How can you tell a B from a 3B engine? (1 Viewer)

[Diescipel]

There's an eBay auction right now (vehicle is in Cali--yeah!) of a 1978 "FJ40 diesel." Seller claims it has a 3B in it. I'm trying to figure out if it was an FJ with an engine conversion, a BJ with an upgrade to the 3B, or just a BJ40 with a B engine. Is there an engine model number on the valve cover like on the 2F? Can you switch valve covers ? Is there a surefire way of distinguishing them, but that you could do only from looking at pictures? Other things to look for if it was in fact an FJ40 converted to diesel?

Auction

Thanks Again,
B

 

[dogstarmessenger]

well one thing sure doesn't add up
says its a 6cyl FJ40 and then says its the 3B diesel which is a 4 cyl engine and in 1978 if it is original diesel it would be a B engine in that truck for that year
the guy is also selling a bunch of engines so its a possibiliy that he did do the swap with a 3B and is just listing it wrong
its so hard to tell with ebay some times

 

[brownbear]

that auction looks fishy, even calls it a 6cyl. try looking at the calgary buy and sell. they have a bj42 and 70 on there. as well as many other models. sorry i don't have the link.

 

[beanz2]

For one thing, the 3B came later, in 1981 I think. The VIN looks like it was a converted FJ40. It has a non-US dash though with absence of pads and a grab handle over the glovebox. The choke button (=gasser) appears to have been removed. Someone correct me, but isn't this spot undrilled in the diesel 40?

Funky rear door handle and hand throttle.

Can't tell you how to tell a B from a 3B. Sorry.

Dave

 

[crushers]

it depends on the year but both the FJ and the BJ share the same holes. the factory just had this cute little plug to fill the holes not used. they did have a couple different holes on the lH side of the steering columm for the indicator light and that would be the give away if it was actually a diesel.
on the block there is a large 3B tamped in the flat on the right side of the engine just above the oil pan...

 

[Diescipel]

Thank for the responses.

Yeah, there are some fishy things about it, but I wouldn't mind a Frankencruiser if it runs well (though who knows what would happen down the road). I'm hoping that it's somewhere in NorCali so I can actually check it out before bidding (though seller's other items are in LA). To be honest I'm a bit of a hack and having a collector's rig for $$$ scares me (probably you too!). If I can get even a diesel conversion cheap, I'll do it--then perhaps throw the H55F and/or PS in later. Has little rust (unlike Canadian ones). Asked the seller a bunch of questions to clarify if originally an FJ etc., and also if it is already registered in Cali (there might be an issue with an FJ VIN and a diesel motor....anybody know?). No diesel emblem on front, has AC, so I'm pretty sure it's an FJ conversion with (hopefully) a 3B. Being a '78 it will have the disc brakes up front, right? It has the ambulance doors even though the handle is funky.

B

 

[Stone]

http://www.bitwalla.com/cruisers/information/engines.html HTH.

 

[cruiser_guy]

Take a look at the block itself (if you are in the area). I think the rear drivers side has a cast designation for "B" or "3B" or "13B-T" etc.
Another thing, he says it has A/C but the compressor is not there. A compressor mount for a 3B engine is a VERY hard to find part not available from Toyota any longer. If A/C is important, plan on custom fabbing a mount.
With a VIN starting with FJ40 it's a diesel conversion if it has the diesel. All diesel "B" or "3B" engined 'Crusiers start with BJ not FJ.

 

[Diescipel]

It's at $5k and hasn't hit the reserve--not worth it. Starting to consider an '81-'82 BJ42, alu tub if rusted, install an H55F, power steering on down the road....

B

 

[beanz2]

Are post 79 tubs available? Most BJ42's I've seen are more than $5K anyway, rusted or not.

Yes, the 78 should have disks in the front and 4.11 fine spline pinion diffs.

I was going to say, with the rear door latch being modified as it is, the cruiser has been to a body shop or at least one of the previous owners was capable of body work. Look for signs of rust repair, don't assume the tub is pristine.

Dave

 

[Diescipel]

I'm seeing BJ42s for $6k CAD ($4.5k USD)--yes. I figure one of those and about $5k later with the Alu tub and H55F and I'm where I want to be for $5k or more less than anything I've seen with the factory H55F and PS. PS is not as much a priority as the 5 spd. But... curious, what are the possibilities installing PS on a manual steer BJ42? Could I get used pump, box etc., or would I have to get a Saginaw set up?

I received an email back from the seller. He has no idea what he has--he didn't understand the model # / engine # questions I was asking him. He didn't do the conversion and doesn't know anything about it, so it's an unknown quantity.

B

 

[beanz2]

Factory PS parts are hard to come by but minitruck PS parts can be installed with some adapters. Not sure about engine mounting for the pump, someone else can answer that better than me.

Dave

 

[Greg_B]

Yes, post 79 tubs are available...it's what I have on my 1981 BJ42.

gb