For the longest time, I had a concern on the engine hesitation. Initially, I did not really notice anything; but a local mechanic in KSA raised concern and then "fixed" it. In reality, he just screwed it up and made it worse. Repeated visits did not help.
After importing the vehicle to Canada, I continued to experience the engine hesitation to the point that I had to do something. I know it had to do with the distributor, cause that's where he work on. After doing my research and alot of help from @MatthewMcD / @65swb45 / @pb4ugo and others... I resolved it must be a dwell angle issue. Using a mutli-meter, measured the dwell and realized it was 36 degrees, while specifications is 41 degrees (+/- 1 degree). Stepping out of my comfort zone, I managed to single-handedly adjusting the dwell. I also changed the distributor cap (which was cracked) & rotor. Unfortunately, now my engine was misfiring!! This was super depressing.
I needed to adjust the distributor; but this was way ...way beyond my capabilities / comfort zone. Lucky, was able to reach out to the local FJ40 community in Ontario, Canada and Chris Onyschuk volunteered to help me. He is a gem of a person!!! The distributor was set 12 degrees btdc while spec is 7 degrees. He also helped me re-adjust the engine speed / carburetor fuel ratio. Took it for a spin and no misfiring!!!
I was also experiencing start-up issues. It would take forever to cold start, and sometimes, it would not. The engine would crank but would not kick. Initially, I thought it was a battery issue but replacing the battery did not resolve the issue. AI researching, pointed toward the external ballast & ignition coil. Tested both and the external ballast was bad. I replaced it with an older ballast, I had and it started right up. Eventually, I replaced both the ballast and coil and thought all issues were behind me.
Went for a long drive, and after about 1.5 hours, it misfired a few times and as I continued to drive, starting feeling the engine hesitation. Super frustrated!!!
Back to AI research which advised an epoxy filled ignition coil is best suited for horizontal applications. Original Toyota is oil-filled and tends to create hot spots which my cause misfiring and engine hesitation. Thinking to go with the PerTronix 40111 (1.5 ohms) coil with the external ballast. I had purchased a NGK 49030 replacement coil; which is oil-filled.
I also checked the spacing of the engine valves. With the engine hot, the spacing between the valve springs was extremely tight...I could not get the feeler gauge into the gap. So I loosen / adjusted the valves. AI research also said that tight valves may also cause misfiring and/or hesitation especially when the engine is hot. Will go for another long drive to test if this improved the situation.
Sorry, this was a bit long...but I would appreciate your input on what other things I need to check. What's your experience with PerTronix 40111 (1.5 ohms) coil?
After importing the vehicle to Canada, I continued to experience the engine hesitation to the point that I had to do something. I know it had to do with the distributor, cause that's where he work on. After doing my research and alot of help from @MatthewMcD / @65swb45 / @pb4ugo and others... I resolved it must be a dwell angle issue. Using a mutli-meter, measured the dwell and realized it was 36 degrees, while specifications is 41 degrees (+/- 1 degree). Stepping out of my comfort zone, I managed to single-handedly adjusting the dwell. I also changed the distributor cap (which was cracked) & rotor. Unfortunately, now my engine was misfiring!! This was super depressing.
I needed to adjust the distributor; but this was way ...way beyond my capabilities / comfort zone. Lucky, was able to reach out to the local FJ40 community in Ontario, Canada and Chris Onyschuk volunteered to help me. He is a gem of a person!!! The distributor was set 12 degrees btdc while spec is 7 degrees. He also helped me re-adjust the engine speed / carburetor fuel ratio. Took it for a spin and no misfiring!!!
I was also experiencing start-up issues. It would take forever to cold start, and sometimes, it would not. The engine would crank but would not kick. Initially, I thought it was a battery issue but replacing the battery did not resolve the issue. AI researching, pointed toward the external ballast & ignition coil. Tested both and the external ballast was bad. I replaced it with an older ballast, I had and it started right up. Eventually, I replaced both the ballast and coil and thought all issues were behind me.
Went for a long drive, and after about 1.5 hours, it misfired a few times and as I continued to drive, starting feeling the engine hesitation. Super frustrated!!!
Back to AI research which advised an epoxy filled ignition coil is best suited for horizontal applications. Original Toyota is oil-filled and tends to create hot spots which my cause misfiring and engine hesitation. Thinking to go with the PerTronix 40111 (1.5 ohms) coil with the external ballast. I had purchased a NGK 49030 replacement coil; which is oil-filled.
I also checked the spacing of the engine valves. With the engine hot, the spacing between the valve springs was extremely tight...I could not get the feeler gauge into the gap. So I loosen / adjusted the valves. AI research also said that tight valves may also cause misfiring and/or hesitation especially when the engine is hot. Will go for another long drive to test if this improved the situation.
Sorry, this was a bit long...but I would appreciate your input on what other things I need to check. What's your experience with PerTronix 40111 (1.5 ohms) coil?