Good and bad day in SoCal - New FJ40 Owner

[FloridaTom]

First off I want to introduce myself, I have been reading these boards awhile, just never owned one myself. Today I finally became the owner of a 77 FJ40, so it was a good day. I have been out of the country for a few months and have been researching these vehicles the whole time. I thought I had found one that would drive well as the PO stated he drove it to and from work, about 80 miles, for a period of time three months ago. However, on the drive home it started to knock and died on me. Found out the distributor was a little bit loose which caused it to die, I know I need to replace it. However, now that I can start the FJ the engine knocks, which it didn't do before on the test drive, or the first 20 miles of the drive home. It sounds as if the knock is coming from the back of the engine, and increases with RPMs. Anyone have any idea why the knock would have started, and what could be causing it. I am maybe a two banana mechanic, and am going to check it out tomorrow. However most of my tools are still in Florida until I get chance to move all my gear out to SoCal.

If anyone wants to swing by San Clemente anytime to give a guy a hand and chat about FJ's shoot me a PM. I could use all the help I can get trying to diagnose the problem.

Tom

 

[Adrift]

Is this the white FJ with ARB lockers, had some rusted out areas but came with the metal parts to repair them?

 

[FloridaTom]

Yes, it is.

 

[cruiserbrett]

Loose distributor, as in you can turn the cap by hand, or sloppy internally? If its aloosely mounted distributor, it may have disengaged oil pump. lack of oil pressure wiped out bearing. most likely a rod bearing, but may be more.


sorry to hear, but thats not going to have an easy fix by the way you describe it.

 

[FloridaTom]

Sloppy internally. How can I check if the oil pump is disengaged? What is the best way to determine if this is what occurred?

Thanks for the help though.

 

[cjgoode]

If the distributor was loose the knock could also just be bad timing. A little loose would not likely disengage the oil pump, I would think the distributor would actually have to lift out some to disengage the oil pump, I would not consider that a little loose. Best case scenario is timing issue causing the knock. That could make it a better day then a bad bearing, although driving it with a bad knock from timing issue can also destroy your engine.

 

[Source3]

Check your timing first. After I replaced my distributor cap I had an engine knock. Went away after I adjusted the timing.

 

[FloridaTom]

Does anyone have any pointers on adjusting the timing? What basics tools do I need, and are there any good references? Thanks.

 

[Source3]

Does anyone have any pointers on adjusting the timing? What basics tools do I need, and are there any good references? Thanks.

Factory Service Manual (FMS) or Haynes. If you do not have a FMS, here is a link to Coolermans online version (although it is not for your year FJ40, the concept is the same.

Either find someone with a timing light or buy yourself a basic timing light for ~$30.

 

[FloridaTom]

Thanks again for the help. I think I may have gotten lucky. Started her up this morning, and moved the timing a little bit just to see what would happen. Got it running a little better and no knock. Could this mean the knock is completely timing related, or could there still be some underlying issues.

Today I am going to do an oil change, and try and adjust the timing. However, I have still been unable to find a new distributor locally, so setting the timing on the old one is just to see if she runs okay before I replace the distributor.

 

[terrx]

An oil analysis will help to tell condition of the motor - bearings, rings, etc. and if there's contamination from fuel, coolant and so on. Might be worth it to see where you're at.

I've used Blackstone Laboratories in the past with good results. They will send a small plastic container to return a sample via USPS. If you're changing it now, catch a cup or so as it's draining in a clean jar and send it in later. Or wait and sample the next oil change, then you know how many miles are on it.

Hope it's ok

 

[dfmorse]

Here are some links that may help. Distributors in new condition are hard to come by (or Buy). Distributor tightening is a weak point in the FJ40.
Man-A-Fre 40 Series

The Toy distributor clamp (19905-40010) is the way to go.
TOYOTA VACUUM ADVANCE IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR

If the oil gauge is reading something, then the distributor is seated correctly.

Get some manuals for the FJ40. lots of good stuff.

...

 

[FloridaTom]

If I do need to have the engine checked out, does anyone know of a good shop in south orange county or north San Diego county?

I still have the bad distributor, but when I pull the plug wire for #5 it goes away. Any ideas?

 

[landcrusher909]

Tom I am going to try to get down to Dago this week i will pm you my number if your around maybe i can stop by and check out your 40, I cant say i will be much help but its always cool meeting another Cruiserhead. Terrx no disrespect but whats it cost to have your oil checked ? and Why. really I dont mean to ofend you but if you ever came to my house and saw how we run old motors we found, bought , or continue to run it might scare you ( and everyone else LOL ) Hell I am lucky if I remember to change my oil anymore .

 

[D'Animal]

I will be in your area this week if you need a hand.

 

[pb4ugo]

If I do need to have the engine checked out, does anyone know of a good shop in south orange county or north San Diego county?

I still have the bad distributor, but when I pull the plug wire for #5 it goes away. Any ideas?

Goes away? What goes away? The knock?

 

[D'Animal]

If I stop by, here is what the plan is.

Check oil pressure with a mechanical gauge
Replace Distributor Cap, wires and plugs
Adjust Valves
Set timing
replace fuel filter


And


Flip the bezel, just kidding.

 

[FloridaTom]

Yes, the knock goes away when I pull the plug wires.

Just five me a heads up if either of you can find some time to swing by. For now the cruiser is parked on the street, but I can move it to an area to work. I have limited tools with me, but if you give me some warning I can borrow some.

Once again, thanks for all the help.

 

[3jvj]

Yes, the knock goes away when I pull the plug wires.

Just five me a heads up if either of you can find some time to swing by. For now the cruiser is parked on the street, but I can pull it with my teeth to an area to work. I have limited tools with me, but I'm going to the store right now and dropping $200 because you're going to save me $800 in work, and it'll run for 10k before it needs anything.

Once again, thanks for all the help.

I have beers and burgers for whenever you get here.

Fixed it for you.



and welcome!



okay; going back to chat now......

 

[D'Animal]

I will bring some tools.