HELP...1992 jf80 went swimming

[Ten4GoodBuddy]

Hey guys, first off I am not a mechanic or really anything close, but I’m willing and able to try... I just need some direction.

So last week my twin 16 year old boys decided to take my 1992 fj80(259k miles) for a swim through a huge pond/small lake and got her stuck in the middle. She sat there for a couple hours before we could get her out. Water was up to about the door handles.

She has been sitting in my driveway, seats pulled, carpet pulled, and airing out.
Most all of the electrical system seems to be working. I’ve pulled the spark plugs(#6 was a huge PITA!), cranked it several times to clear out any water. Replaced spark plugs and put everything back together and tied to start her for the first time. She stated right up on the first try! I floored it to help clear any other condensation, she ran for about 10 sec. until I took my foot off the gas, she started to sputter and died.
She hasn’t started since(without starter fluid). She cranks but won’t turn over. I’ve checked the fuel pump, it works(swapped the fuel pump out of my 95 TLC) and has power. Replaced the fuel filter and still nothing. Checked the fuel injectors and they were clicking so I assumed they are working. When adding starter fluid to the intake, she will turn over but does not continue to run without it.
I’m stuck and not sure where to go from here. I’m pretty sure it’s a fuel system issue somewhere but not sure what else to do...please help!

 

[Ten4GoodBuddy]

Yep

 

[Tools R Us]

Not much of a 3FE guy, but when you turn the key to run, is the CEL on?

 

[jonheld]

Did you split the intake hose when were removing spark plugs?
Did you pull and clean up the relay panel in the drivers side kick panel?
Did you pull out the ECU above the glove box and make certain it is not wet inside?

 

[jonheld]

Also remove the shift lock ecu under the center console.
The center diff actuator can get swamped inside the motor housing.

Unfortunately I have extensive experience with this. It will get more expensive the longer you wait to address things. All electrical connections need to be separated and cleaned before corrosion starts or you will have intermittent connections that will make you crazy.

 

[Ten4GoodBuddy]

-CEL comes on when key is turned. I tried to pull codes, but it just blinks indicated no codes.

-Don’t think intake is split, but I’ll double check.
I didn’t pull the panel, but checked the Circuit Opening Relay to make sure fuel pump was getting power.
I pulled the glove box and everything seemed dry behind it.

 

[jonheld]

Don't forget to change all the fluids. Get the crap out of the transmission asap.

 

[jonheld]

There is also a fuel pump connector under the C pillar under the body.

 

[Rifleman]

Tenfourgoodbuddy, I've got to say, your a whole lot more understanding then my dad ever was. When i was 16, if I had driven my dads truck into a pond, getting it stuck up to it's door handles, I would of gotten a server ass whooping.

 

[Ten4GoodBuddy]

I didn’t say they were still alive

 

[Irish Reiver]

Is the gas tank contaminated with water ?

 

[Ten4GoodBuddy]

I don’t know about water in the tank, that’s one of my concerns, but not sure how to check. There is probably half a tank of gas in there...any suggestions other than draining it?

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi , I'd flush and drain the gas tank. Get your air compressor and blow everything out. Rent a small dehumidifier from Home Depot and put in back of the cruiser and leave it on all night long. Mike

 

[Irish Reiver]

On my '94 there is an inspection plate under the rear carpet. Since you have the carpet out you should be able to see it. You could try and siphon some out but you need to get the liquid at the bottom since the gas will float to the top.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

Pull the plug on the bottom of the tank and drain off a bit then reinstall. I would take a sample and verify it is clear gas.

 

[Fj81]

Man, white 80s look good even in water!

 

[jonheld]

Guys How would water get into the fuel tank?

 

[Jason hansen]

I hope you are relaxing in a lawn chair drinking beer and making those boys do all the work. It looks like a good learning opportunity of what not to do and what it takes to fix it.

 

[Ten4GoodBuddy]

Pulled some fuel from the bottom of the tank and there doesn’t seem to be water in it, at least not enough to see it separate at the bottom.
I did notice that one of the washers on the banjo bolts for the fuel filter didn’t get put back on, which would make me think that fuel would have been coming out at the filter when attempting to start but wasn’t... so is fuel not getting up to the filter???

 

[Ten4GoodBuddy]

I hope you are relaxing in a lawn chair drinking beer and making those boys do all the work. It looks like a good learning opportunity of what not to do and what it takes to fix it.

I wish I were, but this is our second vehicle and if she isn’t up and running sooner than later, we’ll be in trouble. They are definitely learning a ton and turning a wrench when possible.