My 1978 BJ40 (3b) Project (1 Viewer)

[FDo5g]

Greetings!

I recently acquired this 24 volt 1978 Canadian import BJ40 with replacement 3B engine. I look forward to connecting with all of you and hearing your thoughts on my proposed future modifications and repairs. At present I am working to replace the voltage regulator and the-ring from the fuel lift pump. I plan a garret turbo as soon as I get the rest of the shakedown repairs completed.

 

[OTBT]

Welcome to the club ! I also have a 1978 BJ40 that I have had for about 40 years. This last spring I replaced my worn out B with a 3B, but I don't think I will be adding a turbo anytime soon.

 

[duncanrm]

The photos show a petrol engine?

 

[FDo5g]

The photos show a petrol engine?

That’s so funny… That wasn’t even my vehicle! I’m not sure how that picture got mixed in with the others!

 

[duncanrm]

That’s so funny… That wasn’t even my vehicle! I’m not sure how that picture got mixed in with the others!

Thats a relief! Any chance of a shot of your engine bay?

Dont rush to turbo it.. the 3B, like all NA Indirect Injected Engine diesel engines, is a bit of a slug, but they are so damn reliable and trustworthy and the turbo is often a bit of a slippery slope to failure and cooling issues.. drive and enjoy it for a while and see if you can live without a turbo?

 

[duncanrm]

I like you, you're clearly an optimist..

 

[FDo5g]

Thats a relief! Any chance of a shot of your engine bay?

Dont rush to turbo it.. the 3B, like all NA Indirect Injected Engine diesel engines, is a bit of a slug, but they are so damn reliable and trustworthy and the turbo is often a bit of a slippery slope to failure and cooling issues.. drive and enjoy it for a while and see if you can live without a turbo?

I don’t know if my 3B is tired or what, but I’m literally in second gear climbing the Appalachian foothills here in the piedmont of Virginia.

 

[FDo5g]

I like you, you're clearly an optimist..

View attachment 3133644

Hilarious - SO TRUE - it mainly serves as a visual and physical reminder that the car is in park/not running/neutral.

 

[FDo5g]

Thats a relief! Any chance of a shot of your engine bay?

Dont rush to turbo it.. the 3B, like all NA Indirect Injected Engine diesel engines, is a bit of a slug, but they are so damn reliable and trustworthy and the turbo is often a bit of a slippery slope to failure and cooling issues.. drive and enjoy it for a while and see if you can live without a turbo?

It was explained to me that the 3 B was actually designed to accommodate a turbo through multiple features, but just wasn’t placed on that block. Many people who consider themselves experts in the 3B say that the vehicle runs better with a turbo— perhaps even with better fuel economy.

 

[duncanrm]

It was explained to me that the 3 B was actually designed to accommodate a turbo through multiple features, but just wasn’t placed on that block. Many people who consider themselves experts in the 3B say that the vehicle runs better with a turbo— perhaps even with better fuel economy.

At the end of a day, its still an indirect injected head with precombustion cups - the block itself (like the late 2H blocks) may have features for a turbo that just require drilling and tap (oil feed, oil return, piston skirt squirters) but the head design itself is rather unsuitable for a turbo.

If you could find a 13BT it would have the mostly the same block, but with a direct injected head that really is designed for a turbo application.


Anyhow.. opinions are everywhere, its a lovely vehicle you have.

 

[duncanrm]

Prior to turbo'ing.. maybe just cover off on all the basics first to make sure you're not chasing gains that should already be there:

• Valve timing bang on
• Injector Spill timing perfect
• Fresh fuel filter
• Fresh air filter
• Good high tyre pressures
• Good injector spray pattern
• Crack pressures on injectors spot on
• Lift pump confirmed in good working order
• Weight as low as possible

 

[FDo5g]

That’s so funny… That wasn’t even my vehicle! I’m not sure how that picture got mixed in with the others!