Builds My '78 FJ40 "44"

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Man, I'm doing it all wrong!

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Mine is wrong too... Cabin air comes to the dissy and vents directly to the air cleaner... Portentially allowing gas fumes to flow back to the distributor.

I had never seen a schematic that reflected the need for this VCV.

 

[fj401978]

Mine is wrong too... Cabin air comes to the dissy and vents directly to the air cleaner... Portentially allowing gas fumes to flow back to the distributor.

I had never seen a schematic that reflected the need for this VCV.

Same here, Danny...thanks for posting your findings all the time, you help people that you have no idea about!! Mine was missing, too...and I'v been driving it like that for 17 years!

 

[Solace in Solitude]

We decided to drive home this afternoon so Dianna can drive south in the morning and cook with her sister... I'm glad we did... I got a call on the way home... 44 is ready to come back home!!

Roughly 3 months: full rebuild (tanked twice, magnafluxed., new Pistons, rings, cam, crank turned, decked, OEM gasket kit) valve job: head magnafluxed, head milled, threaded oil galley plugs), New exhaust: headers split back down to two tri-pipes and v-bands installed, new exhaust, new muffler; new clutch plate and new clutch slave; new tranny input seal; a number of other small fixes that were easier done while the engine was out.

I think 3 months to have the engine pulled, rebuilt, all the other stuff and engine reinstalled is more than reasonable!!

Dianna will drop me off in the morning and 44 and I will snuggle a bit on the way home!

I'll report initial thoughts once I get home and will update them once I drive it for a while to break it in.

 

[GA Architect]

Congrats....you are in for a treat!

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Sweet! Time to enjoy it!

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

sweet

 

[78fj40mg]

Cool beans Mr. Danny! Congrats!

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Thanks Mike!

 

[Chungas Revenge]

Nice!!!!

 

[Helipilot]

Thanks for the info Danny. I guess it's time to order the new VCV since my '77 (Dec-76) doesn't have this on it.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Thanks for the info Danny. I guess it's time to order the new VCV since my '77 (Dec-76) doesn't have this on it.

I don't recall what years (beyond my '78) require this VCV Roger.

But those threads, by @1911 (Lee) in my Preparing to ford water thread should say.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

I picked up 44 this morning... Well, she picked me up!!

I drove around Vegas for a while... No issues and what a pleasure!! She runs great and is not nearly as loud mouthed as she was!! And the new clutch is sweet, as well!!

I can't wait to get her out for a trip... Well, I can wait... Until it cools off a little bit... She still doesn't have AC and I've been kinda 'laid up' most of the summer. So, I'm not used to the heat.

But, it won't be long... And I've got to get all my stuff back on board and get it organized again.

I'll try to get a few pictures when it's cooler.

 

[78fj40mg]

Great news Danny! I look forward to a plethora of pics.

 

[lostmarbles]

You've been so very patient waiting for the return of your revitalised cruiser Danny.

In fact I think I've been getting impatient instead of you..

It'll be even more fun now exploring those lonely places knowing that it's got a healthy heart.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Exactly Tom!! Healthy heart!! Runs like a Formula 1... Just slightly slower!!

I have a couple of trips planned... Just not sure when I will be able to go, til I get past a couple more doctor appointments.

I was patient for two reasons... I wanted it done right and it's always better if your not rushing the experts; and I really haven't felt very good all summer... Finally, so much better after finding a great sports medicine guy!!!

Wish they'd build that bridge between here and OZ and then the one from OZ to NZ... I'd love to bring 44 down there. But, even if they build the bridges, the fuel stations won't be ready for a long time...

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Great news Danny! I look forward to a plethora of pics.

I don't know about a plethora, Mike... It's the same 44 on the outside... Just paint on the engine and new exhaust.

I cleaned up the firewall. Wasn't able to do much more, in the way of cleanup, due to my physical limitations.

No lift... It's hard to get decent exhaust pics... Here's the v-bands, from the headers to the collector... And the final bend out behind the rear passenger tire (same route as before). I have a heat shield between the the exhaust pipe and the BOSS air bag and another between the pipe and the aux tank.

I expect to have to snug the oil pan bolts after I drive it a bit and the only break-in instructions are, "drive it gently (max 3000 rpm) for 500 miles then change the oil and filter".

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Head bolts need to be on that retorque list also. For sure.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

I'd like to thank a few friends for their help in this endeavor:

1. Zach @FluByU ) offered to help me pull and reinstall my engine. But my physical limitations, this summer, made me decide to hire it done. I sincerely appreciate the offer nonetheless!!

2. Allan (@allan man ) for recommending a great guy and a great rebuild shop, (Dan Fultz at Fultz Machine Shop: Dan recommended a great guy and a great shop, to do the mechanical work (pull and install. Etc), Don Williams at Qualified Auto). Allan also recommended Best Muffler... As did Don Williams. Thanks Allan!!

3. Jason (@reevesci in Wyoming) was very adroit at explaining what a good exhaust shop should be able to achieve... I took his annotated pictures to the shop and finally succeeded in reaching an understanding. Thank you Jason!!

4. Most importantly... Gunner for his devotion and unconditional love and Chester for his unique ability to find the best in me!!!

And thanks to everyone in MUD who helped me throughout this process!!

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Head bolts need to be on that retorque list also. For sure.

Thanks Ryan! That's what I thought and, when I asked, both the rebuilder and the mechanic said 'no'.

But, I will definitely check them nonetheless.