Smashed Sparkplugs??

[lar]

I have a December 1976 FJ40 with a 2f purchased as a project. We had it running one afternoon, then attempted to get start again with no luck just some pinging noises. I pulled the plugs out and all but one are crushed (see pic). I have a 61030 head and the block serial number is 2F 139052, which I believe was made in late 76'. Any idea what is causing the pistons to hit the plugs?

Any assistance is appreciated!

 

[Pighead]

Is that a recently assembled engine? Has it ever been run before?

 

[lar]

Is that a recently assembled engine? Has it ever been run before?

It ran when I went to look at it for the purchase, rough, buy it ran. One we got it back home I pulled the plugs and there was only one "crushed". I ordered all new ignition parts from TPI and we were able to get it running, a few pinging noises and here we are again, crushed plugs. Engine does not look like it has ever been rebuilt from the amount of build up on it. I can snap a few engine pics if that would help.

 

[Pighead]

That manifold gasket looks pretty new, I wonder if the head had been swapped.
I'm not real good on what head casting numbers go with what year head.
So, I'm thinking, hopefully it's just wrong spark plugs with too long of a reach, or wrong head for that block...

 

[lar]

I replaced the manifold, push rod, oil pan, and valve cover gaskets. The head gasket does not appear to be new. I thought I read on a previous thread the 61030 head was made in 77'. Does this mean the 61030 head is for the flat top pistons? would I need to find a 60030 head for the dome pistons?

 

[Bluegrass40]

.

 

[whitey45]

Stuck valves, check your valve clearance

 

[SteveH]

I would pull the oil pan and be sure all the rod bearings are in place as they should be, especially on the 'dinged spark plug' cylinder.

 

[lar]

All rod bearings and main bearings were inspected and torqued to FSM specs when we replaced the RMS.

 

[whitey45]

Valve stuck open, piston kisses the valve and the valve face hits the plug.

 

[FJ40Jim]

I replaced the manifold, push rod, oil pan, and valve cover gaskets. The head gasket does not appear to be new. I thought I read on a previous thread the 61030 head was made in 77'. Does this mean the 61030 head is for the flat top pistons? would I need to find a 60030 head for the dome pistons?

61030 is 75-77 low compression USA 2F.
Obviously there is FOD in one or more cylinders.
Remove head and show us what you've won!

 

[lar]

Jim-
My block is stamped 61218 on the left rear and the head is stamped 61030. Do these number appear to be correct as an original set up for the 12/76 production date on the VIN plate? by a low compression 2f, is this using the dome shaped pistons? We are going to run a bore cam in the cylinders this weekend.

 

[FJ40Jim]

Jim-
My block is stamped 61218 on the left rear and the head is stamped 61030. Do these number appear to be correct as an original set up for the 12/76 production date on the VIN plate? by a low compression 2f, is this using the dome shaped pistons? We are going to run a bore cam in the cylinders this weekend.

61218 is the engine block casting date.
6 = 1976
12 = Dec.
18th day of month.

Yes, all the 75-80 US spec 2F have open chamber head, dome piston and low compression. Other markets get a 61010 head & flattop pistons for better performance.

 

[lar]

Thanks for the info Jim. I will follow up with bore cam and possible head off results later this weekend.

Kevin

 

[subzali]

Looks like mine when my truck swallowed a hose clamp!

Truck running rough and not driveable - help

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[lar]

Subzali-
Thanks for posting the thread. Plug looks exactly like mine. Will post what we find this weekend. Did you have a valve job and re-ring the pistons?

 

[subzali]

Subzali-
Thanks for posting the thread. Plug looks exactly like mine. Will post what we find this weekend. Did you have a valve job and re-ring the pistons?

I took the head and got it done and slapped it back together. Maybe shoulda taken the advice of those who posted and re ringed and honed but was a college kid in a pinch at the time. Even used a forklift head gasket which was like $25 instead of $120 for the one from the car dealer. Thing runs great, no complaints. Not a lot of miles though on it, admittedly, being a 3rd/4th car now.

 

[igotta40]

Wrong spark plugs?

 

[Pighead]

So, I'm thinking, hopefully it's just wrong spark plugs with too long of a reach,

Wrong spark plugs?

Nah, somebody already thunk of that...

 

[lar]

I pulled all the plugs this AM. #1,#2,#5, & #6 are the problem cylinders. #3 & #4 are properly gapped. #1 & #5 are the completely smashed, #2 & #6 are just touched the center electrode. Most likely a FO in the head. We will know more this weekend. Plugs were ordered from TPI Landcruiser.