This is a California need to know basis...

[rockmalone]

I'm new to Land Cruisers. I wanted one for 35 years and now I've owned 4 FJ60's in the past 4 months and I have not spent even one half mile in 4 low, nor have I spent one single worry free hour cruising at 58 mph on the interstate. And believe you me, it has not been for a lack of trying. So far it has been one big money draining pile of stress- owning FJ60s that is. It seems like one crummy experience after another. No one yet has been able to hand me the keys to a trail & road ready cruiser. Even after I paid in cash. Not a check, not Visa...cash. The most recent frustration is that I just spent $6300 in having rebuilt what I thought would be a ready to smog stock 1984 FJ60. It turns out that " it is common knowledge" that when you rebuild the engine that there is a 200 mile or so period where it won't pass smog. I was unaware of this until today when I picked up my Cruiser- after waiting an extra 9 days from the already twice amended date of completion. Also, since it previously sat non-op for over a year, apparently the cat and muffler need a chance to "burn things off" I guess that must also explain why I had to put on my own wiper blades- there weren't any when I picked up my "turn-key" cruiser, just the arms. Thanks. Oh yeah and I suppose the fact that the Cruiser pulls hard to the right will just work itself out in the 200 mile "break in period." Oh and thanks so much for starting me out on a gas tank past the E mark. Then... I pre-tested at the SMOG shop and the techs said I have serious problems that need to be fixed because I failed HC at idle and failed CO (3.02) at 2500rpm- but passed in the other categories. That points to something that needs to be fixed they say instead of normal "new engine" burn and old cat and muffler burn. They said it is way too rich to attribute it to just those reasons. And yes I brought it in red hot. I don't know who to believe at this point. Is there anyone in this forum that can speak from a place of expertise, that would be willing to give me some advice? I have run out of money to throw at the Cruiser and I need to know what my options are at this point. If you can help, thanks in advance. If not, that's okay too. Also, and this goes out to any stock 60 owner, I need to know- is it really worth it? is it really that awesome of an off road vehicle? will I finally get to say hell yeah- it was worth it - worth spending most of my savings and waiting almost 5 months for a set of wheels?

 

[klinetime574]

It's worth it.

Every busted knuckle, every dollar down the drain, every minute that passes.

It's worth it.

 

[mtnfj60]

Im in the same boat you are. Just got mine and having a hell of a time with smog. sometimes I think if I go out side and burn it to the ground I will be filled with joy.

 

[cruiserfj45]

It sounds like you have got the run around by the shop that did the work. Time to get your hands dirty and learn to work on your Cruiser. Start by going over every hose the shop put on because they probably did it wrong. Then you most likely need to re-build the carb as well. Search California smog and you will find lots of threads.

In the end it is worth it, not just because it takes you anywhere you want, but you will know how to keep it going.

 

[lovetoski]

Cali smog police are the toughest around. Seattle is tough, but Cali is tougher. Can't really help you there. But...there are cruiser shops in Cali that are legit, and that wont' rip you off, and that can help you pass smog. There's a link in the FAQ with a list of cruiser shops...check it out.

Whether it's worth it...that's a personal decision, but in my case yes. They are great in off-highway conditions, very reliable once brought to a reasonalbe condition, and are classic vehicles.

Frankly though, to say that they are "worth" it, requires that you look at both your wallet and your skills. If you have lots of "resources" or lots of "skills" then it's easier to conclude that an really old vehichle is worth the work. If you are broke and not comfortable wrenching, then a cruiser isn't for you.

My advice...look at your cruiser as a hobby. Don't use it as a daily driver. Work on it as your skills/budget allow, and over time you'll be rewarded with a classic vehicle that has awesome performance. It will frustrate you from time to time, but that's what this forum is for...

HTH

 

[spongejosh]

IMHO a stock FJ60 is not worth thousands of dollars. I bought mine knowing it was a 26 year old vehicle that would need a lot of work and maintenance. I bought it as a base to build into exactly what I wanted. If you just want to spend a couple thousand on a comfortable, reliable vehicle that can do mild offroading there are much better choices than an FJ60.

I did get lucky that mine passed Denver emissions even with a gutted smog pump.

 

[JLH911]

No offense but I stopped trying to read your first post after the 3rd or 4th sentence...I lost track!

Paragraphs!

 

[Kurtis]

When you say spent $6300 for a rebuilt fj60 is that, looks gorgeous fresh paint, fresh motor new clutch rebuilt t case, rebuilt axles? If so that is probably worth it. if you spent 6300 for a rebuilt 2f motor then I would say no and you got hosed.

 

[Eldorado556]

If you're going to drive a 60 get used to spending money or learn to do a lot of wrenching yourself. There is no way I could afford to pay a mechanic for every little fix. Make friends with local Cruiserheads and for the cost of a 12 pack and a pizza you can learn to fix it yourself. For me being able to complete my own repairs is part of the experience.

Secondary advice....leave California and move to a non smog state.

 

[HBFJ62]

Its a hobby. Don't spend a dime on a mechanic. Invest in tools and a FSM.

 

[Pin_Head]

Who ever told you it needs a "break in period" and time to "burn off the cats" before it will pass smog is pissing down your back and telling you it is raining.

HC is unburned fuel from a misfire or mad/misadjusted exhaust valve. CO is from running rich (too much fuel or not enough ai)r.

Check with the BAR. I doubt that anyone can sell you an engine rebuild in the Peoples Republic of CA without it passing smog.

 

[hank14]

Those sound like purchase decision problems and mechanic choice problems- not cruiser problems. Why would you buy a vehicle in a state requiring emissions testing when it hasn't passed emissions?

You're saying you seriously have bought 4 FJ60s in 4 months, and none of them are driveable?

 

[Rigger]

It's worth it.

Every busted knuckle, every dollar down the drain, every minute that passes.

It's worth it.

I love it!

 

[Heckraiser]

Those sound like purchase decision problems and mechanic choice problems- not cruiser problems. Why would you buy a vehicle in a state requiring emissions testing when it hasn't passed emissions?

You're saying you seriously have bought 4 FJ60s in 4 months, and none of them are driveable?

This. Sounds like the OP has a problem with not checking out a vehicle well enough before putting down the money. Don't blame the cruiser.

 

[elripster]

I'm new to Land Cruisers. I wanted one for 35 years and now I've owned 4 FJ60's in the past 4 months and I have not spent even one half mile in 4 low, nor have I spent one single worry free hour cruising at 58 mph on the interstate. And believe you me, it has not been for a lack of trying. So far it has been one big money draining pile of stress- owning FJ60s that is. It seems like one crummy experience after another. No one yet has been able to hand me the keys to a trail & road ready cruiser. Even after I paid in cash. Not a check, not Visa...cash. The most recent frustration is that I just spent $6300 in having rebuilt what I thought would be a ready to smog stock 1984 FJ60. It turns out that " it is common knowledge" that when you rebuild the engine that there is a 200 mile or so period where it won't pass smog. I was unaware of this until today when I picked up my Cruiser- after waiting an extra 9 days from the already twice amended date of completion. Also, since it previously sat non-op for over a year, apparently the cat and muffler need a chance to "burn things off" I guess that must also explain why I had to put on my own wiper blades- there weren't any when I picked up my "turn-key" cruiser, just the arms. Thanks. Oh yeah and I suppose the fact that the Cruiser pulls hard to the right will just work itself out in the 200 mile "break in period." Oh and thanks so much for starting me out on a gas tank past the E mark. Then... I pre-tested at the SMOG shop and the techs said I have serious problems that need to be fixed because I failed HC at idle and failed CO (3.02) at 2500rpm- but passed in the other categories. That points to something that needs to be fixed they say instead of normal "new engine" burn and old cat and muffler burn. They said it is way too rich to attribute it to just those reasons. And yes I brought it in red hot. I don't know who to believe at this point. Is there anyone in this forum that can speak from a place of expertise, that would be willing to give me some advice? I have run out of money to throw at the Cruiser and I need to know what my options are at this point. If you can help, thanks in advance. If not, that's okay too. Also, and this goes out to any stock 60 owner, I need to know- is it really worth it? is it really that awesome of an off road vehicle? will I finally get to say hell yeah- it was worth it - worth spending most of my savings and waiting almost 5 months for a set of wheels?

Wow, all your savings? On 4 trucks? Better off just sticking with on rust free specimen and "rejuvinate" it.

Man you gotta understand that owning a decades old vehicle isn't anything like owning a newer one at all. For us it's a hobby, an appreciation for a classic, and yes we dig our 60 series trucks. Some people spend a lot of money on golf, we spend it on trucks, everyone has their past time. A lot of use our 60's for daily drivers but we all know they are old and what comes with that.

If you want turn key you definitely need to look at post 95 where you will have OBDII electronics. Heck, at least look for something fuel injected (Like and 80 series LC or an 85 or new 4runner), it will much more easily pass smog.

I hope you enjoy your 60 when it's all said and done.

Frank

 

[NYNick]

I've owned my FJ62 for 23 years, and just recently started doing my own wrenching, other than changing the oil all these years. I've found that it's a big learning curve getting intimate with the FSM and the truck, as I've never really been my own mechanic other than the simple stuff. It hasn't really been expensive to do my own work, but it has been a tremendous investment of TIME...I'm lucky to have the time. I've learned a lot, and yes, there may be serious issues I'll have to deal with later, that I'll probably farm out to a knowledgeable shop. But I'll be going in informed, and everyone is better off that way.

And BTW, these beasts can be really frustrating. But I can't bring myself to 'put her down'; she's like the family pet. So if you don't love her/them, forget it. It's an investment of your time, money and a commitment to an old vehicle.

 

[Rigger]

Rock:

You seem to be experiencing some frustration, that much is clear. I sympathize with you. Beyond that, the information you post is pretty limited. Most of what you post is fairly useless to anyone who might be inclined to help. It basically reads like you are venting. This thread is starting to turn chat, so I may move it over into that section.

I suggest you do some searching and reading. Then start a new thread with one truck and one problem, perhaps your "can't pass smog" problem. Post pics of the engine and a copy of your smog report. Folks will then be able to step up and help you.

- Rigger; 60's Series Forum Moderator

 

[John McVicker]

Valley Hybirds: 1-650-576-2023. Ask for Georg.

If you are more interested in having someone work on your truck instead of doing it yourself (and that's ok) you need someone that is VERY familar w/LandCruisers AND someone you can trust/honest.

3 hours south of you on 5. Call them.

Not affiliated in any way.

John

 

[dtt255]

OP....wow.....alot of complaining. Didn't you know you were going to have issues with a 25+ year old vehicle??

I think you should sell it and get a volvo.....

Yeah and try paragraphs next time, would make for a much easier read.

 

[Dynosoar]

Post your smog #'s and then I may be able to point you in the right direction. I would bet it is a problem withe the AI. The AI is often neglected and if not working correctly will cause major problems with the emissions.


Dynosoar