Box Rocket 1995 FZJ80 Build

[Box Rocket]

Replaced the fan clutch last night along with the drive belts. Temps seem more or less ok today but in certain situations its running a bit warmer than I'd like. I'll probably be replacing the headgasket as a preventative measure before it has a chance to blow on its own. Trying to do it in the next couple weeks before I'm supposed to be at Jeep Safari for Tepui. If it's not done in time for that I'll just drive the Tacoma, but I definitely want it done before Cruise Moab.

 

[seanpistol]

What about e-fans? I ran a set on my Tundra for a few years and the truck ran cooler than it does with the mechanical fan. Plus, you could get them on a switch to flip them on if you want to override the temp probe. An aluminum shroud to fit them in is pretty easy to do yourself.

 

[Box Rocket]

What about e-fans? I ran a set on my Tundra for a few years and the truck ran cooler than it does with the mechanical fan. Plus, you could get them on a switch to flip them on if you want to override the temp probe. An aluminum shroud to fit them in is pretty easy to do yourself.

I could go that way but it could just be masking an issue. The 1FZ should run pretty cool if things work as they should. Now's a good time to give a little updated information. Had the motor pressure tested and it started pushing coolant out of the back of the motor. Could either be HG or coolant hoses at the back of the motor (or both). But there was also coolant residue on the plugs so it looks like it's time for the HG to be replaced.

 

[rickashay]

I could go that way but it could just be masking an issue. The 1FZ should run pretty cool if things work as they should. Now's a good time to give a little updated information. Had the motor pressure tested and it started pushing coolant out of the back of the motor. Could either be HG or coolant hoses at the back of the motor (or both). But there was also coolant residue on the plugs so it looks like it's time for the HG to be replaced.

LSx?!?!

 

[Box Rocket]

LSx?!?!

Haha, no, not yet. The motor is still ok, just needs a little top end work.

 

[mph]

Well done...I like the looks of your cruiser and your attention to detail. Congrats. Go have fun using it

 

[SmoothLC]

Wow - sweet looking (and functional) rack! Very nice.

 

[Box Rocket]

thanks guys

 

[Box Rocket]

.

 

[sslanina]

Wow, looks like quite the job. Im dreading the day I need to replace my head gasket. You doing this job yourself? Using anything other than the FSM? Have any tips? I've heard there is an instructional DVD out there, know anything about that?

Thanks!

 

[Box Rocket]

Unfortunately (or fortunately) I'm not doing this job on my own. I'm completely swamped at work and I'm trying to have the truck ready to roll by next week sometime before I need to go to Moab for EJS and set up a Tepui display for the weekend.

 

[Box Rocket]

Motor is back together and the Cruiser should be back on the road this afternoon. Initial startup was smooth and it sounds nice. The head was is pretty good shape and only needed a small amount of machine work to get it squared up. Valve seals were replaced, along with the valve cover gasket (which was leaking) and the Distributor o-ring that was also leaking.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Here is to knowing how you feel. Just had head gasket on my 12HT done, with seats, guides, and valve grind. $$Ouch! But the performance difference
is quite noticeable. I just ran our local summit the Malahat at 90 km in 5th, not working it, passing slower traffic all the way.
Worth it. So at least you now know your motor and it's back to reliable square one.
Have a good long weekend breaking it in.

 

[Box Rocket]

update. All in all the cruiser is running well however it's still running warmer than it should on long highway climbs. I've got to do a bit more digging because nearly everything in the cooling system is new and now I know it cant be the HG this time. It would climb to about 215* on long climbs and might have gone higher had I not turned on the heater. That was with 55* ambient temps so summertime isn't going work if I have to run the heater to keep temps in check. Grrr.

 

[Plannerman]

Could it be something in the lower end like a bad bearing?