Is a 3f 80 series any good for camping and 4x4ing

The Series 80 is one of the best 4x4 vehicles ever made. It's reliable, robust, and capable. We covered 45,000 Km/10 months camping in Africa in a Series 80.

The 3F engine has the advantage of being petrol/gasoline, and is well-regarded. In the F engine range, it benefited from the history of prior F engines, and is, as far as I know, the best version of the F.

I can't think of any reason why the specific engine would make much difference for camping, other than that a diesel is noisier in the mornings.

For "4x4ing" - if this means more challenging offroad tracks, then it's often claimed that a diesel is better than a petrol-gasoline engine however I don't think that this is true, except for a very small proportion of circumstances (slow uneven tracks, for example), and for dunes I think a petrol/gasoline engine is better. If it's "overlanding" then in my view petrol/gasoline is better than diesel. From the environmental point of view the world is moving away from diesel.

Should be fine for weekend camping trips provided its been maintained.
Main problem with the 3F was the high fuel consumption which is why most of them have low kilometres. Yours is the standard model so will have a carby - need to find an old school mechanic who knows how to fix and tune them. Is it on LPG?

Demo
What is “carbonated”. Maybe let us know so we can see what you mean. Your 3F 80 is quite ok for the use you asked about and quite a capable vehicle. It will be a bit heavy on fuel and you mentioned , petrol and gasoline. Petrol IS gasoline, just a Yankee terms for petrol. If on gas , ie, propane, the gas we use in vehicles means yours is dual fuel. Probably good to have with affordable gas as it’s main fuel. Use it regularly on petrol, ie, at startup as many are made to start that way and change to gas operation a little while later. That keeps the petrol fuel system in working order. Some careful ignition timing will be needed to ensure suitable operation on both petrol and gas. They require different amounts of static ignition timing and can be modified to achieve that, otherwise it is a compromise. Sometimes the dual fuel system gives a bit of trouble and it may try and run on both fuels at the same time and run very rich. Needs fixing if that happens. If looking at ignition timing, make sure someone checks the timing marks on the front pulley ARE correct with the actual piston position for TDC. If not checked and timing is set it will be basically incorrect and this is often hidden from many mechanics who do not check for the issue. Most don’t ever think of it and the engine ends up being set with it’s timing set as retarded but regarded as being ok. A basic valve clearance adjustment is probably a good idea to ensure the valves are opening and closing as Toyota designed them to. Multiple discharge tip spark plugs are a good idea to there is more than one point for the spark to ensure propagation of flame of fuel air charge for power and economy reasons. Enjoy

Hi an 80 series even an old one is still probably one of the best 4x4 out there.
As they are getting on in life there is no shortage of secondhand accessories and parts on the market.
Only real down side of the 3f engine is the fuel consumption isn't the greatest,
and if you do deep water crossings you could have ignition problems, ie the engine will stop or run rough until the electrics are dried out, that's were diesel engines will shine.
If it is on LPG, make sure it runs well on petrol, as LPG can be unavailable in outback areas and country towns, or the LPG pump doesn't work or late delivery.

80 series is a fantastic off roader, one of the best ever made.

Just service it and do your maintenance and it will serve you well, even though in its present form (3F) it will be heavy on fuel.

The car seems to be in good nick judging by the photo so would be an ideal candidate for an LS conversion.

Being a 91 model, you would need to upgrade the brakes etc but would all be a relatively straightforward conversion using parts from a wrecker or similar.

Once you experience a capable car like that with some serious horsepower, you will find it hard to wipe the smile off your face.

Hi Demp T,

I know I have posted this a few times, but have you checked out the Landcruiser Owners On Line (LCOOL) forum? There are various sections on it for all model Landcruisers. You may find some good advice, spare parts etc. on there.

Macca.