FJ Flood Damage

[brainbucket]

So i rarely post on Pirate, i just kinda snoop around, but i could use some FJer's advice...

I have an '08 FJ that i have wheeled slightly, and was super impressed, but was very hesitant to modify the FJ, as to not affect the extended warranty, and well a slight budget issue... no budget.

Recently we had a flood in our area, and my FJ and i had an incident and we got stuck (trust me completely unavoidable) in the flood zone. The water was 1/4 up the window on the passenger side of the vehicle, completely over the dash and seats. This resulted in the FJ being a complete write-off for insurance purposes.

I now have the option to purchase the FJ at salvage price. So how difficult will it be to get MOST/All of the mud out of the vehicle? Does anyone know how many components there are on the FJ that would likely need to be replaced? Mainly only the engine components, as at this point i'm not very concerned with the stereo and what not... I have heard several conflicting stories as to the severity of what should be done, so i really don't know what to think.

Eventually i would like to build it up to be a regular on the trail, but would like to daily-drive it also.

I know that the engine isn't "hydro-locked" because we turned it over post water damage and there was no hesitation, so i'm relatively convinced that the engine won't be hard to revive, but i would love some feedback.

Since we'll be purchasing a new FJ this FJ could take several months to revive so time and speed aren't huge issues, however cost might come into play, so anybody have any thoughts?

Sorry that is really long

Thanks,
Bucket

[Jon Bundrant]

I don't have any expierence with this kind of damage but the fact that the engine turns over is good. Does it start? The electronics even if not damaged now may not have the life expectancy they would have. I guess I would start with a good cleaning and then you can diagnois things a little closer. What is the salvage price if you don't mind me asking?

JonB

[brainbucket]

$6200 plus i have to come up with the GAP since we didn't get the gap insurance.

[FJ Tex]

taht gap ins can be a killer. the engine turning over is a GREAT sign, you should have little trouble getting it running again if thats the case. it would be one of the better choices of flood salvage vehicle, as the non carpet floors will make cleaning much easier, i dont know how long it has been sitting but the sooner you can get it dry the better your chances are of avoiding mold and mildew. i'm assuming you're truck bit it in that last round of snow-pack melting a few weeks back. i understand the seats do have some sort of water resistance, but i'm not sure how resilient they'd be against a funal forest growing inside the truck, so count on probably getting some new seats. cant really comment on the electronics, as you've already turned the key in the ignition. if stuff works still then kudos to you, but i'd strongly reccomend blowdrying EVERYTHING. and dont be afraid to get any circutboards a little hot, you wanna bake the moisture out of them, this will help prolong their life and avoid delamination of any computer components. i'd also do the same for everything under the dashboard. obviously if you buy the salvage, there are no garuntees, and i'd prolly plan on getting a wiring harness just as backup.

[brainbucket]

Thanks for all of the great info everyone! I ended up buying it back, but i haven't yet gotten it back, which sucks but having to jump through all of the Insurance and Finance Dept. hoops is a real pain in the ass. I hope to have it this weekend and begin tear down. I had planned on replacing the front seats but wasn't sure how difficult it will be to procure the rears? Aftermarket or factory?

I will need to replace the front bumper due to some damage sustained in the flooding, and am looking at the All-Pro Winch bumper. From what i've read here they seem to be well liked. Has anyone done the snorkle kit on an FJ yet?

Thanks for all of your help,
Bucket

[Pietro]

as far as the mechanicals go, I would say just changing oils and you will be good to go (unless its an auto, then a flush would be better). You have to understand that an FJ or any other modern truck has a lot of onboard computers which someone else mentioned what to do with. I would set a lot of money aside just incase you have to buy a lot of little items that could be expensive like

-charcoal canister
-instrument cluster
-air bags (don't heat those up to dry them out:D)
-various electrical sensor for the engine and HVAC system

just things to consider, they may work perfectly fine after they dry out but I'm sure nothing on that list is cheap to replace

also, you may want to drain the entire fuel system and flush it out before doing running the truck. Seems like all the late model yotas are very susceptible to fuel system debris

[brainbucket]

So I picked up the FJ today and i was pleasantly surprised that they had cleaned up the interior significantly. Well significantly from the last time i saw it any way. So i decided that i would work on getting the engine running before i went and tore the entire dash/interior up. This way i don't take out anything that is needed to run. So i put a turbo heater/ salamander in the garage with it along with some fans to circulate the air. It raised the temp. like 40 degrees in about 20 mintues in my small garage. So i'm hoping to let it sit and dry for a while and see what happens.

I think i'm going to need to find some replacement computer components... any suggestions? Also do they make a Haynes manual for the FJs? If so i think i need one haha. Does anyone have a suggestion as to where to find some of these components in the aftermarket?

Thanks again,
Bucket

[sbechtold]

Here is a link for the manual (http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/fj-cruiser-technical-articles/42716-fjc-repair-manual-download-w-additional-archive-documentation.html). If you search on FJCruiserForums.com you will find a few other links to the complete FSM. Everynow and then you'll find a link to a totaled FJC on that site as well. You might be able to get some of the electrical components from a totaled FJC and save a few $$.

[SHERPA]

if that engine wasn't pickled immediately after getting soaked, I can almost
guarandamntee you that engine is toast.....

bare engine-steel will rust IMMEDIATELY... you said "it spun over"

well, if (and it did if the motor was submerged) had rust in it...) and you
just "spun" that rust inbetween bearings, crank/cam journals, cylinder walls,
etc.....

by using that heater in a closed garage, you are making a sauna..... probably
the best way to promote and grow more rust, corrosion, etc.......

I hate to say it, but unless you do a full-teardown on that motor, (ASAP)
and the transmission, rear ends (if they got wet inside) you're looking at
alot of mechanical issues shortly afterward..........

--good luck.

--Sherpa

[brainbucket]

Even if i have to rebuild the motor, bearings and other misc. components after 30,000+ miles, i'm going to end up paying half of what a new FJ costs and i would have gotten 30,000 miles on something i would have never had if i had let it go to auction.

Though i see your point, there is little i can change now, nor would i want to. Even if this takes 6 months to complete and a couple thousand dollars i'll still have an FJ for less than half price, albeit may have some gremlins but i can live with that.

As for an update...

Upon baking the FJ in the garage, pulling all of the plugs and checking for water, naturally it still wouldn't start. I pulled the drain plug and got a very small amount of water, and of course the oil looked a little milky.

My friend is good with computer/electrical systems so he his looking at all of the computers to see which ones have been damaged and what all needs to be replaced. Being an '08 it has the Immobilizer built into the key/ignition so that is a main focus at this point, along with the main body computer and the ECU. The engine isn't getting any spark so we assume that one of these components is to blame. Anyone have any other suggestions?

In the mean time we pulled the entire dash, seats, rubber flooring, and center console to begin the cleaning process. The small amount of insullation under the rubber flooring was quite saturated and muddy so i cleaned it out and am letting it dry out. Once dry i will finish it out with something that they make to apply to carpets of homes that have been flooded to prevent/kill bacteria and mold. Next i plan to clean out the heating/AC duct work and the flooring and wiring behind the dash. It is pretty amazing where you wouldn't think mud would go but ends up. I still need to pull the rear seat backs and the rear rubber flooring as well as the cargo area side panels to work on the insullation back there and the inverter, and maybe even screw with the sub. I still need to pull the inner door panels and see how bad they are.

Thanks for everyone's advice,
Bucket

[camodan]

QUOTE=SHERPA;8105677]if that engine wasn't pickled immediately after getting soaked, I can almost
guarandamntee you that engine is toast.....

bare engine-steel will rust IMMEDIATELY... you said "it spun over"


Having worked on a lot of old shit, It'll be fine engine wise. That rust will polish off in a heartbeat. Still be there but smooth.
The electronics is where you will find problems. Dry it out, just like a cell phone. ECU in the oven at a low temp, all engine wiring too if possible. About 120 F.
Hope it works out.
Camodan

[brainbucket]

Thanks for the input. I haven't posted in some time because being a new daddy and all time is someone limited... however The FJ lives! I had to purchase a new ECU because the power supply was popped, but upon replacing that it was basically just getting all the water out of the gas tank and then she fired up no problem. Well i guess there was a bit of sputtering but it worked none the less...

I've already put about 500 miles on it and everything seems to be good with the mechanicals. I think that since i have an ECU that isn't specifically for my options it idles quite high compared to normal. Which i really can't remember what Normal idle was... i'm guessing around 750 or so? Currently it idles at around 1200 once its warm. Also I'm getting the VIN engine code saying that my ECU VIN doesn't match my VIN but i think that both of those problems can be remedied at the shop with a simple reprogram?

I still don't have the dash in yet, so it looks pretty odd. I'm waiting because I think I'm going to have to replace the Body Computer because a lot of the extra features aren't working, and several act just funny.

No VSC or any of it's components
No ABS
No Airbags (but most aren't in)
No rear wiper
No Front Wiper on High
Heating and AC controls are goofy and all of the buttons on the center dash don't work... Hazards, AC, etc.

So word on the street is that replacing the body computer might help some of those problems.

But on the whole, i've got all of the interior back in besides the dash and everything seems to be good, there is no smell, except a little dusty, dirt smell when its hot and moist out... but nothing an air freshener doesn't seem to handle, plus when the dash goes in i think that will help too. Aside from not having any Tunes when i drive it seems to be pretty much a normal car, so i'm happy.

If anyone has any suggestions or thoughts feel free to hit me up.

Brainbucket

[kmuskthel]

If Your Interested In Selling The Stock Front Seats Let Me Know

[lucky 13]

do you have any pics of the flood damage?

[Booger Weldz]

i hydroed a truck a few years ago on fordyce...camo chimed in in my recovery post and said insurance companies write them off because of the eventual corrosion in the entire wiring harness, especially at connectors...

how much $$ to buy it back?

[jhama78]

What is the salvage price if you don't mind me asking?

JonB

$6200 plus i have to come up with the GAP since we didn't get the gap insurance.

how much $$ to buy it back?

thread reading and comprehension owns you... :grinpimp::flipoff2::D

[Booger Weldz]

thread reading and comprehension owns you... :grinpimp::flipoff2::D

who needs to read and comprehend when guys like you can do it for me??:flipoff2:

[jhama78]

who needs to read and comprehend when guys like you can do it for me??:flipoff2:

Is the Taco Done Yet?!?! Get hot son!!! :flipoff2:

[THachiya]

...I had to purchase a new ECU because the power supply was popped...

...I think that since i have an ECU that isn't specifically for my options it idles quite high compared to normal. Which i really can't remember what Normal idle was... i'm guessing around 750 or so? Currently it idles at around 1200 once its warm. Also I'm getting the VIN engine code saying that my ECU VIN doesn't match my VIN but i think that both of those problems can be remedied at the shop with a simple reprogram? ...

...I'm waiting because I think I'm going to have to replace the Body Computer because a lot of the extra features aren't working, and several act just funny.

No VSC or any of it's components
No ABS
No Airbags (but most aren't in)
No rear wiper
No Front Wiper on High
Heating and AC controls are goofy and all of the buttons on the center dash don't work... Hazards, AC, etc.

So word on the street is that replacing the body computer might help some of those problems.


Brainbucket

Since you have the vehicle and the (Presumed Salvage) title, you should be able to take the FJ to any Toyota dealer and get the ECMs re-flashed to the same version (CALs) using the VIN.

The dealer can also check out the BCM, but your issues may be related to the ECM not "talking" to it.

Good luck!

[BlueMonkey]

I dont think that you will have all the problems the nay sayers say you will down the road... get the ecu reflashed and you should be good

[vblextek801]

i have a lot of exp. with flooded vehicles, all the odd things that are going on sounds like a couple of issues. it sounds like you need to replace the junction block. ill look to see what side of the vehicle its on but its on either the drivers or pass. side under the dash in the corner (lower kick panel). basically it has a bunch of harness connectors going into it. when you unplug them all and un bolt it there are some connectors on the back side also. it distributes info. power, etc. the wiper issue is probably the selector stick. its easy to replace, just pull the steering wheel off and the shell, its just a couple of screws. and the air bag light will stay on until it is fully operational. if there was issues with the selector on the column then you should do a clock spring also. the idle issue sound like the idle control valve is stuck or sticking.
p.s. the ecu can not be reflashed, it has no erasable memory. the only thing without replacing it is diconnect the battery for 10 minutes or so and it will erase the learned memory values. the vin does need to be input at the dealer though

[brainbucket]

So its been almost 6 months since i first posted here on Pirate and Today i finally put most of my FJ back together. It feels pretty amazing, really. I honestly didn't think i would get it back in the condition i currently find it. So i'll give a brief run down on what all went down and what not.

I ended up having to replace...

ECU
Body Computer/Junction Block
Heating/AC trim ring(with controls)
spark plugs
and i need to put in a Cabin Filter because i'm currently without

So i guess since last post..

I took my heater/AC controls apart, by that i mean the actual motors that control the vents and the valves inside the dash. I ended up just having to get them out and split them in half and give the little electric motors a hard crank and then they spun freely. They were in fact one of the most difficult things on the whole damn project to take care of due to the location and my unwillingness to remove some other major components to get to them, but once i put them back together and figured out how they used to be in there, they work beautifully. So now i have fully working Heat and AC which in the last week or so has been sweet because of the heat. I guess i shouldn't say fully, because it seems like at idle or when i'm coasting down a hill my AC kicks off... i don't really get it, because it's quite cold when i'm under power but as soon as i'm not it completely shuts off the pump.... ANY CLUES? But all in all pretty damn good, only other related complaint is when i first turn on the AC there is a very dusty smell for a minute but it goes away pretty quick.

After that i bolted all of the computers back into what i think are the original mounting spots and then put the main section of the dash in. Then all of the trim while connecting all of the subsequent harnesses and MOST of the bolts, turns out after 6 months its kind of hard to remember exactly where all of the bolts go, go figure. Then i put in all of the trim pieces and the vents. Now here is the really amazing part, when i put in my dash it actually fixed several problems...

My remote door locks began working again, i assume the antenna was connected with the compass stuff.
My Compass/Temp. and Inclineometer still work! even the lighting inside them.
For some reason replacing the dash eliminated my high idle, or at least a large portion of it.

BTW: WHAT IS THE CORRECT IDLE FOR A 2008 FJ CRUISER WITH STANDARD SHIFT? I don't know what other options are necessary for that to be determined but i would guess they all are pretty close.

I'm sitting at just under 1000rpm

Next i tackled the passenger door lock, which was frozen just like the heater controls, so i just took it apart and cranked it and now we're back to safe and secure, which was kinda scaring me for a bit.

Then i put all of the door panels, kick panels, OH SHIT grips, sill plates and console components back in. And now i'm just awaiting the delivery of my install kit for an aftermarket radio as my FJammer was definitely not coming back to life. However i do have some hope for my Sub, mainly only because my Power Inverter still works... crazy i know but it does.

So right now i need some tunes... and i really should change my fluids one more time, and i think i'm good. The only lights that remain on are the airbag light but i have yet to attach my seat airbag and i'm hoping that is the only reason that is on. My Tire Pressure light, which i honestly haven't checked my tire pressure so it really could just be low somewhere, and then my Cruise light blinks but my cruise actually works. And then when i'm stopped my ABS and VSC lights blink in unison but once i roll they go off. My passenger Air Bag is constantly ON but that is fine. Other than that all seems pretty damn normal considering it was under water up to my eyeballs... its clean, besides the slight AC dustyness, it runs good, i have already put over 3000 miles on it, post flood, and it just rolled over 10,500 miles, and now i can start adding all the stuff that the factory warranty wouldn't let me!

If you're still sticking around reading this thanks. Thanks to everyone who had input and anyone who has some more... when i find my wife's camera i'll add some pics of the befores and afters.

Thanks,
Brainbucket

[CronusTRD]

glad to hear things worked out :)

[Blue X]

that is awesome dude. I am glad you stuck w/ it and got everything back together. do you have any pictures of before, after the water damage and then after you got everything back together?

what are you plans for it now?

[OlBlueCJ7]

Let me clarify:

So right now i need some tunes... and
i really should change my fluids one more time, and i think i'm good.
The only lights that remain on are the airbag light but i have yet to attach my seat airbag and i'm hoping that is the only reason that is on.
My Tire Pressure light, which i honestly haven't checked my tire pressure so it really could just be low somewhere,
and then my Cruise light blinks but my cruise actually works.
And then when i'm stopped my ABS and VSC lights blink in unison but once i roll they go off.
My passenger Air Bag is constantly ON but that is fine. Other than that all seems pretty damn normal considering it was under water up to my eyeballs... its clean,
besides the slight AC dustyness, it runs good, i have already put over 3000 miles on it, post flood, and it just rolled over 10,500 miles, and now i can start adding all the stuff that the factory warranty wouldn't let me!

So basically, it's still screwed up. :laughing:

[Pietro]

So you are saying that an FJ with a snorkel is useless:smokin:
http://http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/8452/56174069pt3.jpg