new to me 3fe trouble

[RredFJ40]

If you're an LCML'r you might have already seen/responded to this - decided to try posting in more than one location.

I know I should probably take this to the 3fe list but it's late and I'm not signed up over there.

Here's the deal - picked up an FJ62 today to use as a parts rig. It's really rough but it ran and drove ok with 165K miles.

Picked it up to drive it home and it started and ran fine - I was told compression was at ~125psi on #1 and ~150 on the remaining 5 cylinders. So, started it and drove it 40 miles or so and shut it down to do some shopping. Go to start it and I get nothing.... No lights, no attempt to turn over, nothing. I inspected the engine bay for loose wires, burnt fusible link, etc. and didn't see anything. Jump started the rig but it required me holding the accelerator down in order for it to turn over. Runs fine after that.

Drive 5 miles and shut it down to get gas (knowing full well, I'll have to jump start it again). Get it jumpstarted but now it won't idle. As soon as I let off the gas it dies and I lose all electrical. Just *blink* dead like I'd turned off the ignition. I try numerous times to keep it running. It's dark but I don't see anything in the engine bay to tip me off (loose vac hose is what came to mind). I drive the remaining 70 miles home careful to never let up on the accelerator enough to let it die, braking with my left foot while keeping the RPMs up.

One final thing of note - Voltage gauge in the cluster is showing 15-16 volts and I get a random flick every once in a while.

It's late and dark, I just need some idea's to get started on tomorrow. BTW- it's been 2 years since I've been under the hood with a 3fe and that one was a gem that never really needed any work so I'm a little rusty.

TIA

 

[JohnCapoccia]

It may be as simple as a completely dead battery.

 

[RredFJ40]

I had thought that too, but it won't stay running - even with power from the alt. Is that normal? And starts fine to completely dead in 40 miles?

 

[cruiser88]

15 or 16 volts dam that is a little high. Should be no more than 14.5.


I think your looking at more than 1 issue i would start with voltage tests running.

Test on both sides of the fusible link(big white wire)

Test the big white wire at the alt(same wire as your fusible link)

Test your battery not running(12 volts or slightly more it should be) and while runing then test with a load( load meaning lights , heater etc.) with a voltage meter.

 

[Tvaldriz]

My money is on your fusable link.

 

[iowaguy]

I've had similar issues with my 88 3fe. since, i've had the carburetor rebuilt along with throttle. followed by replacing the fuel pump, and then the loss of power issue......after a couple of jumps and a new battery and a wrecker ride.......turned out to be the plug in on the backside of the alternator had come loose and just need to be pushed back in. hope this might help you.

 

[RredFJ40]

I got out the multi-meter and the battery was good but the spider's nest of fusible links, alt feeds, and starter cable at the positive post was a mess, It wasn't getting any current past the battery clamp. Cleaned it up and it was able to turn over. It still wouldn't stay running without help and I was still getting 16v from the alt while running. Pulled the alt and it ran fine with out it (running off the battery).

The high voltage must have tripped a safety in the ECU.