Pacific Northwest Backroad Adventures

I guess it’s been a few weeks since my last update.

I am finally able to announce that:

MY LAND CRUISER STARTED AND RAN TONIGHT!!!!

After spending the weekend trying to finish all the final details prior to the initial startup of the rebuilt 3FE, I was able fire it up just after dark tonight.

Per the instructions from the rebuilder, I started the engine and ran it at 1200 RPMs until the coolant temperature began to rise, then I increased the RPMs to 1800 and ran it for 45 minutes (the rebuilder stated a minimum of 30 minutes).

So far everything sounds and looks good (except for all the smoking from the new paint).

I have to wait until Tuesday for the initial test drive. I still have to swap out the rear tires for the stock tires rather than the 33 inchers. I put the stock tires on the front in order for the engine to clear the front cross member. I’ll run the stock 31 inch tires all the way around for the engine break in period (first 2000 miles or more) so I reduce the chances of lugging the engine (plus the odometer will be a accurate for the multiple oil and filter changes, retorquing of the head gasket, etc in the next 2000 miles).

That’s all for now.

-Steve

BlueRibbon Coalition Alert

The looming deadline for comments on the Salmon-Challis National Forest Travel Plan gives us a chance to blast a quick update on some important Idaho land use issues.

Comment Deadline November 25, 2008

A really important action alert on the Salmon-Challis NF Travel Plan is at the bottom of this email. Above that, we have a section giving a quick update on some of the land use issues BRC is tracking in Idaho. In each update, we’ve included a suggestion on what you can do to help.

Please take a minute to review this alert before the holiday. Also, everyone at BRC would be very grateful if you would forward this alert to family and riding pals. If you are already a BRC member, please ask them to join BRC and help us protect Idaho’s trails.
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I am finally able to announce that my 3FE engine, transmission and transfer case is gently resting in my 80-series Land Cruiser. Nothing is hooked up yet except for the tranny cross member and engine mounts.

Prior to installing the engine, I ran new extended breather lines for the transfer case and transmission. The old breather line was somewhat brittle, so this was the perfect opportunity to run the new lines.

I still have to clean my air flow meter, hook up the belt driven accessories, vacuum hoses, wiring harness, drive lines and fix the exhaust head pipes that I had to sawzall in two to get the engine out.

It’s getting closer. But now it’s all weather dependent. Damn the storm that’s blowing in for the next four days.

I’m starting to get excited about having my Land Cruiser back.

To be continued.

It’s been a couple weeks since I posted an update on the 3FE engine rebuild in my FJ80 Toyota Land Cruiser. Here is the latest on my 80-series 3FE project.

In the last installment, I just finished making the initial adjustment of my valves. Since then, I gave the mighty 3FE a coat of paint, bolted the valve cover on, installed the exhaust manifold, intake manifold and the exhaust heat shields.
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No. 08-190
October 21, 2008
Contact: Princess Jackson-Smith, 360-902-1066

UPDATED LANGUAGE OF RECREATION RULES IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT
Public Hearing Will Be Held November 5 In Issaquah

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has completed the process of revising Chapter 332-52 of the Washington Administrative Code, pertaining to recreation on DNR-managed lands, and the final language is available for review. The rules provide basic standards for public safety and natural resource protection when accessing and recreating on these lands.
The department invites the public to participate by reviewing the final draft, attending the public hearing, or submitting written testimony. The hearing and comment period provides one last review of the proposed revisions, before they are adopted.
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Ceg posted another great trip report with a lot of photos (as usual) detailing the All Wheelers Halloween Run to the Ahtanum State Forest on October 25, 2008.

Along the way, they did some trail maintenance and cleaned up trash left by others. Thanks to the All Wheelers for doing so much for our sport.

The day ended with a Halloween party at Cegs. Looks like a great time.

Read more and see a lot of photos at All Wheelers Halloween Run (Oct 25th, 2008).

Over on the forum, hutchman posted a great trip report on his trip out of La Grande, Oregon on October 18, 2008. It looks like it was a fun trip. Thanks to hutchman for posting the trip report and photos.

Read the entire trip report and view photos at La Grande, OR Scenic Tour - Oct. 18th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seattle, October 22/ ARB 4×4 Accessories/ — To meet the demand of off-roaders looking to strengthen their current axles without going to the expense and weight penalties of a larger axle assembly, ARB has just released the latest Nissan ARB Air Locker. Designed for the M226 Nissan axles found in 2005+ Nissan Frontiers, Titans and Xterras; referred to as ARB part number RD149, this locker is sure to get you farther in the U.S. outback then you ever have before.

As with other ARB Air Locker models, the RD149 features ARB’s patented “timed” locking mechanism that optimizes the Air Locker’s internal gear mesh in the locked configuration and increases the unlocking speed all at the touch of a dash mounted switch. Complete with the proven steel reinforced, elastomer bonded annular seal, this Air Locker is designed to handle the most extreme climatic temperatures on earth.

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BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

OWYHEE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT PLAN EA RELEASED - COMMENTS NEEDED

BLM’s Owyhee Field Office has released their draft travel plan for the Murphy Subregion. If you looked only at the mileage table in the Environmental Assessment, you might think motorized recreation is getting a raw deal. The mileage table shows nearly a 1/3 reduction in available miles. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Read the rest of this entry »

Back in Fall of 2006, I noticed that the fall and then rise of fuel prices corresponded to the November 2006 election (see forum post at Gas Prices). The prices fell significantly (for that time), leveled off for a few weeks, and then slowly began to rise.

Earlier in the year (2008), I predicted that fuel prices would again fall just before the election, and guess what is happening now? The election is nearing and fuel prices are dropping. Coincidence? Who knows.

The confirmation of this theory is whether the price of fuel will rise after the election has been completed (or after the possible court battles/recounts are complete).

Let’s watch and see what happens. I hope I’m wrong.

Steve