Which is the easier job? EGR cleaning with vsv replace or front main seal? (1 Viewer)

[Cruiser Girl 01]

Hi again forum,

I have time to start working on my ride next week ('97 with 153k miles), and got a lot of great feedback here on what kinds of maintenance I should plan for as I have the funds. I was wondering which job you all think is more technical, removing the throttle body/upper intake to clean the EGR ports and replacing the vsv, or fixing the main front seal oil leak at the crank? I am going to do one of these jobs next week, and am looking to start on the 'easier' one first. Also, if this is not the right place to post this, please advise so I can learn where to put these kinds of questions...Thanks for your reply!

 

[OGBeno]

1st one will be easier but will require more parts.

2nd will require more time and labor effort but will require 2 parts.

Neither are technically difficult and each provide different results in different areas/systems of the 1FZ-FE.

Personally I would do the first one. Mainly because pouring oil into the crankcase is easier than dealing with the crank bolt.

 

[BILT4ME]

You'll have to remind us which year/model your truck is so we don;t have to go track it down again, 'cause we're all kinda lazy.......

I would prefer to do the front main seal, oil pump seal, and distributor O-ring, just because things coated in oil tend to be more slippery but usually come apart and go back together. The throttle body has more parts and can be just a pain to mess with. But that's me.

For the front main, the hardest thing to find will be the 300+ LB-FT torque wrench unless you can find another 'Mudder in your area or want to buy one from Harbor Freight. Watch the videos on this and get the impact drill he uses, as it was WELL worth the cost to speed up the process for me!

 

[BILT4ME]

@beno knows his stuff. Take his advice over mine.

 

[LS1FJ40]

What @beno said. Personally, I would put the front seal down the list of things to do. Yes, it leaks a little oil and makes a mess but it isn't hurting the functionality of the vehicle. You won't see an improvement in how it runs. I would focus on the performance and drivability "things" first. Have you done plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, PCV valve and grommet (does the 1FZ-FE have this?) yet. Change the fluids in the diffs? And order a new OEM radiator cap while you are at it. And new drain plugs from beno at the same time. He'll know which ones.

 

[Cruiser Girl 01]

1st one will be easier but will require more parts.

2nd will require more time and labor effort but will require 2 parts.

Neither are technically difficult and each provide different results in different areas/systems of the 1FZ-FE.

Personally I would do the first one. Mainly because pouring oil into the crankcase is easier than dealing with the crank bolt.

Thanks!

 

[Cruiser Girl 01]

Thanks guys, I can't wait to get started!! I just got on my creeper and was looking around...everything looks just like the tech details posted on this site (meaning I identified all the stuff I was looking for)so I'm feeling pretty good about taking things apart, super cool. I'm so happy I found this place, I have more time than $$ so trying my own work will be fun and rewarding. And fun. Thank you for your help!

 

[joelontheroad]

If your timing marks above the harmonic balancer are dirty and hard to read, then you probably need to replace the oil cap seal and distributor o-rings. I would consider these your top priority because leaks at this height in the engine will increase the chance of engine damage due to lack of lubrication, IMHO. That was my experience in my '96.

+1 on watching the videos. Removing the crankshaft bolt is surprisingly easy to do if you use the method where you tie the 3/4 inch breaker bar to the frame and burp the starter.

As for the oil cap screws, an impact hammer works well, but I didn't have one. I made sure I had a Phillips head bit with a flat nose (grind it flat if you need to). I tapped it lightly in place with a hammer to make sure it sat well, then put a 1/4 inch socket on it with one hand on a long ratchet and the other hand pressing the ratchet head to make sure it wouldn't slip. Worked well for each screw.

Once you get the front end oil leaks fixed, you'll want to fix the rear seal, oil pan arch seal, and oil pan gasket because by then, you'll know you can.

 

[LS1FJ40]

Thanks guys, I can't wait to get started!! I just got on my creeper and was looking around...everything looks just like the tech details posted on this site (meaning I identified all the stuff I was looking for)so I'm feeling pretty good about taking things apart, super cool. I'm so happy I found this place, I have more time than $$ so trying my own work will be fun and rewarding. And fun. Thank you for your help!

These are incredibly simple trucks. Anything that could possibly gone wrong (which frankly isn't a lot) has happened to someone before you. They have taken the time to take pictures and detail out what you need to do to make it easier for you. This is the greatest car community in the world. Some of the most knowledgeable people and great human beings. I could wax poetic about how the folks of Mud stepped up and helped me when I was going through chemo for cancer. Dudes I had never met before donating their time, expertise, and even parts to keep my 80 safe and reliable for me to get to treatment. Just flat out amazing people. Don't get me wrong, there are a few idiots but every family those. We just slap them around and get them back in check.

Enjoy your 80. I've had mine for over 23 years. I bought it when I was 16 years old. I can't imagine life without it. The memories I have with my family and my 80 will be with me forever...and so will my 80.

 

[Cruiser Girl 01]

These are incredibly simple trucks. Anything that could possibly gone wrong (which frankly isn't a lot) has happened to someone before you. They have taken the time to take pictures and detail out what you need to do to make it easier for you. This is the greatest car community in the world. Some of the most knowledgeable people and great human beings. I could wax poetic about how the folks of Mud stepped up and helped me when I was going through chemo for cancer. Dudes I had never met before donating their time, expertise, and even parts to keep my 80 safe and reliable for me to get to treatment. Just flat out amazing people. Don't get me wrong, there are a few idiots but every family those. We just slap them around and get them back in check.

Enjoy your 80. I've had mine for over 23 years. I bought it when I was 16 years old. I can't imagine life without it. The memories I have with my family and my 80 will be with me forever...and so will my 80.

I like your style, thank you LS