Tech Letter Of The Month
Heavy Drinker
Question: I just recently swamped my '86 EFI 302 motor. The air filter was completely soaked, and when I took off the hose that runs from the airbox to the throttle body, water poured out of it. Plus the truck won't start. I know I am going to have to tear the motor down, but if you have any tips or suggestions that I could try to possibly get my truck running without tearing the motor down, I would appreciate it. Also any tips to help prevent it from happening again would really help out. I know I could just stay out of the water, but where is the fun in that?
Kyle, via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: Many trucks have gone for a swim, but with precautionary steps have been repaired and driven home. If water gets in your engine, shut it down fast. Water doesn't compress and can break connecting rods and bend valves. First, pull all the spark plugs and crank over the engine to pump any water out of the engine. Then drain the engine oil and replace it and the filter. Next spray under the distributor cap and around any other electrical components with some WD-40 to help displace water. With that you should be able to reinstall the spark plugs and start the truck. If the engine did suck water and break a rod, then you'll be tearing it down, but if it runs, take it home, and change the oil once again. If you want to keep the water out next time, add a snorkel out of PVC tubing that runs above your hoodline or into your cab.
Each issue, the winner of the Tech Letter of the Month gets something. This month I dug through my office for some goodies to give away and I found two videos. I figured I had better check them out prior to sending them out to this month's tech letter of the month, so I popped them in the DVD player and shut the office door to get some work done. It turns out that most of the stars of these videos seem to be the friends of the guys with the camera, but that doesn't mean they're not running some crazy trails
All My Dirty Friends by Muchado Productions ($20), www.muchadoproductions.com, is a fun 42-minute video of rockcrawling and trail riding in various homegrown machines. Though not the highest quality videography, the antics are found in some states where you wouldn't expect to find gnarly wheeling, such a Kansas and Iowa. And though it's not exactly child friendly with a few adult words, it's definitely entertaining.
4Lo by 4Locked Films, on the other hand, has some very nice filming of Oregon and northwestern trails with a few bits from rockcrawling and racing competitions. Expect to see a full 50 minutes of tube buggies doing everything from crawling, racing, jumping, and rolling. The background music is a mixture of heavy jams and chill tunes, and other than a slip here or there the language is pretty kid-proof. We recommend ordering your own copy from www.4lockedfilms.com.
Toy Needs More
Question: I have an '86 Toyota that I'm putting a new engine in and want something a little more gutsy than a 22RE. Maybe the turbocharged 22R, Vortec V-6 or diesel? Do you have a suggestion?
Nate
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: I also have an '86 Toyota and if I ever have to replace the engine I would get one of the following: a Toyota Diesel from a similar or later-era truck for fuel efficiency, though I hear the best bet is to go to a bigger turbo to get more air in and power out; a built or stroked 22RE from LC Engineering (877.505.2501) or DOA Racing Engines (704.799.6261) would be an easy swap; while a late-model Tacoma four-wheel-drive four-cylinder also known as a 3Rzfe has considerably more power without going overboard and can bolt in with some wiring upgrades. I know that the folks at Marlin Crawler (559.252.7295) and California Mini Truck (909.622.1381) have experience with them. Or if you really want the coolest get an all-aluminum LS1 or LS2 V-8 from TurnKey Engine Supply (760.941.2741). They don't weigh much more than your stock 22RE, and they'll turn your tires just fine.
Of course you'll need to upgrade most of the other drivetrain as well, and your wallet better be fat to get it started.