FJ62 Sputtering

[kenleyf]

Given my novice abilities I have no idea where to start on this issue.

Basically my '89 FJ62 hesitates under strain, sputters but gets over it. It was erratic today and when I would start up a hill it would slow down as usual but when I would get into the gas it would hesitate and then it would have what sounds like a backfire in the exhaust. It was not from the tailpipe but it sounded and felt like it was under the driver's side floorboard.

I have used many general terms in this request for help but I am not sure how to describe this issue.

I have also been having a strong odor of burnt oil lately but I think that may be oil leaking from the valve cover gasket.

Any help is much appreiciated.

Thanks.
Kenley

 

[cruiser88]

You know how to extract codes from the computer?

 

[RockDoc]

x2 on pulling the codes (there's a thread in the FAQ on it)

If that doesn't shine a light on the problem, I would look into some of the basics. Has it had a good tune up lately? How are the plugs, distributor cap, ..... Check for vacuum leaks (use a spray bottle to spray down all the vacuum hoses and fittings with the truck running, if the idle is affected, you've found a leak). Try running half a can of Sea Foam through the gas, and the other half through the intake (follow instructions on the can) to clean things out.

 

[FZJ80ismybaby]

try looking for holes in any of the hoses in the intake. i have a really bad crack in my AC breather hose. it is really bad.

 

[kenleyf]

I have never pulled codes but I will do some reading and hopefully start there. Dist. cap is a few years old and so are the plugs. I have not tried the Seafoam treatment but I may do it for good measure anyway. Do I just use plain water in the spray bottle to check for vac. leaks?

What would you consider as basic parts of a tune up? I have done rotor, dist. cap, plug wires, PCV valve, vac. lines all in the last few years. I don't drive the truck every day so I would not think any of these are to a point of replacing. I have also replaced the brake booster, MC, put on a trans. cooler and replaced the speedo cable lately but those don't seem as if they would be the culprit. It sounds as if it is something internal.

Thanks guys for all the help, I will keep you posted.
Kenley

 

[RockDoc]

Just use plain water, basically if the spray contacts a vacuum leak, it will be sucked in, and the engine will stumble, telling you that's where you have a leak. Check the underside of the hose from the air cleaner to the throttle body for any cracks underneath.

Sounds like you had the basics covered for tune up. I would pull the plugs and check them for condition, and see if any stand out different. If it's backfiring, I would suspect it is missfiring and letting unburnt fuel/air into the exhaust. Not likely culprits here, but have the air filter and fuel filter been replaced? Have the valves been adjusted relatively recently?

Here's the thread for pulling codes: https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/115780-reading-3fe-engine-codes-home.html#post1482948 If you don't have a manual to tell you what the codes are, post up and we'll fill you in.

 

[kenleyf]

I replaced the fuel fileter a few months back (OEM) but I have not replaced the air filter lately. The valves have not been adjusted but I figured I would study up and adjust them when I replace the valve cover gasket. I will pull the codes and see what I get and try the other tricks you provided.

Thanks for all the help RockDoc!!

Kenley

 

[cruiser88]

I usually find on the 62's it is a combination of things wrong. More so if the last owner did no PM on the rig.

 

[kenleyf]

I "pulled" the codes based on the instructions and all I got was a constant blinking from the check engine light. I am not certain I did it 100% right because at one point I thought I got a code 51. I will drive it again at some point this week and pull the codes again and post. I will try the other tricks as time permits. At this point I can not blame a PO because I have had the truck for at least 7 years but I have not done any major tune ups. I either need to learn myself or take it somewhere to have it done.

Thanks again,
Kenley

 

[Front Range 4x4]

What would you consider as basic parts of a tune up? I have done rotor, dist. cap, plug wires, PCV valve, vac. lines all in the last few years.

I'm guessing you did replace the plugs and just didn't mention it here, right?

 

[kenleyf]

Yes, plugs were replaced a few years back and since this is not a DD they should be fine. I will check them though just to make sure.

Kenley