need repair help

[csuram2001]

I'm the prospective owner of an 83 FJ60 that needs a little engine TLC. The guy I'm buying it from was just driving it when the engine overheated very rapidly, indicating some sort of major engine component failure. He's offered the truck to me for $500, but I'm going to attempt repairs on my own. Trouble is, I have no idea what I'm doing. This is my first cruiser and my first attempt at major engine repair, and I'm a little nervous. I'm looking for someone in the Springs that has a little know-how that would be willing to spend a few hours with me diagnosing/repairing it with me. I can't afford a whole lot of money (otherwise I'd take it to a mechanic); I'm just a bored high school teacher with plenty of time on my hands for the summer and am looking for someone kind enough to give me some tutoring. (Maybe a little monetary compensation if we can get it running). The initial diagnosis indicates a potentially blown head gasket. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help out.

Kevin
kmcgreg@hotmail.com

 

[PPFJ60]

Do you have a place to work on it and tools to work with? Does the truck run now?

 

[Isotel]

The internet is a great place to get info! and 2f's are good engines!,, A Club Member Mark (ManJerk) has a 2f for sale and it has pretty good #'s.. You may be able to pick up that from him if your engine is toast.. We need more info.. dose the engine turn over? will it start?? Is there Coolant in the Oil, or Oil in the Coolant??

We can do some diagnosis on here, or the guys in the 60 series section can help too!

Try and make it to the next meeting 3rd tuesday of every month at Liberty Toyota..

Good Luck, and Have fun with the Cruiser!

 

[csuram2001]

thanks for your replies. The Cruiser is currently sitting up at Stevinson Toyota in Denver where the current owner took it when it overheated. I'm waiting on them to take a look at the engine before I buy it. I'm pretty sure it still starts, but it can't be driven because there is standing fluid in the #3 cylinder, causing it to quickly overheat when the engine runs for too long. There are a few things that could cause standing fluid, none of them are good. When I find out, I'll decide whther its worth my trouble to buy it and attempt repairs on my own. I don't have many tools for such a job, but I'm eager to start collecting (this is a hobby I've just started). I've got a garage and a place I can keep it while I'm working on it. I also bought a Haynes repair manual, but nothing beats having somebody with you who has seen it before and knows what they're doing. I'm eager to learn, I guess you could say.

 

[csuram2001]

*sigh* It looks like I'm going to lose this one. I'm not willing to buy it until I know specifically what's wrong with the engine. The boys at Stevinson, where the truck is parked because it can't be driven (and towing is too expensive), want $550 to remove the head and check for evidence of a failed head gasket or cracked head. If there's no obvious damage, the head will have to be x-rayed for signs of a crack. It looks like this one is just too much of a hassle. I'm going to call the guy back and tell him I don't want it - unless anyone here is an "expert" at these sorts of problems and would like to buy it and restore it. Let me know ASAP - I need to give him my decision soon this afternoon.

Kevin
kmcgreg@hotmail.com

 

[Isotel]

Regardless if it needs a new engine or not its probably worth the $500..

do you have any photos of the truck? how many miles on the body? Any Mods? If its not a beat up 60 its worth that even if it needs a new engine..

 

[csuram2001]

The body has 138,000 miles (not bad for an '83). It has a warn winch, fog lights, a 3 inch lift kit, and the body is in pretty darn good shape (a little but of rust on inside of wheel wells). There are photos of it on Craig's List Denver. Just type in FJ60 in the Denver Craig's List search; it was posted on May 19th (located in Evergreen). It's red.

I'd still like to buy it with the engine damage; the trouble is it's stuck in Denver and I can't afford to tow it to the Springs (about $300 - $350). I'd be happy to pay for gas if anyone has a trailer and would be willing to help out.

 

[PPFJ60]

I have a 16' trailer that will do the job. I am planning on running Spring Creek with Rising Sun on Sunday so I would be going to Denver in the morning and returning sometime in the afternoon. Let me know if that schedule would work for you.

 

[LCPilot]

This sounds like a great opportunity.

Old Land Cruiser $500
Gas for buddy $75
CLC membership $20
New friends in the club Priceless.