More Engine Stuff

Sent out the flywheel for resurfacing.  Interesting spots where there had been some clutch overheating, although nothing out of the ordinary.

The original design of the Land Cruiser was a knock-off of the Willys-Overland GPW ("jeep").  There are some really cool details that trickled through into late models like mine that show just how little things changed through the years.  Check out the fascinating history of the Toyota "Jeep" here: http://www.toyota-global.com/showroom/vehicle_heritage/landcruiser/

One of those cool old features is the hand crank (think Model-T) capability.  The curious crank coupler holding the harmonic balancer/pulley in place is a 46mm size.  The locally available SAE 1-3/4" and 1-13/16" 12-point sockets just didn't cut so off to Amaz** I went for a 46mm socket.  After a few seconds with my impact driver, I had the nut in hand.

Now a simple puller and another few minutes and the pulley is off...

 Shown taped for eventual painting

Now the timing gear cover.  No fancy belts or chains here!  The front crank seal is in the cover and there is an important gasket to replace.  Otherwise nothing to do behind that cover.

Next the oil pan.  Grrrrrrr......  This little beauty doesn't seem to have ever been moved since it was installed in the Toyoda factory in February 1979.  The gasket was petrified and immovable.  But, with some 6 hours of patience, a slim knife, and some (very) valuable assistance from my pal Orlando, it finally succumbed to my will.

The rear main seal.  I've stared at it and wondered, "How the heck do I get that thing out?".  This is why I lean so heavily on my mechanic friends!  Pull the rear (#4) main bearing cap, dummy.  Out pops the old seal, in pops the new, tighten the cap screws to 90 ft-lbs and voila... 20 minutes and NO SWEAT.