SJ Health check

[icbatbh]

Hi all,

Apologies if this is a dumb question:

I'm fairly new to the SJ, and haven't used mine in a few months but would like to get it out for the bad weather. I would like to give the engine a sort of 'health check' or tuneup so I know everything is running at it's best etc. Does anyone have any advice on the things I should be checking (and perhaps how). I am a bit of a novice in case you hadn't already guessed...

[icbatbh]

For those of you who aren't psychic, I have a 1986 SJ convertible with a 413 engine and I believe it's a Spanish one.

Thanks,

Gary

[twiss]

Check for any leaks
Check levels - engine oil, water, brake fluid
make sure coolant in radiator has a good ratio of water to antifreeze.

Take spark plugs out and check their colour.
Check the rotor arm and distributor cap.

Warm the engine up and then check for leaks. Look for any smoke from the exhaust when you initially start it up.
Keep looking at the temp gauge, see how hot it gets.

Then take it out for a spin and keep checking the temperature.

When you get back, let the engine cool (fully) and then re-check the fluid levels.

[ScottieJ]

Thought I'd add a few details to what Twiss has said.

Check for any leaks
Check levels - engine oil, water, brake fluid
make sure coolant in radiator has a good ratio of water to antifreeze.

Take spark plugs out and check their colour.

& also check the gaps

sparkpluggap.JPG (44.4 KiB) Viewed 6951 times

Check the rotor arm and distributor cap.clean contacts

dizzycap.JPG (51.6 KiB) Viewed 6951 times

Warm the engine up and then check for leaks. Look for any smoke from the exhaust when you initially start it up.
Keep looking at the temp gauge, see how hot it gets.

Then take it out for a spin and keep checking the temperature.

When you get back, let the engine cool (fully) and then re-check the fluid levels.

[twiss]

Ahhh scott you flash git... I'll have to start calling you Darrell soon!

[ScottieJ]

Ahhh scott you flash git... I'll have to start calling you Darrell soon!

[icbatbh]

Cool that's my Saturday morning sorted then. Thanks to the pair of you.

[Darrell]

Oui, you trying to make me redundant

[Darrell]

On a serious note for those who don't offroad much like myself and have freewheel hubs, make sure they are not seized up. Don't want to be stuck in the snow for something as simple as this. They only engage via a spring and don't need much crap inside not to move. I know they shouldn't get dirty but I've seen many an SJ with water/poop over the axle height and it only takes the slightest leak.

[twiss]

I'm surprised you don't have a diagram of them!

It's a very good point though!