I looked at a lady driven 89 yesterday. It hasn't been started in 2+ years. It had a Jasper engine put in at 160k (timing chain/belt broke), has 207k on it. It is a 6cyl with automatic transmission. It has the typical rust just starting to bubble up the paint in the fenders. A little rust in the rocker area in front of the rear wheels. Frame has some surface rust at the rear, but otherwise in great shape. Pretty clean inside. Clear coat is peeling off all over.

The problem and questions. It will not start. It turns over and sounds ok, but doesn't sound like it is getting any gas or fire. If I was able to get this cheap (less than $1k), what should I be looking for to get it running? Assuming I got it running, what other problems should I expect from it having sit for 2+ years? This will be used primarily offroad.

TIA

Chris

Id go through and change all the fluids. Oil, brake, trans, diffs. Could have collected water from sitting.

Go through the frame really well with a magnet and screwdriver looking for rust. Frames like to rust from the inside out, so poke at it with a screwdriver to see if its weak. Right around the rear spring hanger is where the rust usually is the worst.


And, I hate to say this, but that truck already has 2 strikes against it. One, its an auto. They suck the life out of older Toyotas. Makes them real slow and sluggish. 2, its a V6. While they can be a good running motor, they can also be a real PITA to work on and can get expensive. A 4cy motor is easier and cheaper to work on. Id look for a 5 speed 4cy, it will be MUCH more fun offroad.


Get a can of starting fluid, and spray it in the throttle body and then start it. If it trys to start, its fuel related. (fuel pump, afm, EFI fuse, ect) If not, it probably isnt getting spark. Hookup a spark tester or use a screwdriver and check for spark. Check the EFI fuse to see if its blown.

Thanks for the reply Adam. I think you replied to my post last week about an 88 w/auto. It wouldn't go into 4 lo. It has a bit more rust and I'm a little leary of the 4 lo shift problem

I agree the auto drags them down a bit, but I guess I'm lazy as I prefer to wheel with an auto vs manual. I took my screw driver with me and did a lot of poking on the frame and it seems pretty solid. I will take your advice on the things to check if I pursue this one. THanks,

I just looked at your previous posts. You've been looking for a Toyota since '05? C'mon already, get one and go wheelin'! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />


Wheelin with an auto can be fun. I just like 5 speeds personally.

Well I was kind of out of the market for a while. To make a long story short, I bought and restored a 77 Bronco over the last few years. Problem is, I went to far and now I don't want to get it all beat up so now I'm looking for something in reasonable shape mechanically. I don't really care how it looks just as long as the drive train is solid.

Try dumping the fuel tank & some fresh fuel

For the record - I have the auto w/ 4cyl.
Yes it is slow, but I don't hate it by any means. Supra AFM w/ cone and exhaust headers/wider pipe woke it up a lot.
I agree that it's really nice offroad, no 3-legged dance. Biggest inconvenience is limited options for t-case mods, like rigging up 2lo etc. I'd do it again.

Check all the rubber fuel lines and make sure your fuel pump is working.

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