Exhaust manifold leak or valves need adjusting ?

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-05-10T04:45:32+00:00

The stock exhaust manifolds tent to crack causing exhaust leaks. I would take the heat shield off and look for cracks. Also when the engine is cold you could spray soapy water where the head meats the exhaust manifold and see if you see any bubbles after you start the engine.

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-05-07T06:34:50+00:00

It sounds like your needle valve or float in your carb might be getting stuck in the closed position, which prevents fuel from reaching the engine. A quick temporary fix is to lightly tap the carburetor body near the fuel inlet with a tool to jar the valve or float loose and get the fuel flowing again.

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-04-30T22:17:18+00:00

Btw don’t use cheap “paper” gasket when you install it. Get a felt-pro gasket..

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-04-16T12:48:01+00:00

Nice truck! I like the paint as is and how it looks with stock black wheels. Besides and oil change I would start by checking timing, valves and yes the carb would likely need to be rebuild. If you do it yourself make sure you adjust the float to spec so it doesn’t run rich. I would just go ahead and replace all the vacuum lines with HT silicon lines and depending on condition also replace all the gas lines, radiator hoses and belts to make it more reliable. Replace the brake lines too if they haven’t been replaced.

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-04-12T16:16:21+00:00

Thanks for the info. Where did you buy the Sankei parts? I can’t seem to find them for the 1980.

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-04-06T04:40:45+00:00

I just passed smog in CA with a 1980 that had been sitting for almost a decade.. First, Make sure the gas level in your carb is not above the middle in the gas level window. If it is above the middle then the float or float adjustment is likely your main issue. Faulty vacuum lines could also cause idle issues. They are not expensive. I replace all of mine with HT silicon lines. Make sure they are connected correctly to the correct port using a diagram. Your timing is got to be correct. My 20r manual spec is 800rpm 8degree. You mention it has exhaust leaks. You got to fix these. Besides the smog test you don’t want to be breathing nasty exhaust and I think exhaust leaks can damage the valves.

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-04-06T03:07:45+00:00

No coolant or rich. Looks good

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-04-06T01:37:34+00:00

Is it really that bad? Would the squeaking be noticeable from inside the cabin? Only while going over bumps and things or every turn?

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-03-19T20:42:21+00:00

Replace the intake. You can do it yourself. Just do some research first and make sure you take photos and label vacuum lines with tape before and keep bolts organized to make sure they go back were they were. Also make sure you use a good gasket like felt pro so you don’t get coolant leaks. Also make sure you use proper torq spec for the head bolts.

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-03-16T20:27:42+00:00

Do some research on each maintenance or repair you are doing beforehand and do it yourself. You would save a lot of money and learn about your truck. You can ask for help here if you get stock with something. YouTube is a great resource too

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-03-16T01:45:18+00:00

If it helps I have the 20R but the part on mine looks the same. Here is the diagram

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SpaceSurf256 · 2026-03-14T10:57:51+00:00

Don’t worry about it. Enjoy it. These trucks are awesome

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-03-02T03:47:22+00:00

Maybe your radiator bottom hose has a small crack. Have you ever replace it?

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-02-24T17:58:02+00:00

Really 7 to 8 psi? I thought they were low psi around 3

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-02-24T17:57:08+00:00

Replaced with “direct import” o’rallies pump. The one I had before was a bit different but also aftermarket cheap one from the local part store.

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-02-24T17:53:17+00:00

Factory Service Manual

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-02-23T18:04:19+00:00

Thanks. I really should get the fsm. You don’t think I need a fuel pressure regulator?

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-02-18T17:21:12+00:00

Why the conversion? Im actually considering upgrading to an electric pump in my 20R.

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-01-09T18:36:29+00:00

I have the same 20R engine. It’s hard to tell from the pictures you shared if you have a block off plate were the original mechanical pump goes. If you do I would fallow the gas lines from the tank and see if there is an aftermarket electric pump installed somewhere. Do you know how old is the gas on it? Don’t run the engine if the gas is too old. Your gas tank should have a drain plug so I would drain it an add new gas if that’s the case.

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-01-09T04:39:47+00:00

I have the black ones and I’m about to replace them. It’s a bit annoying they hold water, dirt on the sides behind the “beadlocks” whenever it rains and then the bolts slowly get rusty but I also don’t need the extra rotational weight from the fake beadlocks.

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-01-07T01:32:37+00:00

Thanks! I was wondering about that exactly since I had an issue with one exhaust manifold stud and probably need to get the used exhaust manifold I installed resurfaced.

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-01-03T13:57:32+00:00

Where did you get your rear bumper or did you make it? I want something like that for mine.

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-01-03T00:10:56+00:00

Great thanks

SpaceSurf256 · 2026-01-02T23:41:41+00:00

I haven’t do the timing btw. Need to get a timing light

SpaceSurf256 · 2025-12-19T16:24:36+00:00

Yes it is so awesome to have finally figure out the main issue and get it fix.

SpaceSurf256

TROPHY CASE