Read the FAQs based on advice before replacing my radiator and hoses due to a leak. Before investing all the cash in the 80 with 189K on it, I took everyone's advice on testing the HG on my 1993. I did both tests:
1. Bubble test -- ran it at 3000 rpm for 5 seconds twice. No bubbles. Did not see a duration in the forum (may be I am blind) to keep it at 3000 rpm so just made a guess
2. Engine Block tester -- Stopped at Autozone and picked up the tester and "magic blue fluid." Cost of $36 is refunded when you bring it back and you get 30 days. No change in color to "yellow" --- so, guess i am OK.... for now.
The blue fluid is interesting. It states that it detects exhaust gases from the engine. Help me out, I assume this to be carbon monoxide? For kicks, I took the residual blue fluid and added some WD40 (petroleum distillates) in a separate container to see if that would give a chemical reaction and change the blue fluid to "yellow." It did not react with the WD40. So guess it might be reacting to carbon monoxide? Anybody know which gas it reacts with?
I have a 72 FJ40 and 75 FJ55 to do next. Hope they come out OK also. However, I need the FJ80 to pull my boat in a little more comfort (air conditioning, power steering, etc) so I guess I will invest in the radiator, tstat, and hoses. Probably won't attack the PHH yet. Just doesn't appear to be leaking as described in the forum chatter. However, I know I will have to get it done or see if I can find a mechanic to do it, as someone described, for $75.
The FJ80 was not overheating, no antifreeze in the oil, no white smoke, just found a radiator leak.... after reading the forum, was just filled with "fear" of a blown head gasket. I bought it with 178K miles so maybe it has already been changed or, I am just lucky... so far.
Thanks for all of the advice!
1. Bubble test -- ran it at 3000 rpm for 5 seconds twice. No bubbles. Did not see a duration in the forum (may be I am blind) to keep it at 3000 rpm so just made a guess
2. Engine Block tester -- Stopped at Autozone and picked up the tester and "magic blue fluid." Cost of $36 is refunded when you bring it back and you get 30 days. No change in color to "yellow" --- so, guess i am OK.... for now.
The blue fluid is interesting. It states that it detects exhaust gases from the engine. Help me out, I assume this to be carbon monoxide? For kicks, I took the residual blue fluid and added some WD40 (petroleum distillates) in a separate container to see if that would give a chemical reaction and change the blue fluid to "yellow." It did not react with the WD40. So guess it might be reacting to carbon monoxide? Anybody know which gas it reacts with?
I have a 72 FJ40 and 75 FJ55 to do next. Hope they come out OK also. However, I need the FJ80 to pull my boat in a little more comfort (air conditioning, power steering, etc) so I guess I will invest in the radiator, tstat, and hoses. Probably won't attack the PHH yet. Just doesn't appear to be leaking as described in the forum chatter. However, I know I will have to get it done or see if I can find a mechanic to do it, as someone described, for $75.
The FJ80 was not overheating, no antifreeze in the oil, no white smoke, just found a radiator leak.... after reading the forum, was just filled with "fear" of a blown head gasket. I bought it with 178K miles so maybe it has already been changed or, I am just lucky... so far.
Thanks for all of the advice!
