Wilmington FJ Mechanic

[Pfunkrasta]

I just bought an 85 FJ60 and am looking for an honest mechanic in the greater Wilmington, NC area. Thanks

 

[jamesurq]

Congratulations, and welcome!

I'm a little far away to do any recommendations - but I'm sure someone will help you out.

 

[Pfunkrasta]

Not being very mechanical, where's the best area to post basic questions? E.g. I have an oil leak and how do I figure out the source (gasket, other, etc), my steering is loose - is my first step to adjust the steering gear box (turn a quarter turn, etc.) and many other questions I have since starting to read up on the FJ60

 

[GLTHFJ60]

You can post questions here or in the 60 series forum.

For the steering, do yourself a favor and adjust/inspect your TREs. The one on the pitman arm is adjustable and is usually neglected.

FJ62 - Relay Rod End Adjustment?

 

[RedHeadedStepChild]

I'd love to help but I'm rarely in town these days.
You could try First Quality Imports in Castle-Hayne.

 

[roadstr6]

The OP recently posted on the 60 forum that his shop is telling him that he needs an engine rebuild due to low compression numbers. Maybe he just needs a head rebuild? Pfunk, is the engine knocking? Who is your mechanic? Why did you take it in? Overheating? Did you get the oil leaks and steering issues resolved? Any information that you can provide will help us to help you.

Guys, wasn't there another guy in Wilmington that was looking to sell a running 2F? The guy that started a SBC swap and then fell off the face of the earth?

 

[Pfunkrasta]

No knocking, and to an untrained person, it doesn't seem sluggish. It does leak oil, needs the AC fixed, has rust issues, loose stearing, etc., so I figured I'd have someone look at it. fixed4x4.com . seems knowledgeable about FJ's from talking to him but a rebuild is expensive.

 

[roadstr6]

Got any pics? Pics tend to garner more interest for some reason.
Did the shop determine the source of the oil leaks? Some are easy to fix. Others are easier to live with.
A/C can wait.
How are the brakes?
Rust? Where and how bad?
Steering can easily be improved by doing what is in Johnny's link above. And YOU can do this yourself with minimal tools.

The other Wilmington guy with a 2F for sale was @NoJoPro. Maybe he has stuff you can use?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

What are the compression numbers specifically?

Low compression can be due to a lot of things. First thing I'd try is a valve adjustment then retest the compression.

 

[Satanic mechanic]

I’m in the Wilmington area if you want me to take a look at it.

 

[mtweller]

What are the compression numbers specifically?

Low compression can be due to a lot of things. First thing I'd try is a valve adjustment then retest the compression.

Amen to this! And make sure the test is done correctly on a warm engine with the throttle open. And confirm a good gauge. Don't worry so much about the actual number but the variance to cylinder to cylinder. Unless there's a dead cylinder(s), you likely don't need a rebuild. You can do this yourself and report back. All the part houses do loaners on compression gauges. It's a simple test on a F series engine especially. Let us know what you find.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

FYI, this thread was posted in Feb 2017. The OP hasn't been on the forum since may 2017

 

[mtweller]

FYI, this thread was posted in Feb 2017. The OP hasn't been on the forum since may 2017

LOL, maybe he's a procrastinator and just now getting around to it??? I never even looked at the date, just saw the new post lol

 

[Satanic mechanic]

FYI, this thread was posted in Feb 2017. The OP hasn't been on the forum since may 2017

I saw that after I posted. I got a good laugh

 

[lt1fire]