73FJ40 idling/power issue

[semmy73fj40]

New to forum, thanks in advance. I have an idling power issue with FJ that happened out of nowhere. Any thoughts? Checked air filter and all connectors. Sprayed starting fluid where i was told and the engine died.

 

[Hulk]

Clean your fuel filter. A dirty, partially clogged fuel filter can be the source of all sorts of weird symptoms.

 

[kurtnkegger]

Can you give a little more detail? Where were you told to spray? Does it cut out at idle or serge? Any difference when it's hot or cold?

 

[semmy73fj40]

sprayed on engine block where exhaust system is attached to engine (not the spark plug side) i am so not mechanically inclined. sent pics to max at 4x4. fuel filter is new as of 2021, but she has been sitting for 3 years with occasional drives around the neighborhood.

 

[kurtnkegger]

Look at your vacuum lines for any cracks or breaks. It's easy to do a quick inspection.

 

[semmy73fj40]

Thank you!!!

 

[SteveH]

If the carb has an idle solenoid (connected by a single wire to the chassis harness) be sure that circuit is working.

 

[simps80]

Sounds like Vacuum leak(s)

They are common around intake and is consistent with your findings of change in idle/running when sprayed with flammable or non flammable liquid

Try to check torque of the studs/nuts that mount the mated intake/exhaust to the head.

Once all the vacuum trouble is found (as evidenced by a steady reading in the ~mid teens on the low end of vacuum on a vacuum gauge then you can tune the carb accurately and set the timing

Also check the nuts that hold the carb down to the intake but don’t over tighten..the studs can pull out of the softer aluminum intake manifold

 

[semmy73fj40]

Thanks everyone for the useful angles. I had a mechanic come out and he believes it has something to do with the misfiring of the spark plugs. I will most certainly follow up with any solutions he comes up. Thanks again for your suggestions. (he strongly urged me to take the for sale sign off, and is contemplating an offer on the FJ

 

[kurtnkegger]

(he strongly urged me to take the for sale sign off, and is contemplating an offer on the FJ

Hold on...You're selling it and haven't posted on the forum? Are you putting an offer in on the FJ Cruiser, or are you calling the 40 an FJ? Let's see some pictures or something! We love pictures.

 

[semmy73fj40]

Asking 40k (what i put into it at Redline and HC4x4)

 

[semmy73fj40]

After further inspection, the spark plugs were blackened by the carb being too rich. Mechanic slimmed down the gas mixture and the FJ runs better. BArely driven the thing after a ton of carb work at redline.....my bad!

 

[MDH33]

Lesson 1. Never call it an FJ. It's a Land Cruiser, an FJ40, or just a 40.

Lesson 2. You'll never get the $ out that you put into them, especially if you pay a shop.

Good looking 40! 👍