Help - Loud Engine Knock '84 FJ60

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OK, some very good news today. After installing the drain plug and new oil filter I added a little more than 7 quarts of 10W-30 oil by pouring it into the top of the head with the valve cover still removed. After the oil drained down through the engine into the oil pan, it brought it up to the fill line on the dipstick. I then installed a new mechanical oil pressure gauge and put in the battery from my '71 FJ40, which is sitting beside the FJ60 in my garage.

With the coil wire disconnected I turned it over quite a few times with the starter, checking on the positions of the rockers, valves, and pushrods frequently. Everything seemed to be OK, so I connected the coil wire, poured a little gasoline into the carburetor, and tried to start it. It started briefly with the choke, but died right away when it ran through that first bit of fuel. There's about 1 gallon in the tank, and the fuel level is just below the middle of the sight glass in the fuel bowl. I continued for a bit to try to get it running again, but no luck. I was able to read a little over 40 psi on the mechanical oil pressure gauge while cranking, so it looks like the oil pressure is good. I checked the rocker assembly and verified I'm getting plenty of oil to the top end, I could see oil dribbling out of the holes in the rocker arms. I then topped off the oil to account for filling the filter with oil.

At that point I ran out of time, I had to get ready to head to the airport for the flight home. On my next trip out to Nevada, which may be sooner than I was planning, I'll do the following:

1) drain the remaining fuel from the tank and add some fresh gasoline

2) adjust the float level in the carburetor

3) get the vehicle running, check the oil pressure, and watch the moving parts of the rocker assembly

If I can get it running, and everything looks good, I'll remove the rocker assembly, replace the mushroomed pushrod #7, re-install the rocker assembly, and check the valve adjustment. Hopefully the problem will be fixed and I can button everything up and take it for a short test drive around the property. I'll let you know what I find.
 
it's been 12 hours and 3 minutes
 
it's been 12 hours and 3 minutes
It'll have to wait until I'm back out in Nevada, which may be very soon due to unfortunate circumstances. I'm thinking of fetching the FJ60 from Nevada as a replacement for my stolen 4-Runner :frown:.
 
arg!!!that sucks...better install a kill switch...(note to self...)
 
After driving it 30-50 miles, I would pull the valve cover again, restart and check for oil flow at the head, and then re-adjust the valves. Yes, a pain, but more fun than mangled push rods.
 
Will do, this time the valves will be adjusted warm (at least warmer than last week when it was 105 degrees in the garage), not cold.
 
Here's photo of the pushrod, note the cup broke off the top of the pushrod. It appears that's the extent of the knocking issue. Here's the most recent info:

Real Time Help - Las Vegas, NV - FJ60 2F Pushrod

2F-Pushrod.webp
 
Success at last! Was able to spend some time with the FJ60 today, diagnosed the fuel issue (restriction in tank or between tank and fuel filter) and got it running again. Temporarily have the fuel coming from a 1-gallon gasoline can in the engine bay, then through a fuel filter to the mechanical pump. After the engine warmed up a bit it purrs like a kitten again. Still need to tune it up and do a warm valve adjustment, but boy it sounds good :). I've got a short 20-second video, just need to find out how to post a link.

Had already verified oil pressure and oil to the rockers, still good. Running 54 psi with warm engine.
 
Victory donut!
No victory donut but I did take it on the street for a victory lap around the block a few minutes ago. Earlier this afternoon my wife and I headed into town and the first stop was the NAPA on Polaris off of Tropicana. Picked up a new NAPA Gold fuel filter and a rubber tipped air nozzle. After a St. Louis spare rib dinner at Lucille's (full rack for me) we headed back to our place NW of town. Tried blowing out the fuel line obstruction with the tool pressure set at 60 psi - nothing. Bumped it up to 80-90 psi and it dislodged whatever was plugging the line. Hooked the fuel line from the tank back to the old fuel filter and fired it up. I'll probably drain the fuel tank one more time before installing the new fuel filter.

The FJ60 was running so well I decided to put the new registration and insurance paperwork in the glove compartment and install the red/green chile license plate. Backed it out of the garage, opened the gate at the front of the property, and took it for a spin. The brakes need to be bled - they work but I wouldn't trust them to stop me at anything over 25-30 mph. But the FJ60 ran great, shifted well, and all the lights work except one turn signal. It hasn't been on the street for at least seven years, about time I got it running again.

Sadly, it'll soon be for sale, starting here on MUD. It's been with the family since we bought it new here in Las Vegas in March 1984. It'll be replaced by my '86 FJ60 project vehicle, which is almost finished. The 3FE, H55F, 4.11 gearing, OME suspension, BFG LT 235/85R16 ATs on 70-Series wheels, rear headrests/shoulder harness seat belts, and new Pioneer sound system (with cassette and CD) will be a big improvement over the stock '84. I don't need two FJ60s and besides, I have two FJ40s to play with.
 
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