Builds Sweet Caroline: 1977 FJ40 Build

[78fj40mg]

Rusty, I recommend the following; tighten all cooling hose clamps, under the water pump there's a weep hole check if it's leaking if it is it's time for a new waterpump, check radiator for leaks

If PS fluid is coming from the PS gear box then it's most likely a bad seal, these units are re-buildable

 

[RustyR]

Thanks for the input. More updates soon to come...

 

[RustyR]

I didn't know I would get this close to done this fast, but it is getting pretty hot around Charlotte. I bought a racor system and have it setup in the garage. The U-hooks to grab under the top of the 40 should arrive shortly...

 

[subzali]

How tall is your ceiling?

As a point of clarification, that belt is just a drive belt, not a timing belt. The timing gears on your 2F are internal, under the timing cover on the front of the engine.

That first leak looked green like coolant. Would suspect a hose or water pump. If water pump would look to get it replaced sooner rather than later.

 

[RustyR]

Ceiling is 9.5'... Will look at water pump.

 

[RustyR]

Top is off! Thinking of taking off driver and passenger doors next.

 

[Jonny01]

Enjoyed reading your thread Rusty. Great job on the FJ40! It is an inspiration to me for my 79, which I recently received and have begun to get it in order. I am here in Charlotte as well, perhaps we will see each other driving around town

 

[RustyR]

Enjoyed reading your thread Rusty. Great job on the FJ40! It is an inspiration to me for my 79, which I recently received and have begun to get it in order. I am here in Charlotte as well, perhaps we will see each other driving around town

I'm glad I could be an inspiration! Hope to see you around town.

 

[Jonny01]

yeah man, I will probably hit you up for some advice

 

[RustyR]

Some weird stuff going on this past week... First of all, I noticed that every time I rev my engine the battery amp guage goes all the way to the right and then comes back down to the middle. I never noticed this happening before and am a little worried. The next thing that has been happenening is the engine will cut off randomly when I am driving. As of now this has happened about 4 times and all of which have been when I am making a left turn through an intersection. When this first occured it was just before I made my left turn. The turn signal got really slow and I noticed the battery gauge was all the way to the left. When I pressed the gas it had died and i had to crank the engine again before turning. All the other times this has happened have been after I completed the turn. I don't know if this has to do with the battery or vapor lock or what. I have noticed that after I drive for a while and then park I hear a bubling sound that sounds like it is coming from the gas tank. Any hypotheses are helpful. Thanks.

 

[Snowdogyyz]

Do you notice if your lights brighten as you hit the gas and dim as you let off? If so, that could be the voltage regulator. It's not keeping your voltage from the alternator around 14.5-15.

 

[RustyR]

Just tested it out. Lights are definitely dimming and then brightening when reved

 

[RustyR]

Do you notice if your lights brighten as you hit the gas and dim as you let off? If so, that could be the voltage regulator. It's not keeping your voltage from the alternator around 14.5-15.

Is the answer buying a new voltage regulator?

 

[Snowdogyyz]

That worked on mine. I later installed a new wiring harness and switched to an internally regulated alternator. But I remember that installing a new voltage regulator fixed the issue before I did all that. Now whether that fixes the engine dying I'm not sure,

 

[RustyR]

Latest addition... Trollhole soft top! still need to paint the bows and new tailgate. Wooden tailgate for sale here: For Sale: - Wooden Tailgate FJ40 NC/USA Better pictures to come once painted. Should be a near perfect rig after we get a new carburetor and get belts redone. Maybe a couple more months and it'll be in top shape!

 

[oldschool4wheeling]

Nice!!! How is the fit?? It looks great. I wanted to do the same with my 79.

 

[RustyR]

Nice!!! How is the fit?? It looks great. I wanted to do the same with my 79.

Fit is perfect! I love it.

 

[iptman]

Just a tip...roll the side windows to the inside versus the outside to prevent them from flapping around or catching air. Damn nice work on your 40. She looks great. Looks like you need a tool roll?

 

[RustyR]

Just a tip...roll the side windows to the inside versus the outside to prevent them from flapping around or catching air. Damn nice work on your 40. She looks great. Looks like you need a tool roll?

Thanks for the tip. Will do. Just dropped her off to get painted today!