FJ60 Engine trouble in need of some serious guidance!

[Reece21]

Hey to all,

I'm a new member, and I'm in need of some advice!

I currently own a 1984 FJ60. The engine locked up after the front crank pulley nut came off.

I spoke with the previous owner and he recommended I do a remove and repair with a machine shop.

I spoke with a few automotive specialist, and they think an entire new engine would be best.

I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons here. With a new engine, I may not have a clue what I'm getting, with the machine shop, I'm not even sure if an R&R will get my vehicle to run again.

I have no clue where to look for an engine or machine shop...

Side note I'm based out of Atlanta.

Thank you for any input or advice!

Reece

 

[clivehorridge]

Wow, what a shame, it's a beautiful looking truck!

I've no knowledge of the engines in 60s, even less as it's a petrol, but here's hoping someone on here can guide you.

In my ignorance, I presume the front crank pulley retaining bolt (nut?) coming off would release the pulley, and guessing again, the pulley would be driving the cam belt.

That would suggest a piston hitting open valves, causing the lock-up.

What sort of speed was the engine running at when it locked?

If it was on idle, you may get away with no damage, or a couple of bent valve stems.

Worst case, if under drive and going at speed, you'll likely have meshed a piston or 2 including valves, which would be a more expensive repair, new pistons, rings, head off, gasket kit, new valves etc., it could even have cracked the head, but I doubt that.

I wouldn't want to scrap an engine without knowing the true extent of the damage, are you able to remove the cylinder head yourself to have a look-see?

 

[StarCruiser]

I'm with Clive on this Reece. Investigate what has happened and then decide don't just assume that all is lost. I'm not saying it isn't but you need to find out. Looking at the valves under the cam/rocker cover will tell you if they are stuck down and bent. Then it's head off time.

After that, the least cost alternative is a known running second hand engine for that truck or consider a Lexus V8 as an upgrade if you're not too bothered on originality. Not sure if it goes in but I would be surprised if it didn't. It goes in a 70 series ok.

Great truck BTW. Would be a shame not to give it a second life. Good luck with it anyway and welcome to the forum.

Best wishes
Richard

 

[Rodger]

Hi Reece,
It sounds to me that the the nut coming off allowed the crank to slip and the gears (tw0) to the camshaft disconnected.
As for the best options available to you - 1 rebuild or 2 new engine - I suggest that you have a chat with the Tech Assistance guys at Spectre Off Road on 818 882 1786 (California). They are Toyota specialists including FJ60s and they will undoubtedly have come across the problem before. They should be able to give you a estimate for parts cost verses new engine (which they can probably supply). A used engine may not be the best option as you will not know its history but FJ engines (like their diesel equivalent) are very tough kit.
As for finding a proper specialist, rather than some guy who can lift out an engine and put another in, you should post on i8mud forum - there is a section for FJ60s and it is US based - guys on there will know of specialists in the Atlanta area. They may also be able to advise , from experience, as there aren't too many FJ60s over here. 60 series tend to be diesels on this side of the pond.
Your truck looks great and, although my suggestions send you to another forum, you should let us know how you get on and stay with this forum (because it is the friendliest!).

Regards

 

[clivehorridge]

Hi Reece,
It sounds to me that the the nut coming off allowed the crank to slip and the gears (tw0) to the camshaft disconnected.
As for the best options available to you - 1 rebuild or 2 new engine - I suggest that you have a chat with the Tech Assistance guys at Spectre Off Road on 818 882 1786 (California). They are Toyota specialists including FJ60s and they will undoubtedly have come across the problem before. They should be able to give you a estimate for parts cost verses new engine (which they can probably supply). A used engine may not be the best option as you will not know its history but FJ engines (like their diesel equivalent) are very tough kit.
As for finding a proper specialist, rather than some guy who can lift out an engine and put another in, you should post on i8mud forum - there is a section for FJ60s and it is US based - guys on there will know of specialists in the Atlanta area. They may also be able to advise , from experience, as there aren't too many FJ60s over here. 60 series tend to be diesels on this side of the pond.
Your truck looks great and, although my suggestions send you to another forum, you should let us know how you get on and stay with this forum (because it is the friendliest!). Regards

That's more like it Rodger, my word, some useful stuff there. Beats my guesswork, I've never seen a 60 in the flesh in my entire life.

 

[StarCruiser]