I got an 87 and need some advice.

[trucruiser]

So I got a good deal on a non running 87 FJ60 and I wanted to ask for the wisdom of the board on the steps I should take to get this beast running.
It has 151000 miles on it with some rust, the PO said when it last ran it was overheating in traffic and at stop lights, so they replaced the radiator and that did not help, so his kid bought a head gasket kit and took off the rocker arm assy and carb and left it parked for 3 yrs just like that.
It looks like I have all of the parts to put it back together and thats kindof what im wanting to do just to get it running and baseline it and start some t-shooting of my own. I am reluctant to tear into the HG job right now just because:
1. The oil looks good, no coolant or milky residue at all.
2. The HG Kit he bought is not Toyota parts.
3. It only has 151000 miles
4. he said it would only overheat at slow driving or idle situations (fan clutch?)

Questions
If i try to get this running without tearing into the head, do I just set the rocker assy and carb(after cleaning) back on as is and and try to start it?
Of course I will be cleaning out the old fuel and filter and changing the oil as well.
I will probably have to adjust the valves later but as I understand it has to be done on a warm engine. could I cause any damage by just installing the rocker assy as is and starting it?

Thanks

 

[Spike Strip]

Yes, I'd check the fan clutch and thermostat before trying to start. You should also check to see that the valves are close when reinstalling the rockers - who know what the kid did.

But the first thing I'd do is a compression test - that'll give you an indication if it's the HG. If it is, no need to put the other stuff back on. And if it needs a HG, buy OEM.

 

[trucruiser]

How do i do a compression test without the truck running?

 

[Spike Strip]

Take out all the plugs and put a 46mm socket on the crank nut (tranny in N) and turn at least 4 times per cyl.

Or you can get a good battery in there and use the starter.

Hmmm... Let's see, if the rockers are off, that means all valves will be closed... I've never had to do it that way, but it shouldn't make a difference if cranking by hand, and plugs removed.

 

[lehiguy]

When you do that compression test, take out ALL the plugs and wire the throttle wide open or you will get low numbers. On the head gasket, DO NOT be tempted to use anything but Toyota on that animal. I have seen, more than once, after market gaskets with the holes in the wrong places. It cost my friend an entire engine.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Clean crud and dirt off,put back togeather.clean spark plugs,new fuel filter,poor a little fuel in each spark plug hole let sit over night.put in fresh battery,clean all electrical contacts to battery and dist. cap. The next day pull out manual choke, pump accel. 3 times and I bet she fires up.

 

[trucruiser]

Clean crud and dirt off,put back togeather.clean spark plugs,new fuel filter,poor a little fuel in each spark plug hole let sit over night.put in fresh battery,clean all electrical contacts to battery and dist. cap. The next day pull out manual choke, pump accel. 3 times and I bet she fires up.

This was my original plan of attack since the HG kit he purchased was not Toyota, I was wanting to diagnose my self before I spring for another kit (the correct Toyota one)

 

[Texx]

Since you're so close to dissasembled, I'd pull the head and at least have it magnafluxed. Since previous owners tend to discount problems by at least 50 per cent, especially on non running vehicles. Head gasket set is worth the money. I'd rather look down the bores to check cylinder condition and have the head magnafluxed than spend all the labor putting it back together to find out there's a problem.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Get they right gasket put it togeather.fire it up.All you have lost is a gasket if it doesnt work.Then spend the rest of the summer and$$$$ if it doesnt.