I have a 1995 FZJ80 with 280k I bought about a year ago. I have been working on it since I got it trying to replace old worn out stuff and generally trying to get it running well. I don’t feel like it has ever run “great” but it’s hard to say since this is the only 80 I’ve ever driven but with all that said, it runs and drives and hasn’t ever had any real issues running except for rough idle and high idle from time to time but not recently. It also has an intermittent tick/knock especially when it’s warmed up. I’ve replaced the plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor. I’ve cleaned the throttle body, replaced almost all the vacuum lines, the fuel pressure regulator and most recently, the harmonic balancer, belts, and other pulleys. Today, I went to check the timing since I haven’t since replacing the balancer and I noticed the timing jumps a bit around 3 degrees. I’d say in between 0 and 6, kind of bouncing around 3. I’m not sure if this is normal, but I’m think it should be more steady. I did use a jumper in the diagnostic port. I did a search and found some indication it might be a loose timing chain (also possibly making the noise I hear) or possibly a valve issue. I just thought I’d post and see if anyone had any ideas. One other issue I’ve had recently is when the engine is hot, sometimes it doesn’t want to turn over when I go to start it and I have to try several times to get it to turn over. I can hear starter solenoid trying but it sometimes won’t turn. I have replaced the starter with a Denso 2.0kw, I’ve replaced all the battery cables and ground wires, and the battery is less than a year old and is the proper size. Thanks for any thoughts on what I might have going on!
