Reached my level of incompetence - need local mechanic / rebuild?

[Jeff Elliott]

Hey NC folks -

I've been wrestling with my Cruiser since the summer (here's my intro thread) and I'm throwing in the towel... Vacuum leaks, oil pan gasket, push rod cover gasket, main seal, two carbs, etc and I still can't get her running right. My latest saga is here: Tune Up - What order? where I'm trying to get it timed correctly, dealing with a stumble, etc.

The truck has low compression (115 - 120) and I'm wondering if it's time to rebuild... I need a local mechanic (in the greater Charlotte area) who can help me diagnose it and, if needed, I'll also need advice on someone (hopefully locally) who can do the rebuild.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Jonny01]

Don't know if southend charlotte is too far but I have gone to H & H Automotive in Charlotte for my dodge Dakota and just went there for my 79 FJ40. Very happy with their work and knowledge, knew exactly what parts I had on my truck (power steering conversion, rear disc brake conversion) and diagnosed my rear body mount issue right away ( a PO replaced rear sill and got it too far forward which is why bolts and holes not lining up properly, replaced leaking freeze plug). Also nice was 3 other cruisers in shop when I got there so gave me a comfort level with their experience. Give them a shout see what they say. 704-333-0628.

 

[roadstr6]

I know Dean at H&H has some 2F's on the garage floor. He may sell you a drop-in runner.

 

[mtweller]

My first thought is that those aren't "horrible" compression numbers. Any idea the mileage on that engine? 2F's run a LONG time with basic maintenance and I've ridden in some that were "tired" and still got the old beast down the road just fine. I don't have time to read your other thread right now, but I'd be damned sure to try and fix / tune it before going all in just yet. JMO and good luck!

 

[Rice]

My first thought is that those aren't "horrible" compression numbers. Any idea the mileage on that engine? 2F's run a LONG time with basic maintenance and I've ridden in some that were "tired" and still got the old beast down the road just fine. I don't have time to read your other thread right now, but I'd be damned sure to try and fix / tune it before going all in just yet. JMO and good luck!

I agree .... if numbers are pretty close to each other my first thought would be the gauge was a bit off and the engine is golden. To test that notion soak the cylinders with some oil and try again with a different gauge.

The "to do" list accompanied by the "should I worry about _______" list can be daunting. Don't let it daunt you . There is enough expertise in the Charlotte area to help you through and get you to the place where you can hop in, turn the key, and enjoy the ride.

Edit ..... did a shop do the compression test for you?

 

[roadstr6]

I read the thread you linked up top here. The off idle stumble you have sounds like it is carb related. Otherwise the engine is running smooth as silk! What carb are you running? It sounds like to me like your carb is having a hard time transitioning off of the idle circuit.
If you are running an Aisan or Trollhole I'm thinking it could be an accelerator pump issue.

 

[Trollhole]

Do you have an Iphone 7? If so it has a magnifying glass if you press the home button 3 times fast. Take plugs out. Take valve cover off and rotate motor till you can see the exhaust valve pressed all the way down. Zoom in and take a pic. Or buy a boreascope from amazon for your phone and look at what is going on.

Stumble off acceleration with the accelerator pump working and low vacuum could mean a vacuum leak. Burned valves. Cap off brake booster and any other vac sources just to make sure.

 

[MBest75]

If you're lacking competence (I was too) I took mine down to Johnny at Toyota Techs in Fort Mill recently...it's 120-125 across all cylinders and they adjusted the Carb (High Idle had been completely backed off), adjusted timing and did some other odds and ends that got mine starting up and running well. I'd exhausted Vacuum Leak checks, new wires, plugs, distributor etc. I wasn't out too much $$$ either, so if you wanted another option, they just did this for me and mine is running great even with not new compression levels. Eventually, I plan on getting it rebuilt or converting to SBC, but for now it's getting me around much more reliably without the stutters it had before.

 

[Jeff Elliott]

Thanks all for the replies! I'll try to address a few items above:

• H&H: I called them yesterday and I'm on their list to call. Looks like early Dec.
• Compression: It was my gauge but I've tested other motors (lawnmower, etc.) with it before and it didn't read low so I'm assuming all is good with it. That said, i haven't done a wet compression test yet.
• Carb: It's the stock carb but freshly rebuilt by Mark. I have one of Marshall's carbs as well. The stock carb has the off idle stumble and with the Trollhole I could never get it to idle consistently (kept acting like i occasionally had trash in the carb). Given I've had issues with both I'm guessing it's only partially carb / fuel / air related.
• Toyota Techs: I used to live in Fort Mill so I'm a fan of guys down there. It's a bit of a haul in a Cruiser I'm not super-confident in but I've got a towbar and an understanding wife so maybe I'll go for it!

Again, thanks all!
Jeff

 

[Jeff Elliott]

Well folks, the guys at H&H got me squared away. Can't recommend them enough - young guy who's got old school skills!

It was my freshly rebuilt carb. Jet was too small and diaphragm wouldn't hold vacuum. It starts like it should now (vs. needing max choke for 10 min until warm) and runs smooth with no more off idle stumble.

It's still smoking a bit but the H&H guys said it's much better than others they've seen and has good power - basically drive it till it dies.

Only bad part was the guys at H&H are busy - had to get on a month long waiting list to get my rig in there!

 

[roadstr6]

Good news! Glad to hear it, Jeff.