My Land Cruiser - Temporarily Out of Commission

[Steve]

My Toyota Land Cruiser is currently out of commission.

Last Saturday, while in Vancouver, I was pulling into the Elmer's parking lot when I suddenly heard a loud knocking sound. First I thought a belt may have let loose - but that wasn't the problem.

After breakfast, I purchased a auto stethoscope to maybe better diagnose the problem. No luck on determining the noise. It was loud on both the valve cover and the oil pan.

I had the Land Cruiser towed to my Aunt's house in Kelso (using my cousin's AAA service).

I went down yesterday (Thursday) to do a little more diagnosis. Everything I read on the internet mentioned that if it was a rod bearing that the noise would disappear if a spark plug was disconnected. The noise was still there and I have good oil pressure. I did find a bent spark plug electrode on the #2 cylinder. Not good.

My guess at this time is something let loose in the valve train/head? If so, hopefully no damage to the piston.

With no trailers available in the Longview/Kelso area and getting refused to rent a trailer from a U-Haul in Rainier, I called Tim Lund at Wild West Fab in Centraila and he set me up to borrow his car trailer.

Now my Land Cruiser is home. Still on the trailer as I write this. As soon as I get my daughter to school, I'll be off-loading the Land Cruiser and driving the trailer back to Tim.

Now as time permits (and the weather - because I have to do it outside), I get to start further diagnosis.

For now, I am out of commission as far as trips are concerned.

Hopefully it's something simple and doesn't require an engine replacement.

More to follow.

Steve

[RidgeRunner]

Bummer, Steve. I've got my fingers crossed for you but no constructive ideas.

Mick

[Jerry]

I am sorry to hear of your mechanical troubles, Steve. And just after you waxed it, too! Anytime you want to ride shotgun with me you are most welcome.
Jerry

[Steve]

Just an update on my Land Cruiser.

After I got it home, I ran a compression test and found the following:

#1 - 130
#2 - 40
#3 - 130
#4 - 140
#5 - 145
#6 - 145

I pulled the head and found that the #2 piston cracked around one edge and the debris from the piston was fused into the top of the piston and was apparently hitting the bottom of the head. There is very slight vertical scratch in the #2 wall. Obviously the head needs to be resurfaced.



(a very bad picture - good enough to get the idea )

All the other pistons look good. There is only a slight ridge at the top of the cylinders if any at all.

After discussing my options with several experienced "experts", unless I find another surprise, my plan for the repair is to have the head resurfaced and rebuilt. Then hone the cylinder and purchase and install a new piston and ring set.

When I get it complete, I don't know. It all depends on how long it takes to get the needed parts and machine work done.

Steve

[Decidion]

Steve,

I wish I could offer more than wishing you luck in getting your engine problems taken care of. Unfortunately, it's all rocket science to me

BTW, why would a U-Haul refuse to rent the trailer? Are they anti-Land Cruiser?

[hutchman]

How many miles on the engine? From your post, it almost seems like you are only going to the dead hole......is that your plan?

FWIW, I have done several engines over the years from Briggs and Strattons to full tilt alcohol burning drag racing engines, and I would never repair just one hole. Take the time to do the entire engine while it is apart and it should run trouble free for another 100,000 miles or more.

Of course if you plan on doing the entire engine, disregard my last comment!

Good luck with the rebuild.

[Steve]

I'm exploring all my options, including a used engine, a quick fix, a rebuild and even a V8 conversion.

Of course, budget comes into play.

Steve

[hutchman]

Dumb question time, but...........

Is this six a direct descendant of the original one from the Fj40? Was the FJ40 engine a copy of a Chevy 235/250 straight 6?

[Steve]

Originally Posted by hutchman

Dumb question time, but...........

Is this six a direct descendant of the original one from the Fj40? Was the FJ40 engine a copy of a Chevy 235/250 straight 6?

Yes, on both accounts, but different.

The FJ40 through the FJ60 had the 4.2L 2F engine. With the FJ62 through the 1992 FJ80, it was the fuel injected 4.0L 3FE engine. Same bore, shorter stroke. The 3FE head will fit on the 2F block and is a popular upgrade on the older Land Cruisers.

As far as the chevy engine, I think they are similar but nothing fits the other as far as I know.

Steve

[hutchman]

Originally Posted by Steve

Yes, on both accounts, but different.

The FJ40 through the FJ60 had the 4.2L 2F engine. With the FJ62 through the 1992 FJ80, it was the fuel injected 4.0L 3FE engine. Same bore, shorter stroke. The 3FE head will fit on the 2F block and is a popular upgrade on the older Land Cruisers.

As far as the chevy engine, I think they are similar but nothing fits the other as far as I know.

Steve

Hmmmmmmmm, I bet you could really build a torque monster with the FI head on the earlier, long stroke engine! That would be a fun project.

Seems as if I remember reading that the early Toyota 6 was a copy of a Chevy, but after reading your reply, I also seem to remember that they used the Chevy as a model, but did not make an exact copy.

I guess it has been a while since I read this info, so I'll just claim old age as an excuse for the lock of memory!