Sorry, couldn't resist.
I'm not arguing.
Good wrenching is predicated on the notion that a wrencher's stomach is well filled and his quench satiated.
Robbie's Coming to Town - Need Repairs?
- Thread starter evanz80
- Start date
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I'm not arguing.
Good wrenching is predicated on the notion that a wrencher's stomach is well filled and his quench satiated.
- Thread starter
- #22
No plans yet, but I think it's a great idea. We do have our HDC meeting scheduled for January 10, which is next Saturday. It's possible that he could be done with wrenching and may have hit the road by then. We could also try another night out at a restaurant if people are up for that - maybe next Friday? (or sooner if it looks like he may be done working by then...)
DanS HJ-45
SILVER Star
Agreed it's a good idea for dinner or something.
I also just emailed Robbie about rebuilding the starter clutch on a certain JDM engine's starter.
Turns out it is NOT EASY to clutch start a diesel. 
Dan
I also just emailed Robbie about rebuilding the starter clutch on a certain JDM engine's starter.
Turns out it is NOT EASY to clutch start a diesel. Dan
I can pack my dog show/car camping gear in the 60 before it goes to Evans, if useful. 1, 2 & 3 seater chairs, rocking chair, table... might have some dog hairs on 'em, but that's just decoration.
So, do we have some idea of what the schedule is going to be this week for Robbie?
Do we have a night picked out for some grub in town? Location? Evan--you want to take the lead on this?
That said, I was planning on coming out either Thursday and Friday and hanging for a bit. When would be a good time?
Thanks.
-onur
Do we have a night picked out for some grub in town? Location? Evan--you want to take the lead on this?
That said, I was planning on coming out either Thursday and Friday and hanging for a bit. When would be a good time?
Thanks.
-onur
- Thread starter
- #26
Hey Onur -
Thanks for checking in. Things are pretty flexible right now, but here's what I know. Robbie should be arriving tomorrow afternoon or evening (Monday). I think his first task will be removing the head from my truck, since we have promised the machine shop that the head will be delivered to them on Tuesday afternoon.
After that, he will be installing a BDM lift on Sirenmoses's FJ-60, and a Slee 4-inch lift on Keith's FZJ-80 and also a front axle rebuild for Keith. I think Mike Maynard also has a to-do list for Robbie for his 80 series. Ah yes, and I am planning that he will also find time to reassemble my truck. Robbie may also be doing some consulting on Ali's re-gearing job (to 4.88s).
I would think that we've got more than enough work to keep Robbie busy all week, so why don't we tentatively plan a dinner out for Friday night for anyone who would like to go. I will take the lead on getting that organized. Hopefully he will still be in town for the HDC meeting on Saturday night and can join us there.
Regarding a visit on Thursday or Friday, I will likely be at work both days, but you are welcome to come over anytime. I will check with Robbie on Wednesday and see how his schedule looks for Thursday and Friday. I will also pass along his cell number in case you want to check with him before you come over. I'll post here or send you a PM by Wednesday.
Should be fun!
Evan
Thanks for checking in. Things are pretty flexible right now, but here's what I know. Robbie should be arriving tomorrow afternoon or evening (Monday). I think his first task will be removing the head from my truck, since we have promised the machine shop that the head will be delivered to them on Tuesday afternoon.
After that, he will be installing a BDM lift on Sirenmoses's FJ-60, and a Slee 4-inch lift on Keith's FZJ-80 and also a front axle rebuild for Keith. I think Mike Maynard also has a to-do list for Robbie for his 80 series. Ah yes, and I am planning that he will also find time to reassemble my truck. Robbie may also be doing some consulting on Ali's re-gearing job (to 4.88s).
I would think that we've got more than enough work to keep Robbie busy all week, so why don't we tentatively plan a dinner out for Friday night for anyone who would like to go. I will take the lead on getting that organized. Hopefully he will still be in town for the HDC meeting on Saturday night and can join us there.
Regarding a visit on Thursday or Friday, I will likely be at work both days, but you are welcome to come over anytime. I will check with Robbie on Wednesday and see how his schedule looks for Thursday and Friday. I will also pass along his cell number in case you want to check with him before you come over. I'll post here or send you a PM by Wednesday.
Should be fun!
Evan
- Thread starter
- #27
Robbie called from the road (Raton) about an hour ago, so he should be rolling in around 7:30 or so. Let the wrenching begin!
Nice. Glad the weather is cooperating.
Went up to Ash's today to drop off some parts....he is plugging along at his gear swap as well. Looks like this will be quite a good week for ABQ wrenching.
Went up to Ash's today to drop off some parts....he is plugging along at his gear swap as well. Looks like this will be quite a good week for ABQ wrenching.
- Thread starter
- #29
Progress report - last night, I drained the coolant and let most of the air out of the front tires to prepare for Robbie's arrival. I was pleased to see that the coolant was very clean. I had just the slightest amount of dirt in the bottom of the coolant overflow bottle, so I cleaned up the outside and soaked the inside overnight with some soapy water.
Robbie got busy this morning, with some help from Ali. He pulled the head with just a few hours of work. I believe he left for the machine shop with the head about 2:00 PM on his way to run some other errands. We also asked the machine shop if they would soak the intake manifold (and maybe the valve cover) in their hot tank to remove any varnish and build-up. I hope to get a status report from the machine shop in the morning, in terms of how the head looks and what parts they anticipate they may need to replace.
We have Keith's 80 and Carol's 60 waiting patiently in the garage for their turn. I'm not sure what Robbie will work on next, but I'm sure inquiring minds want to know...we'll keep you posted.
Also, we are planning a dinner out with Robbie on Friday night for anyone who would like to join us. I am planning on the Ribs restaurant in Cedar Crest. Bar-b-q and beer, what's not to love? It's up the hill on Highway 14 toward the ski area a few miles from I-40. It's in a small shopping center right next to the Cedar Crest post office (if you need more detailed directions, let me know and I'll see what I can do). Let's plan on 5:30 and hopefully that should be early enough to get a table for a group without having to wait too long on a Friday night. If you are interested, please post up here so I can get a headcount. We are also planning to get Robbie to the HDC meeting on Saturday at Steve & Wendy's so he can say hi to those of you who can't make it on Friday for dinner. Hope to see you at one or the other!
Evan
Robbie got busy this morning, with some help from Ali. He pulled the head with just a few hours of work. I believe he left for the machine shop with the head about 2:00 PM on his way to run some other errands. We also asked the machine shop if they would soak the intake manifold (and maybe the valve cover) in their hot tank to remove any varnish and build-up. I hope to get a status report from the machine shop in the morning, in terms of how the head looks and what parts they anticipate they may need to replace.
We have Keith's 80 and Carol's 60 waiting patiently in the garage for their turn. I'm not sure what Robbie will work on next, but I'm sure inquiring minds want to know...we'll keep you posted.
Also, we are planning a dinner out with Robbie on Friday night for anyone who would like to join us. I am planning on the Ribs restaurant in Cedar Crest. Bar-b-q and beer, what's not to love? It's up the hill on Highway 14 toward the ski area a few miles from I-40. It's in a small shopping center right next to the Cedar Crest post office (if you need more detailed directions, let me know and I'll see what I can do). Let's plan on 5:30 and hopefully that should be early enough to get a table for a group without having to wait too long on a Friday night. If you are interested, please post up here so I can get a headcount. We are also planning to get Robbie to the HDC meeting on Saturday at Steve & Wendy's so he can say hi to those of you who can't make it on Friday for dinner. Hope to see you at one or the other!
Evan
DanS HJ-45
SILVER Star
Evan: I'll certainly try to be there Friday night. If Ribs is too full, we could try Sandia Crust. It's right next door (the old Aunt Bea's trailer), so it'd be easy enough to find if Ribs isn't going to work.
Dan
Those are both tasty eating places.... but I'll be working Friday, so no can make dinner. 
Going to drop by in the morning & have Robbie esplain to me ezackary what I need to order (anti-inversion shackles?, greasable spring pins, shock boots) to complete the lift. A co-worker & I eyeballed the goodies before I dropped the truck, but it's not a wrenching project if ya don't forget a couple things!
Going to drop by in the morning & have Robbie esplain to me ezackary what I need to order (anti-inversion shackles?, greasable spring pins, shock boots) to complete the lift. A co-worker & I eyeballed the goodies before I dropped the truck, but it's not a wrenching project if ya don't forget a couple things!
- Thread starter
- #32
More progress to report. You will see Carol's post above on her FJ-60, so her suspension lift is being discussed if not quite physically in progress yet.
I spoke with the machine shop today and they are expecting to be done with the head this afternoon. That's roughly 24 hour turnaround, so I can't argue with that. I did end up using Budlong Motorsports that was recommended by Ryan (thanks Ryan!). They are on Trumbull near Eubank & Central. They do not anticipate needing any parts, other than the valve stem seals that were supplied by me when the head was dropped off. They will be doing a three-angle valve grind, milling the head 0.010 inches, and adjusting the valves to spec when they reassemble, so Robbie shouldn't have to use any shims to adjust the valve clearance before re-installing on the truck. The price quoted was $200 to $400, so we'll see how close they come to that.
My truck was burning a fair amount of oil with 176,000 miles on the clock, so I was hoping that the problem was the valve stem seals and not the rings or some other problem. Based on Robbie's inspection, that seems to be the case. He says the bottom end of the block (cylinders and pistons) looks good and should be fine for another 130,000 miles or so. That would get this truck up to 310,000 miles or so, so that's good enough for me.
My head gasket was not actively failing, but showing the typical signs of deterioration. I think it was good insurance to go ahead and get the work done now. I also decided to replace the radiator with a new Toyota unit. Again, good timing there. While I was not seeing active leaks, Robbie noticed some weeping that would have only gotten worse over time. A new water pump and thermostat will complete the cooling system work.
Dan has been great with parts. I've been to see him several times and he's still helping with the odd follow-up parts here and there. Onur will also be helping with a personal delivery of parts later in the week. Luckily, he's planning to come out for the dinner on Friday as well, so that's a big help from him. I have also been extremely impressed with Robbie's knowledge of the 80 series and the 1FZ-FE in particular. With Dan managing the parts and Robbie on the wrench, I can't go wrong.
We're making progress!
I spoke with the machine shop today and they are expecting to be done with the head this afternoon. That's roughly 24 hour turnaround, so I can't argue with that. I did end up using Budlong Motorsports that was recommended by Ryan (thanks Ryan!). They are on Trumbull near Eubank & Central. They do not anticipate needing any parts, other than the valve stem seals that were supplied by me when the head was dropped off. They will be doing a three-angle valve grind, milling the head 0.010 inches, and adjusting the valves to spec when they reassemble, so Robbie shouldn't have to use any shims to adjust the valve clearance before re-installing on the truck. The price quoted was $200 to $400, so we'll see how close they come to that.
My truck was burning a fair amount of oil with 176,000 miles on the clock, so I was hoping that the problem was the valve stem seals and not the rings or some other problem. Based on Robbie's inspection, that seems to be the case. He says the bottom end of the block (cylinders and pistons) looks good and should be fine for another 130,000 miles or so. That would get this truck up to 310,000 miles or so, so that's good enough for me.
My head gasket was not actively failing, but showing the typical signs of deterioration. I think it was good insurance to go ahead and get the work done now. I also decided to replace the radiator with a new Toyota unit. Again, good timing there. While I was not seeing active leaks, Robbie noticed some weeping that would have only gotten worse over time. A new water pump and thermostat will complete the cooling system work.
Dan has been great with parts. I've been to see him several times and he's still helping with the odd follow-up parts here and there. Onur will also be helping with a personal delivery of parts later in the week. Luckily, he's planning to come out for the dinner on Friday as well, so that's a big help from him. I have also been extremely impressed with Robbie's knowledge of the 80 series and the 1FZ-FE in particular. With Dan managing the parts and Robbie on the wrench, I can't go wrong.
We're making progress!
Best of both worlds. We are truly lucky to have these resources available to us.
See ya Friday evening.
If any one else needs parts brought up on Friday, please call Dan and make your order and I can bring everything up when I come Friday afternoon.
So far I've got some stuff for Evan, some things for Ash. Plenty of room in the cruiser for big stuff too if you need it.
Thanks.
-onur
Plan A+1: parts ordered.
Plan B includes Robbie checking out the 'spare' truck on Saturday to help me decide which of the 2 to invest in. He gave the Dobermobile a quick but thorough once-over and identified several potential upcoming mechanical problems, er, areas of opportunity. :sigh:
The joys of owning older rigs, eh?
Plan B includes Robbie checking out the 'spare' truck on Saturday to help me decide which of the 2 to invest in. He gave the Dobermobile a quick but thorough once-over and identified several potential upcoming mechanical problems, er, areas of opportunity. :sigh:
The joys of owning older rigs, eh?
- Thread starter
- #36
Sounds good, Carol! Here's your opportunity to decide which truck gives you the best baseline to improve upon. Most of us only get one truck to work from - you've got the best of options to choose from. I'm guessing you may be upgrading a different truck than you thought from the beginning. I'll be interested to see how this turns out.
- Thread starter
- #37
Robbie is picking up the head and other assorted parts from the machine shop this morning. Besides the work on the head, we asked them to clean the intake manifold, the valve cover, the distributor drive, the timing chain gear, and the head bolts/washers in the hot tank.
After all their work, they charged $300 for the head work, plus $25 for the vat cleaning, plus tax for a grand total of about $347. I am pleased with the price. Robbie will be checking the head for valve clearances and overall quality of work. I'll be interested to hear his comments. Depending on his assessment, this may be a shop to recommend for future use.
After all their work, they charged $300 for the head work, plus $25 for the vat cleaning, plus tax for a grand total of about $347. I am pleased with the price. Robbie will be checking the head for valve clearances and overall quality of work. I'll be interested to hear his comments. Depending on his assessment, this may be a shop to recommend for future use.
- Thread starter
- #38
OK, here's my list for Friday night dinner at Ribs in Cedar Crest (5:30):
DanS HJ-45
Pappy
Beno
Robbie
Evanz80 & maybe Ellen
Ash, Michele, & Isabelle
Beowulf
Anyone else, let me know no later than noon tomorrow, so we know how big a table to ask for over there.
Thanks!
DanS HJ-45
Pappy
Beno
Robbie
Evanz80 & maybe Ellen
Ash, Michele, & Isabelle
Beowulf
Anyone else, let me know no later than noon tomorrow, so we know how big a table to ask for over there.
Thanks!
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I will be there.
-Mike-
-Mike-
- Thread starter
- #40
Sorry about that, Mike. I corrected the list. You told me that you would be going to dinner when we spoke on the phone recently.
