Tell me if I'm crazy...

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Mtbcoach

Mtbcoach

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Threads
179
Messages
4,391
Location
Carolina Beach NC
I mentioned in the FZJ80 exhaust modification thread that mine threw a code but I didn't think it was due to the single cat, and it wasn't. Donald (of Henry's) fixed that with fixing the bad weld around the after cat O2 sensor, I stopped by Autozone and found that I have a P401 code.

So, I bought all the related stuff to replace/fix the EGR code (thanks Onur) and am getting ready to tear it all down, replace all the relevent parts, new hoses, lines, fuel filter and send the injectors out for cleaning as well as a detailed cleaning of the necessary ports on the intake.

Now the crazy part...I'm thinking, with all that torn down, 165k on the engine, why wouldn't I take the next step and pull the head, put in a fresh head gasket, have the head rebuilt, magnafluxed, etc, etc, etc.

Going thru the various head gasket swap threads, it seems like the majority of the work is removing the intake, what I'm taking on to clear the P401 code, why not go all the way and do a PM on the head gasket?

Crazy, stupid, more work than necessary? I've not had any significant over-heating issues, have done the blue fan/oil upgrade, but I've been pretty unlucky lately with vehicle karma and I'm feeling like I need to be proactive to dodge this bullet.

Who has the DVD to lend me? I'll probably need a strong back or two somewhere through the process also.

So, chime in and tell me I'm stupid not to do it, stupid to do it or just stupid in general...
 
Has the head gasket ever been replaced? Sounds like it hasn't... If it were me, I'd definitely do it while you have it disassembled. Replacement is an inevitability - might as well get it over with while it is "convenienter".
 
since you are in there......

personal id desmog it and remove the egr.
port/polish and match the head/intake/exhaust....... Etc
 
CharlestonG8R said:
Has the head gasket ever been replaced? Sounds like it hasn't... If it were me, I'd definitely do it while you have it disassembled. Replacement is an inevitability - might as well get it over with while it is "convenienter".
Click to expand...

Not done to my knowledge...

lt1fire said:
since you are in there......

personal id desmog it and remove the egr.
port/polish and match the head/intake/exhaust....... Etc
Click to expand...

Port/polish for sure, desmog and NC inspections make me paranoid...
 
ahh yeah damn it I forgot about 96 and up inspections. Shouldn't throw a code but some inspectors might visually notice
 
What does removing the EGR gain for the 95's and older (like myself)? I've got a PO401 I think (much beer no memory) and a bad O2 that I need to address.... eventually.
 
Mtbcoach said:
Not done to my knowledge...



Port/polish for sure, desmog and NC inspections make me paranoid...
Click to expand...

If you go see George at Tobola Automotive Shop in Raleigh you should have no issues. I have been using him for years after a friend put me onto him. PM me if you want more info.
 
I'm actually kind of interested to see.what a NA 1FZ can make power wise. Come on Jerry you like to listen to my project ideas right???


;)
 
Ok, I guess I'm letting this get a bit out of control. I getting the impression that since I've got the intake manifold off, might as well strip it down and do the head gasket "while I'm in there".

I've done no research on any cam upgrades nor did I plan to do so. I've made a long term committment with Stan for a real HP upgrade but have to hold off due to some personal issues. My end goal would be to have a solid engine to sell when the day comes a vortec falls into the engine bay (oops, I hate it when that happens).

Considering there are no superchargers laying around, pulling significant HP/Torque out of the stock engine seems to be an exercise in futility. The engine is currently running strong, can push the tank over 80 mph without issue, with the rebuilt/regeared axles and t-case, should be a solid rig with a fresh head gasket/head work. If/when I relinquish it to Stan, the 1FZ take-out will be of value to someone with the PM I'm doing to it.

You have any threads for me to read @lt1fire, I'll be glad to look at options, while I'm in there.

Still no word on who has the headgasket DVD? I thought someone in the club had a copy of it...
 
Greg had one, but it might have gone to Eric Johnston or I seem to recall someone just blowing their head gasket late last year or so..
 
GarnerFJ40 said:
Greg had one, but it might have gone to Eric Johnston or I seem to recall someone just blowing their head gasket late last year or so..
Click to expand...

fourtrax said:
what we have a local dvd for the head gasket? bummer I missed it.
Click to expand...

No responses, reached out to IdahoDoug but I don't believe he is producing/selling them any longer.

Oh well, nothing like learning on the fly...
 
image.webp



Ok actually... You are in there so ......
 
Ill ask Alex if he still has his before he departs. It did go unreturned for a while.
 
Turns out that I have to go to AZ to help my dad, so I won't need it for a few weeks. He fell and broke his right hip (femur), I'll be going to help with his rehab and getting his home more compliant for an 80 yr old with severe macular degeneration, cataracts and limited mobility. He lost his "partner" (he never remarried) of 34 yrs in Jan, she died from cancer, he is living alone and struggling to ask/accept help.

The tough part will be taking his keys from him and setting up a support network for him to be relatively independent. Fortunately, he lives in a "golf cart friendly" retirement community, I'm comfortable with him driving a 15 mph golf cart to the Elk's Lodge and grocery store, not his F250 Powerstoke.

Sorry for sharing my personal drama, the delay will give me time to collect more parts from Onur, the DVD and associated tools to get this PM done. Thanks for everyone's input...
 
Jerry since yours just requires the computer scan for inspection, blocking off the EGR while leaving parts intact is a no-brainer. It's easy enough to loop the vacuum lines so it looks stock, only a trained 1FZ tech would notice; and soldering in a resistor is simple and can look stock (I think I still have a bag of them somewhere). After I did the exhaust and defeated EGR, mine ran very strong and never threw a code. - I even beat Brian in a race on the beach at one of the STR's. ;)
 
Hey Joe, thanks for the advise. Yet, I've ponied up for all the parts to "do it right" to keep it stock, for now. I read through the delete threads and opted to freshen things up. I've not had a lot of good vehicle karma and I didn't want to crap in karma's corn flakes any more.
 
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