Builds Lou60 - an East TX Gem (4 Viewers)

[ToyotaTechnical]

Cooling related items. The fan clutch was weak, so upgraded to an aisin aqua clutch. New unit has some hand written notations. This was the first time I have seen this on any aisin product.

• Aisin Fan Clutch: FCT-049
• 4x Fan clutch nuts: 90179-08123

Also have a new Aisin water pump going in. I decided to open it up for visual inspection, and corrosion was found. Cleaned it up, and resealed it using the factory provided gasket.

• Water pump: AISIN WPT-028
• Water pump bolts: 4x 90119-A0139

Old v new fan clutch:

Water pump corrosion on aisin unit:

 

[SteveH]

Where did you buy/find the pre-rusty water pump? It was obviously not stored well over the years.

I know that Land Cruisers 'want to rust' - but sheesh - this part is getting a head start on the rusting process

 

[ToyotaTechnical]

Where did you buy/find the pre-rusty water pump? It was obviously not stored well over the years.

I know that Land Cruisers 'want to rust' - but sheesh - this part is getting a head start on the rusting process

Rock auto Denso.

 

[ToyotaTechnical]

Lou is progressing well. She is ready to fire up after a major engine bay refresh. Next step is get her to the exhaust shop for a full stainless system. Here are some photos of the engine bay:

 

[ToyotaTechnical]

Assembly of the engine took way longer than expected due to the cracked head situation. Took 2 months to track down the head, and 4 more weeks at the machine shop.

Even though the head I bought was "rebuilt", it was missing some details. Exhaust threads were grabby, and one completely stripped. Thread-sert to the rescue. Exhaust valves also needed to be redone.

Then came the mock up and fitment of the 3FE exhaust manifold. This required trimming, shimming, and grinding. I used @Godwin thread as a guide.

New Head bolts used. Threads were chased and cleaned... Rinse and repeat. So much junk came out of the threads.

Mock up of 3FE exhaust manifold:

New OEM head bolts mocked up:

Everything mounted:

 

[ToyotaTechnical]

Lou sounds mean! First start, open headers:

 

[kevin in okinawa]

Thanks for sharing your Lou story, and for being a decent human being.

 

[ToyotaTechnical]

Lou got full custom stainless exhaust. TIG welded, Mandrel bent, reverse welded V bands. Stainless muffler. Utilizing all factory mounting points and isolators. Incredible work by a local legend from the LS crowd.

Here are some photos:

 

[ToyotaTechnical]

With exhaust in- it's time to drive her around. Very impressed with her. Here is a vid of some driving. She pulls hard for a 2F.

 

[ToyotaTechnical]

Next up- make her tolerable to drive around in the Texas summer time. AC mandatory- Fresh filter, Fresh R134, and some UV dye infused PAG oil.

Pulled a long 6 hour vac on her, and she passed vac testing. Charged her up, and she now blows "cold". AC compressor is loud for personal preference. Replacement ordered. Denso: 471-0204.

Next up, Ceramic tint! Mandatory for protecting the interior and keeping the cabin tolerable in direct sun light. Went with "nano ceramic" at 70%.

 

[ToyotaTechnical]

Next up, get here looking CLEAN! I usually focus solely on mechanical perfection, but Lou deserves to be looking sharp. Ms. Lou always appreciated her cars to be washed and waxed.

About 8 hours of cleaning. First power wash, then hand scrub, then clay bar, then wash again. Let her dry, then began the "patina sauce" application.

 

[ToyotaTechnical]

And the paint results!:

 

[RevISK]

Gorgeous

 

[CruiserTrash]

And the paint results!:

View attachment 3717575

She looks great.

But I know what the next posts will be about and I almost can’t watch.

 

[RevISK]

She looks great.

But I know what the next posts will be about and I almost can’t watch.

Hmmm, now I’m curious-er.

No way he’s selling, right?

 

[ToyotaTechnical]

250 miles have been driven so time for a oil change and fresh D3 Filter.

Bypass oil filter also installed - providing 4 micron filtration. Little did I know, this would be the worst decision of my "car related" life.

Here it is hooked up, idle leak tested, and test driven around for a few miles.

 

[RevISK]

250 miles have been driven so time for a oil change and fresh D3 Filter.

Bypass oil filter also installed - providing test 4 micron filtration. Little did I know, this would be the worst mistake of my "car related" life.

Here is hooked up, idle leak tested, and test driven around for a few miles.

View attachment 3717587View attachment 3717586

She looks great.

But I know what the next posts will be about and I almost can’t watch.

Oh…
Please no

 

[Hokie LX]

Did you use Megs #7 for the "patina sauce"? I've used that back in my detailing days to rehydrate single stage paint doing 4-6 applications of sit, absorb, and wipe with great results.

 

[ToyotaTechnical]

Then the nightmare started...

Disclaimer, I am still pissed about the situation. Trying my best to be professional and give "this company" a chance to make it right before I go nuke mode.

I hop in Lou to head to the store. About 15 minutes into the drive, I look down and Oil pressure is at ZERO. I throw her into neutral, and shut off the engine. I coast into the shipping and receiving bay of Costco. At this point, I am optimistic because I am a religious gauge watcher. I check gauges every minute or so while driving.

I get out, pop the hood, and oil is Everywhere. F*%^! The oil filter & bypass filter adapter assembly is flopping around - disconnected from the motor. Black oil is everywhere.

What the F happened? I start investigating, and the threaded Bypass oil filter adapter stripped. This blew both the primary and the secondary filter off, leaving the motor with no oil filter.

 

[ToyotaTechnical]

I separate the stock D3 Filter from the bypass assembly and reattach it to the factory oil filter mount location - It locks up solid, confirming the factory threads are good and undamaged.

I head into Costco to purchase oil, and head back out. The ultimate question... how much oil will it take? Well, it took a full 7.5Q. Not good...

Costco security is now telling me to move the cruiser or it's going to get towed. I am blocking one of their delivery bays. I fire her up, and Oil pressure instantly returns to "normal", slightly lower than before, but motor sounds solid. No knocking or obvious indication that damage has occurred.

I return home, and prepare for the moment of truth. I pull the oil filter and drain the oil...