seems there's no points, so no points gap to worry about.
The turn signals are flashing fast and it looks like it's the right bulb in all of them. They do flash, just too fast. Sounds like I can open up the flasher and make some adjustments.
Voltage is weird. I don't know how accurate it is on the dash, but with the headlights on, it seems to say about 10 volts. It is close to 12 if I have no lights on and the truck running. Don't know if the alternator is weak or if there's thin wires, corroded fuses, etc. Seller sent me off with a ton of FSM books to mail back once I make it, so at least I have that going for me.
Front right axle seal is leaking, not sure how fast. Imagine it's enough to contaminate the brake pad, but seems to stop okay enough for now.
All around, a very cool and fun truck. I'm trying to sell my '95 Tacoma 4x4 today/tomorrow so interesting timing on it all.
Lots more I could write, but with limited tools and time, what should I do to help improve my odds for the trip ahead?
Was able to pull 65 steady last night in 4th, but was using most of the throttle.
I appreciate any advice you can offer.
-Teran
