Outer Limits 4x4 Board

G'day guys.
just bought my first 4wd. a 1978 FJ40 with a 2F on dual fuel. the car has overheating issues which we found out when we started crawling in the bush. no problems on the highway so we did not realise the car boiled a couple of times so we think it could be headgasket.

i don't want this to turn into a project like my brothers 40 which has been in the garage for 4 years!!! If i did a full rebuild i would end up having to strip the block send it away for machining and fill our shed with more parts. i was thinking just pull the head off change the headgasket (if thats the prob) and do the valves. what would a short block in good nick for a 2F worth?

The other option is a VL engine we have sitting at home that is reasonable nick. the only problem is getting a bellhousing to suit. has anyone heard of this conversion into a 40series?

thanks guys,

Calvin

hokey wrote:G'day guys.
just bought my first 4wd. a 1978 FJ40 with a 2F on dual fuel. the car has overheating issues which we found out when we started crawling in the bush. no problems on the highway so we did not realise the car boiled a couple of times so we think it could be headgasket.

i don't want this to turn into a project like my brothers 40 which has been in the garage for 4 years!!! If i did a full rebuild i would end up having to strip the block send it away for machining and fill our shed with more parts. i was thinking just pull the head off change the headgasket (if thats the prob) and do the valves. what would a short block in good nick for a 2F worth?

The other option is a VL engine we have sitting at home that is reasonable nick. the only problem is getting a bellhousing to suit. has anyone heard of this conversion into a 40series?

thanks guys,

Calvin

i honestly don't think the VL motor will have the torque your after, i don't know the numbers, but even if the numbers are close, look at where it's produced in the rev range... a 2f produces lots of torque down low and loves to lug. think about the displacement and stroke difference of the two motors...

anyway, i answered your Q on where to find one in the other post (oh and throw an add up in the wanted section), i wouldn't hesitate to just do a head gasket (get the head pressure tested too) and call it good.

but it might be worth checkin out the rest of your cooling system first. no point throwing another motor in and having the same problem.

yeh we checked the cooling system yesterday and the thermo works we just aren't sure about the radiator. we will take it to a place maybe this arvo and get them to check it out.

gotta love that low down the 2F has i guess it is bigger than a 253 tho. crappy holden V8's but i think i should just rip the head off and do a bit of headwork and leave it at that. i just want it reliable so i am not stuck somewhere waiting for a trailer to come and get me.

Thanks for the reply,

Calvin

Try buying a toyota thermostat
as there has been problems with thermosats from other makers
and dont forget the rubber ring that go's on top of the thermostat
also use coolant not just water

mine gets warm when 4wding but qickly cools down when left to idle
also if you get it tested have them check the gauge to see if it accurate

the thermostat is working and yes it has the rubber ring. the radiator fins are quite bent but i don't think they would make that much difference. will go to the rad place and they will tell us if the system is working. if it is i will assume BHG

You can usely tell a blown head gasket by bubbles in your radiator when it is at temp or excesive fuming when you remove the oil filler cap

yes but it can also depend on where it is blown. it is blowing a bit of water out the exhaust pipe aswell

hokey wrote:yes but it can also depend on where it is blown. it is blowing a bit of water out the exhaust pipe aswell

When at start up from cold or all the time
most cars have water (condensation) come out the exhaust pipe when first started until up to temp
if its all the time you will get bubbles in the radiator then its a head problem

or if there's water in your oil too...

i'd check the water pump is working, and for piece of mind i'd get a new thermostat, i had one that "worked" when doing the test on them, but still overheated the car. changed it out and it never gets over 1/4 hot now.

hokey wrote:

gotta love that low down the 2F has i guess it is bigger than a 253 tho. crappy holden V8's :

Calvin

oh i didn't think of the 253... i assumed it was the nissan 6.

253 has been done, but again, personally i like the 2f torque. i think their within a couple of cubic inches displacement wise.

nah yes it is the nissan six but i was just saying that it feels better than a V8. nah i would not put a friggin 253 in. the only good V8's are chevs, Hemi's and one holden V8 the 304 and yes the displacement is pretty close.

Hamo wrote:Try buying a toyota thermostat
as there has been problems with thermosats from other makers

Sorry to get of the subject but just a quick question. Does this go for other toyota motors as well. Including diesels

midi73 wrote:

Hamo wrote:Try buying a toyota thermostat
as there has been problems with thermosats from other makers

Sorry to get of the subject but just a quick question. Does this go for other toyota motors as well. Including diesels

Sorry i don't know i only know of the 2f as i have two

midi73 wrote:

Hamo wrote:Try buying a toyota thermostat
as there has been problems with thermosats from other makers

Sorry to get of the subject but just a quick question. Does this go for other toyota motors as well. Including diesels

my H diesel went through a couple of thermostats in 3 years, so i think it applies at least to the 6 cyl diesels