Distributor & Running Problems - 1988 Daihatsu Fourtrak Rocky -Petrol

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Distributor & Running Problems Unknw : 1988 Daihatsu FourTrak Rocky F80 - 2.0 litre Petrol

Am having a lot of problems with the above Fourtrack engine running properly. A number of mechanics have had look at the vehicle in an attempt to resolve the problem, which always ends up with a dead vehicle at the side of the road.

The points & timing have been reset each time, only to end up with everything moving again within 50 – 60 miles and the vehicle dying with a deafening backfire... Quite a spectacular party piece … But not the object of the exercise.

Despite various attempts to lock the distributor in place … we have failed miserably… I am now advised that the complete distributor is worn and needs replacing. Going direct to Daihatsu was a frightening experience … I was advised that we could wait for many weeks, with no guarantee that they could locate one and mucho escudos if they could !

I have read through some of the forums on the web site and picked up on the possibility that the engine fitted to this vehicle may be a Toyota 3Y …

Can anyone help with knowledgeable answers to the following

Q1. How do I tell for certain if this is a Toyota 3Y engine
Q2. Will this necessarily make it easier to obtain a new distributor.
Q3. Does anyone agree with the diagnosis of the distributor being the most likely culprit …
Q4. I was advised that the vehicle runs very well on unleaded fuel… But I read in Lurch’s spec list that this vehicle needs fuel of 90 Ron ( Min ). It may be that I am adding to the problem using the wrong spec fuel... Can someone confirm that unleaded fuel is ok for this vehicle
Q5. Entirely separate to the above… Does anyone know of an upholsterer who makes bespoke soft tops Unknw Alternatively can anyone advise the best sources for material and components to enable us to make a new soft top ( using local upholsteres ). e.g. Vynyl / Side & Rear Vision Panels / Securing Clips / Zips etc…

Thanks for reading our list of woes … And even more thanks if you know any of the answers

Mark & Arron
Wiltshire

If standard it is a Toyota 3Y

If standard it is a Toyota 3Y engine. There should be a sticker on the rocker cover stating such, but I'm asuming yours has come off. The engine is also fitted in the Totota Hi-Ace van, and the Toyota Hi-Lux. Some parts for this engine are cheaper direct from Toyota.
If the timing is wodering around, then the distibuter is probably the most likely culpret. It could however be the drive for the distributer that is at fult. This would not be good, as it wold be a big job to get at the corect gearing inside the engine.
I've had two of these and have run both happily on unleaded petrol. As long as the timing is set up for the lower occtain count there should be no problem.
I may have a second hand distibuter. £20 + P&P if I do. 07710 088162

Any veiws expresed in this thread by me are purely from my own experience, and (sometimes) falible memory. Hope my comments help, but please don't take them as gospel.

FourTrak Fitted with 3Y Engine - Response from Nev.K

Hi Nev

Thank you for such a helpful response.

I have managed to ascertain that the engine is definately a 3Y.

Pleased to hear that you have run two vehicles happily on unleaded... This supports the advice from our local mechanic and re-inforces the view that the engine running problems are not being exacerbated by fuel compatibility issues.

It strikes me that a first effort should be to attempt to resolve the issue with a replacement distributor ... and hope this does not lead us to conclude that the real issue is the drive for the distributor... I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I will call you early next week ... Perhaps you might get a chance to check whether you do have a suitable distributor.

Thanks again for your advice and the speed with which you responded to the posting of this forum... You caught me out as I have only just checked today...

MarkCT

I've checked, and I do.

I've checked, and I do.

Any veiws expresed in this thread by me are purely from my own experience, and (sometimes) falible memory. Hope my comments help, but please don't take them as gospel.

Workshop Manual for FourTrak with 3Y Petrol Engine

Hi Mike

Thanks for making contact... Sounds like we might well need one of these. We inadvertantly obtained a previous manual on CD which turned out to be for the Diesel engine. As you can imagine this was exceptionally helpful when it came to information regarding the distributor and settings ! ! !

I assume from earlier comments in various forums that the manual is on CD... Please let me know how much you want for a copy

MarkCT

3Y F85 manual

Diahatsu Rocky
F85LV-B
1986
3Y petrol engine

3Y F85 manual

Hello Mike , are you still a member ( the post is 18 years old )?
I am looking for this manual too

Diahatsu Rocky
F85LV-B
1986
3Y petrol engine

soft top question

Mark,
Saw your post - just bought one of these great little "tonka toys" thus far everything going well - but I have the same question as you wrt the soft top - a friend suggested a lorry tarpaulin supplier near him who may be able to do something - but if you learn of anyone who might be able to supply one give me a shout - will keep you posted of my endeavors.
Regards
Dave

Regarding a soft top for the

Regarding a soft top for the 4trak...try contacting this company..they may well be able to help.

Mastercovers Ltd 02392 374739

Has the original issue with

Has the original issue with this vehicle been resolved? If so, that what was the answer? As I am having very similar problems with a recently purchased 2 litre Rocky. Sometimes there is backfiring when engine braking, and not really good economy. I am thinking its either too much fuel getting into the motor, or wandering timing.

Cheers
Bundy

Growing old is compulsary, growing up isnt.
MUD MAKES EXCELLENT TOOTHPASTE.
I use billion dollar satellites, to find Tupperware.
Please visit http://groups.msn.com/AussieDaihatsuRocky/_whatsnew.msnw
All views and advice offered are my own, from my ow

Growing old is compulsary, growing up isnt.
MUD MAKES EXCELLENT TOOTHPASTE.
I use billion dollar satellites, to find Tupperware.
Please visit http://groups.msn.com/AussieDaihatsuRocky/_whatsnew.msnw
All views and advice offered are my own, from my ow

Vac advance - 3Y engine

I had similar issues, just checked my vac advance tube - there appears to be a one way valve/filter in-line, i think it was the wrong way around. Anyway, reversed it and things seem a lot better now.

3y distributor

Fairly common fault with the N.D. (points type)distributor is for the a & r plate inside dissy to sieze, quick check is to lift cap, rotor and plastic dust cap off, disconnect vac. line to dist. at carb end and to suck on hose and watch points etc. Quite often you will find that a & r is not working at all.

Separate issue, I have a 3y that virtually shuts down at very high engine revs, back the pedal off a fraction it's as good as gold. Have tried all (?) obvious things, now looking for another carby to try. Beginning to suspect that at near-peak revs valves are not opening, it's almost like an engine brake effect, instantaneous shut down, and vacuum drops to nothing until throttle is backed off a FRACTION! Any ideas?