ElysianComrades '84 Build

ElysianComrade

ElysianComrade

New member
Hi guys,

So I have a 3rd gen and been a long time lurker, so I figured with my new 84 I just picked up I would start a thread. I'm not very experienced with a LOT of things so hoping to learn a lot as I go.

She's pretty rough around the edges, but excited to make her into something great. 300k on chassis 150k on '85 carb engine. 5 speed, factory solid axle, rear seats with metal backing, rear spartan locker.

Known Issues:

- Fender trim rust
- Driver's side wheel well rust
- Can't pass smog (high CO, most likely something bad in carb)
- AC doesn't work
- Bad paint
- Leaking axle driver's side
- Oil leak, hoping front seal
- Rear Window not functioning

Plans:
- OM617 diesel swap
- Bikini Top
- Repaint, possible change of color ( monstaliner? flat? gloss? idk)
- Davez Full Suspension Kit
- Front Locker

On to some pics!







 
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Don't feel bad I would kill for something that clean my 84 looked like this and that's good for my area! IMG_2563.JPG


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Bad_Vision said:
Don't feel bad I would kill for something that clean my 84 looked like this and that's good for my area!
Click to expand...

haha! I guess that kind of puts things in perspective... I guess a californian can't really complain about rust..

Chuckles89 said:
I think you should do bright red sprayed on monstaliner!
Click to expand...

Like a cherry red? Would look nice. I'm leaning towards the rusty color similar to what I have or maybe a desert tan. Or neon green :p
 
So I was changing the spark plugs and came across some concerning things.
1st was that a couple of spark plugs had oil all over them. Then I took to looking where the oil was leaking down; a few pics.

This is one taken pointing towards the ground, above the spark plug closest to the front.





Then from underneath:

oil pan




Then past the transfer case




To a novice's eye this is pretty concerning. It seems that I am dealing with a multitude of leaks. I've got everything to replace the front seal, but it seems I am dealing with more. I've read about the half-moon valve, rear seal, oil pan leaking. Any thoughts on where I should start?
 
As far as oil leaks go, I have had a few, best way to start is to clean the undercarriage and engine compartment as best you can. Simple green and a scrub brush does wonders. Usually takes a few times but I almost always have been able to get it 90% or better. After that take it out for a short drive. Around the block at most to start with them look for oil. If none is found look harder. If still none is found go down to the store and back. 20-30 min of driving and look again. You should see something. These trucks are famous for leaking from the valve cover. People over or under torque the nuts and don't put rob on the 1/2 moon gaskets. When they leak from the back of the valve cover you typical think it's coming from the rear main or other area on the block. If it were me I would just redo the valve cover gasket after you clean it. They are very cheap and easy to do. If you redo these and she still leaks but you can't find it there is a uv additive to put in the oil. But you then need the light to find out where it's coming out from. But start with a good scrubbing and valve cover, 1/2 moon gasket set.

Hope this helps.


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Thefishguy77 said:
As far as oil leaks go, I have had a few, best way to start is to clean the undercarriage and engine compartment as best you can. Simple green and a scrub brush does wonders. Usually takes a few times but I almost always have been able to get it 90% or better. After that take it out for a short drive. Around the block at most to start with them look for oil. If none is found look harder. If still none is found go down to the store and back. 20-30 min of driving and look again. You should see something. These trucks are famous for leaking from the valve cover. People over or under torque the nuts and don't put rob on the 1/2 moon gaskets. When they leak from the back of the valve cover you typical think it's coming from the rear main or other area on the block. If it were me I would just redo the valve cover gasket after you clean it. They are very cheap and easy to do. If you redo these and she still leaks but you can't find it there is a uv additive to put in the oil. But you then need the light to find out where it's coming out from. But start with a good scrubbing and valve cover, 1/2 moon gasket set.

Hope this helps.


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Click to expand...


I agree with a valve cover and cam plug replacement, but before you do that, you may consider changing out your pcv valve and switching over to a 10w40 high mileage oil with seal conditioners.

I have replaced both mains, valve cover gaskets and more and down the road a seeping leak always seems to develop somewhere. On old 3VZEs you can chase leaks forever.

PCV valve and High mileasge oil formula is a good addition
 
89FourRunner said:
I agree with a valve cover and cam plug replacement, but before you do that, you may consider changing out your pcv valve and switching over to a 10w40 high mileage oil with seal conditioners.

I have replaced both mains, valve cover gaskets and more and down the road a seeping leak always seems to develop somewhere. On old 3VZEs you can chase leaks forever.

PCV valve and High mileasge oil formula is a good addition
Click to expand...



On my 85 there was no way I was going to get the PCV valve gasket out while it was on the motor. I held it upside down and the "rubber" aka hard brittle gasket just fell apart as I tried to pull it free. That would have fallen in to the top of the valve cover at best and then I would have to pull it anyways. Just FYI


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