FJ60 cranks, then immediately dies - heavy gas smell?

[Hburg84FJ60]

84 FJ60 - F2 Engine - Desmogged - Stalling at crank issue


Purchased this 60 from a local guy about 6 months ago. It's ran pretty good except for a distributor issue that we had fixed. Replaced a DUI with a new DUI after the old one died.

About a week ago, I filled up with gas and ran a bottle of SeaFoam through just as general maintenance. Drove through that tank of gas and then filled up again. Almost immediately I noticed a very slight loss of power going up a hill but didn't think much about it as I figured I was just in too high of a gear. No issues after this initial loss of power.

The next day I noticed a much heavier gas smell inside the cabin. Again, not too alarming since it's an old carbureted car. Seemed to be running fine, then it just died going about 45 down the road. But it didn't "die" - seemed more like it was getting starved for fuel or missing. Rev and almost die, rev and almost die.

After stopping, I couldn't get it to stay running after cranking. It will crank and idle normally for about 2 seconds and then die. If I press the gas it will rev and die, rev and die.

I have checked the following assuming it was a fuel delivery issue:

Replaced fuel filter - thinking the Seafoam dislodged some sludge
Cleaned spark plugs - were a bit black but nothing concerning
Checked for vaccum leaks - none that I can identify
Don't see any trash in the carb, and seems to be sending fuel when cranking
Bowl is filling with fuel on the carb
Fuel pump (mechanical) is sending fuel - a steady stream up to the carb when cranking
Adjusted the fuel mixture screw to rich and lean with no change

Any suggestions from here?

Should I check that the distro is firing on all 6? And if so, what's the quickest way to check that as a novice shade-tree mechanic?

Also, I'm fairly new to FJ60's but somewhat mechanically inclined. I probably won't pickup on abbreviations or short-hand terms, so please respond "kindly"

Thanks in advance!

 

[klinetime574]

How much fuel is in the bowl? I had a float fail once and the bowl filled up so much it leaked out of the carburetor and it was difficult to get the rig started. The scenario you describe sounds similar, but you’re probably on the right track to check spark.

Get a spark tester. Pull a plug wire off and connect it. Turn key and look for light. This product (Harbor Freight) or similar.

Also, the original distributor had a vent line that leads into the cab. There are check valves that eliminate vapors from going into the cab. Where do you have that line routed currently?

HTH (hope that helps)

 

[Pighead]

I have checked the following assuming it was a fuel delivery issue:

Remember that 50% of fuel delivery issues are really electrical problems. I might check your dizzy hold-down and make sure it's not loose. Adjust your timing while you're there, you can use the timing light to check each plug wire to make sure it's firing.

 

[SHIfTHEAD]

I'm wondering if the fuel cutoff solenoid isn't opening, or isn't staying open when in the Run position. Here's a page that talks about than and shows you where it is located:

Late Modle 2 Wire Idle / Fuel Cut Solenoid FCS / ICS w/ Correct OEM Factory Profile Sealed Type Electrical Connector Fits ALL 2F Engine Carburetors 1/75-9/87 FJ40 FJ45 FJ55 FJ60 Part # 21060-61060 / 21060-61061 - VintageTEqParts.com

- Late Modle 2 Wire Idle / Fuel Cut Solenoid FCS ICS 2 Wire w/ Correct TOYOTA LAND CRUISER Factory...

vintageteqparts.com

When the key is on this should be open, and closed when key is off to prevent 'dieseling'. Maybe it's closed, or partially stuck?

 

[Skreddy]

84 FJ60 - F2 Engine - Desmogged - Stalling at crank issue


Purchased this 60 from a local guy about 6 months ago. It's ran pretty good except for a distributor issue that we had fixed. Replaced a DUI with a new DUI after the old one died.

About a week ago, I filled up with gas and ran a bottle of SeaFoam through just as general maintenance. Drove through that tank of gas and then filled up again. Almost immediately I noticed a very slight loss of power going up a hill but didn't think much about it as I figured I was just in too high of a gear. No issues after this initial loss of power.

The next day I noticed a much heavier gas smell inside the cabin. Again, not too alarming since it's an old carbureted car. Seemed to be running fine, then it just died going about 45 down the road. But it didn't "die" - seemed more like it was getting starved for fuel or missing. Rev and almost die, rev and almost die.

After stopping, I couldn't get it to stay running after cranking. It will crank and idle normally for about 2 seconds and then die. If I press the gas it will rev and die, rev and die.

I have checked the following assuming it was a fuel delivery issue:

Replaced fuel filter - thinking the Seafoam dislodged some sludge
Cleaned spark plugs - were a bit black but nothing concerning
Checked for vaccum leaks - none that I can identify
Don't see any trash in the carb, and seems to be sending fuel when cranking
Bowl is filling with fuel on the carb
Fuel pump (mechanical) is sending fuel - a steady stream up to the carb when cranking
Adjusted the fuel mixture screw to rich and lean with no change

Any suggestions from here?

Should I check that the distro is firing on all 6? And if so, what's the quickest way to check that as a novice shade-tree mechanic?

Also, I'm fairly new to FJ60's but somewhat mechanically inclined. I probably won't pickup on abbreviations or short-hand terms, so please respond "kindly"

Thanks in advance!

Like @klinetime574 is suggesting, where is the fuel in the sight glass?

If it’s super full, there’s probably trash blocking the inlet needle keeping it open. A good suspect after running any kind of cleaner through the system. You’d be amazed what makes it through the fuel filters that “shouldn’t”.