Drain? 81 BJ42 drain for diesel? Front Diff rebuild as well

[mdoyle]

I was told to drain my BJ's fuel line (located under the cab someplace) WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS ABOUT? Where do I find this drain? What do I do and for how long?

I also have a front Diff that is in need of a rebuild - is it worth spending $550-$750 on a rebuild... or do I go out and buy a better aftermarket one (what one, from where and how much should I pay?)

My BJ is a runner - just want her to keep up with the big boys!

[beanz2]

They are talking about draining the water separator.

Follow the fuel line from the tank to the engine. You'll find a black canister mounted upright with a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet and wires from the top. I know in a 60 series it is under the cab mounted on the frame, while on the 75 series it is monted in the engine compartment. Not sure about the location in a BJ42. The bottom of the canister has a small screw that you remove while holding a basin underneath it. Let it drain until what comes out is only diesel fuel.

Water is heavier than diesel and settles on the bottom. When you drain the separator, water comes out first. When all you see is diesel, button it back up. It'd be a good idea to do this regularly as you don't want water to get sucked into the injection pump.

Dave

[plowy]

its located on the left hand side mid way along the outside of the chassi rail ,incase its tight i recomend using a single hex socket

i have had to remove mine when i first got the car and clean out the sludge build up since i think no one new it was there

[bj42turbo]

Another bit of advise when draining the water seperater is have close to full tank of diesel

BJ

[mdoyle]

I think I found the plug - I let quite a bit of clear liquid out (seems like paint thinner - not sure what colour the fluid should be, it was clear and eventually stopped flowing... so I closed'er up and all is done!

Re: Diff - still trying to sort out if there is an appropriate swap with a stock toyota diff. Mine needs a rebuild - $700 - should I buy a new one?

[mdoyle]

Found the drain - she's sorted! Thanks for the info! HUGE help.

[Shadow]

I think I found the plug - I let quite a bit of clear liquid out (seems like paint thinner - not sure what colour the fluid should be, it was clear and eventually stopped flowing... so I closed'er up and all is done!

Re: Diff - still trying to sort out if there is an appropriate swap with a stock toyota diff. Mine needs a rebuild - $700 - should I buy a new one?

Do you mean your diff centre is gone, or your diff housing.

if its your centre it shouldnt be too hard to find a reasonable centre at a wrecker

if you mean housing, you can upgrade to 60 serious housing although you will have to move th spring perches. 60 series is slightly wider so should do both front and back at the same time.

[Hellbelly]

OK, I've got a BJ and I guess I should drain my tank too. Christ, now I'm wondering what other stuff is there that I should be doing?

Cheers.......HB