New FJ 60 owner, some minor repair q's

[CruzSuz]

Hey everybody!

I've always wanted a Cruiser, and finally got one! She's a 1984 FJ60 that was well cared for by TLC in Los Angeles. Recently drove her across country and now reside in New Haven, CT. Some minor things I have to get done, and to be honest, not sure what each involves.
1. Horn doesn't work (well, not exactly, seems to come in and out
randomly, but for the most part doesn't work - and seems to be a
necessity for New Haven driving!)
2. Fuel Guage is out - (made for an interesting monitoring program of
fuel from CA to CT)
3. Think there's a "relay" problem with the fan - it kicks in and out when I turn the engine off at times
4. The steering just recently started making a noise every so often
5. Want to look into replacing the battery, looks like it may have
leaked at some point

Don't even know if these are relevant questions or not, but just want to start getting my head around some of the techie stuff.

Many thanks for any info.
Also, if anyone knows of a mechanic in New Haven, CT, that would be great. I contacted CruiserSolutions in New Hampshire and they sound great.

Susan

 

[macneill]

Welcome. Try metrolandcruisers.com if you don't mind going to New Jersey.

 

[MDH33]

I guess yours wasn't one of TLC's "Stage 3 Restorations?" If I paid that much for one of thier rigs I'd expect it to need absolutely no work, drive itself and come with a Hot Blond Co-pilot.

 

[Texx]

Start with the fuse for the horn, if it's not that, check horn relay, if not that, pull the steering wheel and lightly sand contact ring on back of wheel and contact. Fuel guage is replaceable and available from Toyota, there is a specific check with ohmeter to see if your sending unit is okay. You'lll have to pick that info up probably from Toyota. Your electric fan should come on anytime the engine is shut off when the engine is at operating temperature. It shouldn't run when the engine is running, and is operated by a thermostatic switch. It has nothing to do with cooling the engine, but is related to cooling the carb for smog purposes. You may be looking at the end of your power steering pump, I use the Lucas brand power steering fluid, stops leaks and slows wear, ends groaning, or you may just be low on fluid. Lots of folks like the gel cell batteries, no leaks.

 

[sl33py]

welcome! glad you finally got a real vehicle...lol.

1 - i've seen a lot of threads on the horn not working. check to see if the contact points are able to touch. I thknk people have fixed w/ some shims...

2 - make sure your guage is grounded / hooked up.

3 - carb cooling fan? or other? if carb fan it's supposed to come on when hot enough...

4 - check the level of your PS pump. notorious for leaking. mine does... use ATF btw.

5 - get an optima and stainless tray!

hth - just some ideas. if your having major problems, do a search on them and you will get lots of info.

Rob

 

[lovetoski]

1. Horn doesn't work (well, not exactly, seems to come in and out
randomly, but for the most part doesn't work - and seems to be a
necessity for New Haven driving!)
3. Think there's a "relay" problem with the fan - it kicks in and out when I turn the engine off at times
4. The steering just recently started making a noise every so often

Good advice from the others...just wanted to add a bit...
Re the horn - there is a horn pin and horn ring, inside the steering wheel. They wear out. Parts are cheap - $10 maybe (dealer). Pretty easy to install.

Re the fan - there are two of them. The carb cooling fan is supposed to come on only AFTER the engine shuts off. It's mounted on the drivers side fender (inside the engine bay). You should be able to hear it running after the engine is off. The other fan is the engine cooling fan, mounted on the front of the engine. It's not electric - but instead has a heat activated clutch. Depending on temp/engine load/engine cooling system condition/speed, this fan will come on periodically as you drive. It's much louder than the electric carb cooling fan.

Re the steering noise - could be the PS pump, which tends to moan when worn/cold/low on fluid. Based on your brief description, it could be also be anyone of a number of other things. If you can provide more info, we might be able to give you some more specific advice as to possible causes.

BTW - welcome to the club! It's a pretty cool group. Suggest that you read the FAQ up top, and get familier with "search" both will yield massive amounts of info - kinda like roaming through the cruiser encyclopedia.

 

[Mike S]

Engine fan? Carb cooling fan? A/C fan?

Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak - quiets the steering.

I like the Optima battery with stainless battery tray so much that I have two of each installed.

Check out the FAQ as well, For specific stuff, doa search.

M

 

[CruzSuz]

Thanks for all the advise.
Fan:
Based on the descriptions above I definitely think it's the carb fan - it's always the one that comes on after I turn the engine off, whether it's hot or not. In my ignorance I would describe it as a sound resembling an electrical "short" that I can hear distinctly in the fuse box. It goes something like "click...click click.." with the fan coming in and out.

Horn:
I will check all of the above (have an apt at a mechanic on Monday so he can help too if I can't see anything myself)

Steering:
I think someone asked for more info, it's kind of like a grinding noise when I turn. People mention "fluid leaking" is this something that I would notice anywhere? I suppose it could simply be empte and need new fluid.

THANK YOU for all your replies, I realize my questions are very rookie, and appreciate all the help. Now if I can just post 10 messages I can upload an avatar and you can all see my toy ...lol!

Until later.

 

[sl33py]

check your p/s fluid level. 2 seconds and you will know...very easy. remember to use atf, not p/s fluid.

maybe a bad ground on the carb fan if it is cutting in and out? out of my experience - but a thought.

again - welcome and good luck.

rob