Apologies in advance for the lengthy post, but I'm excited for a new project yet would like some input on baseline maintenance and how to solve the dreaded CA smog$%!@#&! for a new to me FJ60, my sixth LC in 20 years. I've been reading threads here for a week straight, but could use some help.
I've (almost) gone full circle...55->60->80->100->80 and now just picked up an unadulterated FJ60 that spent 27 years of its life with the original owner in So Cal. Staring to think I should have gone to a 40, the only one I haven't owned, given the CA smog headaches. Full and regular maintenance records since new, including the original purchase contract (buyer paid cash in 1986!). The rust is nominal, nearly nonexistent, in the standard places. There is an air intake leak (manifold, EGR, both, other?) audible at acceleration, but from experience and trolling here I am thinking mainfold gasket, dcrack or both. The seller in NV had a smog test, not passing, but I made the deal.
My intent is to keep this vehicle almost entirely in its stock, original form. I want to first complete the key baseline items to preserve the vehicle and get through smog. I plan to drive it regularly and work through non-key items (tranny swap, etc.) over time.I pulled an F out of a FJ55 instead of attending class one semester and rebuilt it block out. A month later my girlfriend (not the one I married!) hit a moose and totaled it. I later bought an FJ60 with 200k and drove it to AK above the arctic circle and back, twice, after running through it. But I digress, my point is I'm not afraid to get under the hood...but don't have the disposable time I used to. I'll likely balance work between quick and simple (me) with linger and involved (paid mechanic).
During the inspection period the seller graciously let me take the vehicle for a few days to inspect and complete an initial inspection. Following are the key record dates that relate to smog and baseline. Thoughts, recommendations and solutions very much appreciated.
Here's what I've done for initial baseline maintenance and in hopes of improving smog test:
- replaced vacuum lines with material from McMaster-Carr and checked routing per Emission Control Repair Manual
- LOF
- New plugs, wires, cap and rotor
- New fuel filter
- Sea Foam to gas and carb
- New diff, transfer and tranny fluid
- paint restorer and buff
Following are smog numbers pre- and post- baseline items, trying to identify an approach to pass:
Pre-baseline items (non-dyno County):
@Load/2500 rpm
HC: 175 ppm
CO: 3.23%
CO2: 12.8%
02: .14%
@ Idle (high at 1105 rom)
HC: 235 ppm
CO: .01%
CO2: 14.1%
02: 1.44%
...and here are my numbers post-baseline:
@Load/2500 rpm
HC: 212 ppm
CO: 2.30%
CO2: 13.2%
02: .1%
@ Idle (high at 1105 rom)
HC: 165 ppm
CO: .01%
CO2: 12.1%
02: 3.3%
I've (almost) gone full circle...55->60->80->100->80 and now just picked up an unadulterated FJ60 that spent 27 years of its life with the original owner in So Cal. Staring to think I should have gone to a 40, the only one I haven't owned, given the CA smog headaches. Full and regular maintenance records since new, including the original purchase contract (buyer paid cash in 1986!). The rust is nominal, nearly nonexistent, in the standard places. There is an air intake leak (manifold, EGR, both, other?) audible at acceleration, but from experience and trolling here I am thinking mainfold gasket, dcrack or both. The seller in NV had a smog test, not passing, but I made the deal.
My intent is to keep this vehicle almost entirely in its stock, original form. I want to first complete the key baseline items to preserve the vehicle and get through smog. I plan to drive it regularly and work through non-key items (tranny swap, etc.) over time.I pulled an F out of a FJ55 instead of attending class one semester and rebuilt it block out. A month later my girlfriend (not the one I married!) hit a moose and totaled it. I later bought an FJ60 with 200k and drove it to AK above the arctic circle and back, twice, after running through it. But I digress, my point is I'm not afraid to get under the hood...but don't have the disposable time I used to. I'll likely balance work between quick and simple (me) with linger and involved (paid mechanic).
During the inspection period the seller graciously let me take the vehicle for a few days to inspect and complete an initial inspection. Following are the key record dates that relate to smog and baseline. Thoughts, recommendations and solutions very much appreciated.
Here's what I've done for initial baseline maintenance and in hopes of improving smog test:
- replaced vacuum lines with material from McMaster-Carr and checked routing per Emission Control Repair Manual
- LOF
- New plugs, wires, cap and rotor
- New fuel filter
- Sea Foam to gas and carb
- New diff, transfer and tranny fluid
- paint restorer and buff
Following are smog numbers pre- and post- baseline items, trying to identify an approach to pass:
Pre-baseline items (non-dyno County):
@Load/2500 rpm
HC: 175 ppm
CO: 3.23%
CO2: 12.8%
02: .14%
@ Idle (high at 1105 rom)
HC: 235 ppm
CO: .01%
CO2: 14.1%
02: 1.44%
...and here are my numbers post-baseline:
@Load/2500 rpm
HC: 212 ppm
CO: 2.30%
CO2: 13.2%
02: .1%
@ Idle (high at 1105 rom)
HC: 165 ppm
CO: .01%
CO2: 12.1%
02: 3.3%
