Build OL'BETSY ZX: 1991 HZJ77

[Blomdala]

Yeah I had temporary delusions of grandeur, and then saw a stat that 50% of compressor rebuilds ended in leaks... Plus I found one for $469 of my weaksauce CAD dollars in the province next door, so it seemed dumb to attempt a doomed rebuild.

It's possible that the entire system got contaminated by compressor shrapnel, but...

Pressures were good last weekend before it seized. And I can turn the clutch by hand. There is a lot of resistance though, which seems to be consistent throughout the rotation.. so my working theory is that the bearing inside failed? It was oiled properly when recharged. And I'm not seeing any signs of leakage.

Finally, despite being barely able to turn the compressor over, amid horrible belt squeal, it still produces cold air.

Just in case, I'll replace the filter/dryer and maybe blow out the lines? Perhaps someone can light a candle or burn some incense for the condenser?

For the record. I've had this entire system apart, but if you've just joined us, don't assume I have any idea what I'm doing. Although that sentiment applies to this entire thread...

First of all this totally sucks, and I’m sorry!

Secondly, I think when you take the lines off the compressor you will get an idea for shrapnel…. But there are AC system flushes so if you do want to do that it’s not a huge deal (basically washing it out with brake clean) you will just need to let it dry and then replace all the oil in the system.

I say cross that bridge when you pull the lines and give them a good inspection!

 

[JDM Journeys]

First of all this totally sucks, and I’m sorry!

Secondly, I think when you take the lines off the compressor you will get an idea for shrapnel…. But there are AC system flushes so if you do want to do that it’s not a huge deal (basically washing it out with brake clean) you will just need to let it dry and then replace all the oil in the system.

I say cross that bridge when you pull the lines and give them a good inspection!

Thanks for the commiseration. And the suggestions. I'm hoping for the best.

Meanwhile my center console armrest box thingy arrived. It was cheapish at $80 CAD. And it came with a cracked hinge. Seller immediately refunded half the cost when I suggested it. So I got to work. Dremelled the plastic hinges off and retrofitted a piano hinge.

Then... After thinking long and hard I bolted it through the center console lid. Hmm. Anyways...

Same width as OEM center box, perfect height for shifting or steering. Handbrake is still easy access. OEM center box underneath is still functional. But now there's an extra storage area in the new armrest box. It doesn't quite look OEM, but it isn't terrible, and really makes driving WAY more comfortable over long distances, which is what this rig does.

Ignore the awful seat covers. Helps with puppy fur.

 

[LDRF]

Does your truck not have an inverter behind the glove box? It's got a constant 12V and an accessory 12V lead coming out of it. Super simple to wire.

I believe the stock radio was 12V regardless.

Thanks for the pointers JDM and ATL!

Yes 12v is definately the way to go. I'll have to do some poking around under the dash and do some testing with my voltmeter to see what alterations, if any the PO did. Who knows, as my head unit currently looks like this:
View attachment 3226546
I took the trim off to repair it and took off the mounting brackets for the head unit and the dash cubby too.

@JDM Journeys and @ATL Cruiser - I am trying to decode some of the wiring "upgrades" done by the PO. I cannot find the 24V-12V converter in the Electrical Wiring Diagrams. Do you know where it is located?

 

[JDM Journeys]

Got my wheelskins cover.

Wrong size for the 77. Whatever model I quoted above? Yeah... too big on the wheel diameter. I've installed one of these before and knew it needed to be tight on the circumference. This wasn't. So I did what I usually do. I tried to make it work.

I cut the seam then spent the next hour or two sewing it back together. As an aside, non perforated leather is a PAIN to get a needle through. I broke one, then seemed to get the force calibrated, and sewed the shortened wrap back together. Looks like crap but I'll park it at the bottom and then if someone looks at it I'll tell them it's rude to stare at one's gentleman's regions.

I'm currently stitching the whole thing in place. It's as tedious as I remember.

Long way to go yet...

 

[Rigster]

Got my wheelskins cover.

Wrong size for the 77. Whatever model I quoted above? Yeah... too big on the wheel diameter. I've installed one of these before and knew it needed to be tight on the circumference. This wasn't. So I did what I usually do. I tried to make it work.

I cut the seam then spent the next hour or two sewing it back together. As an aside, non perforated leather is a PAIN to get a needle through. I broke one, then seemed to get the force calibrated, and sewed the shortened wrap back together. Looks like crap but I'll park it at the bottom and then if someone looks at it I'll tell them it's rude to stare at one's gentleman's regions.
View attachment 3329733

I'm currently stitching the whole thing in place. It's as tedious as I remember.

View attachment 3329734

Long way to go yet...

I just measured my steering wheel and bought a chinese one for like $30 from amazon. The fit could have been slightly tighter, but overall it worked out. I really should have taken more time to do mine, but when I am constantly trying to find time to do things, it is hard not to rush.

I sure do like the feel afterwards though, it is a nice fit for larger hands. It already looks great bud!

 

[JDM Journeys]

It's late and work in the morning but... Just finished!

Considering I had to cut and shorten, I'm actually really happy with how it turned out. Nice and tight (now) and the color match is about perfect. For the record it's wheel skins charcoal gray. Around the spokes is way tighter than the last one I did too. Lessons learned I guess?

 

[JDM Journeys]

Drove it today (without a/c but I just hadta) and I have to say, the new touch points make it a very different drive. A cushioned armrest under your elbow and a nice leather wrap under your palm? Feels very premium.

 

[Rigster]

Drove it today (without a/c but I just hadta) and I have to say, the new touch points make it a very different drive. A cushioned armrest under your elbow and a nice leather wrap under your palm? Feels very premium.

When are you going to turn the pinstriping you did around so you get that added speed and horsepower you were hoping for with that mod?

 

[jayp2]

When are you going to turn the pinstriping you did around so you get that added speed and horsepower you were hoping for with that mod?

I suspect that the hp he wants requires the catalytic effect of the stripes with a 12ht transplant into the 77

Not that I would suggest he put aside his desire for functional A/C for the pursuit of useable power.......seems like toyota made a mistake in not making the 12ht for 15 years more.....part of me wishes I had pulled the trigger on a rusty HJ61 with a great drivetrain.....but I hate rust

 

[JDM Journeys]

Ordered a new fan clutch today. Temps creep up on hills despite having a new radiator, cap, and water pump. I do suspect the gauge isn't necessarily super accurate but the fact that it climbs on hills indicates that the temp is rising somewhat, so the fan clutch is kind of the last piece to make the cooling system entirely refreshed.

 

[Rigster]

Ordered a new fan clutch today. Temps creep up on hills despite having a new radiator, cap, and water pump. I do suspect the gauge isn't necessarily super accurate but the fact that it climbs on hills indicates that the temp is rising somewhat, so the fan clutch is kind of the last piece to make the cooling system entirely refreshed.

Maybe before you slap it in, grab some of that silicone lube from the hobby store that peeps seem to swear by. I grabbed some as well, just have not had the time to pull the existing fan clutch to service it.

They didn't have any 10,000 when I went in (though they had 1,000,000!! ) so I grabbed 20,000.

 

[Blomdala]

Maybe before you slap it in, grab some of that silicone lube from the hobby store that peeps seem to swear by. I grabbed some as well, just have not had the time to pull the existing fan clutch to service it.

They didn't have any 10,000 when I went in (though they had 1,000,000!! ) so I grabbed 20,000.

I did this on my fan clutch, I didn't notice any significant improvement with my issue of temps creeping unfortunately...

 

[JDM Journeys]

I did this on my fan clutch, I didn't notice any significant improvement with my issue of temps creeping unfortunately...

Yeah I knew the old cst trick but I just wanted to eliminate it as a possibility rather than relube it and then wonder (if it changed nothing) whether I'd done it right etc. Lol. It looks to be original so it can't hurt?

 

[Rigster]

I did this on my fan clutch, I didn't notice any significant improvement with my issue of temps creeping unfortunately...

That's because you did it WRONG!!

LoL... j/k. I have to assume those that find good results is likely because their fan clutches were likely overdue for a servicing anyways.

Another reason I am looking after more pressing projects in the meantime...

 

[Blomdala]

First of all, it is VERY likely I did it wrong LOL. So you are not off base hahahahah.

I felt like there were only Vague instructions online about qty of fluid and what rating of fluid as well. So as much as id like to think I was doing good work, I don't have confidence about the whole thing lol. I do have more fluid so maybe when I get bored ill add more ha.

 

[Rigster]

First of all, it is VERY likely I did it wrong LOL. So you are not off base hahahahah.

I felt like there were only Vague instructions online about qty of fluid and what rating of fluid as well. So as much as id like to think I was doing good work, I don't have confidence about the whole thing lol. I do have more fluid so maybe when I get bored ill add more ha.

Hmmm.... I have not looked too deeply into it yet, but my understanding is that the clutch kind of works like a visco-lock, via centrifugal force. So I am assuming that the more fluid you put in there, the quicker/sooner it would grab? I think this is the whole idea of using the silicone based lube, is it is a little more "grabby" and sticky. I could be way off base, but it certainly sounds good rolling around inside my empty head....

 

[JDM Journeys]

See? I'd be second guessing this like I do every other thing I do to this truck. Easier to just replace the fan clutch at the beginning. Then when it does nothing I'll not have to revisit, and instead just move on to the next thing that doesn't help.

 

[Blomdala]

I think you are right, but at some point too much would keep it going too much? I don't know, I spent a lot of time reading before I did it and I have cleared that RAM from my brain since lol. I'm personally saving up for an updated front clip for my radiator and intercooler needs. More space for more cooling.... But its at acceptable levels right now so I have that luxury of waiting ha!

 

[JDM Journeys]

I'm reasonably sure that my fan clutch is getting weak. I drove in to the city today to get my AC vacuumed down in anticipation of the new compressor, and at highway speeds with a reasonable 700 degree EGT temperature my coolant temperature gauge began to rise a little bit. It didn't quite reach half, but normally it doesn't rise above 1/3, regardless of the ambient temperature. This morning it was only about 14 degrees Celsius outside. When I got there, I could still fairly easily turn the fan by hand.

Thankfully, my new fan clutch got shipped this morning. For reference here's what I ordered:
16210-17010 - COUPLING ASSY, FLUID

But now it's time to r&r the AC compressor and filter/drier.

 

[JDM Journeys]

Compressor bolted up with little drama but I bought the wrong dryer. Argh. Waiting until Wednesday now for the right one. Here's the pattern of the one I need. I have a UAC RD 9996C on its way now.

Also replaced the coolant line from firewall to IP.
And to finish off the day, I replaced the glow system's coolant temp sender. Sits below left of the oil filter in case anyone's looking.
Here is the old one and the part number...

And new in situ...(look for green)

Replaced this and it's copper washer just to ensure the glow system is staying on long enough. I could've tested it but I prefer to throw parts at it.