Is this repairable?

morbias

Well-Known Forum User
I wanted to keep the engine as it's more or less the last original thing left in the car, I was hoping to re-ring it and put in new valve guides and seals. My engine rebuilding experience is zero, but one of the main reasons I got the car was to learn new things. I can safely say that after spending the weekend taking the engine apart and cutting my hands to pieces I'm at the stage where I would rather just have a working engine so I can get on with other stuff.

Short breakdown of the removal process:
crank pulley bolt = b*stard
front cover = b*stard
oil pan = double b*stard
manifolds = don't even get me started

As it turns out, the chain tensioner is completely knackered. It was already popped out and bent back on itself. Surprising there wasn't any noise from it, and it's not as destroyed as I thought it would be, but definitely not good for anything.

Water pump is shot and the front cover is corroded inside the pump recess but not around the sealing edges.

Fuel pump appears to have been leaking into the crankcase, though the diaphragm looks pretty decent so probably through the centre where the arm connects.

The oil pump and drive look like the only re-usable parts on the entire engine, apart from the camshaft and maybe the dainty little lifting eyes.

Now to figure out the next move, the logistics of which are monumental.
 

STEVE BURNS

Club Member
The oil pump and drive look like the only re-usable parts on the entire engine, apart from the camshaft and maybe the dainty little lifting eyes.

Now to figure out the next move, the logistics of which are monumental.

So the chances of bringing it to Japfest are slim then:devil:
 

bigblock

Well-Known Forum User
I wanted to keep the engine as it's more or less the last original thing left in the car, I was hoping to re-ring it and put in new valve guides and seals. My engine rebuilding experience is zero, but one of the main reasons I got the car was to learn new things. I can safely say that after spending the weekend taking the engine apart and cutting my hands to pieces I'm at the stage where I would rather just have a working engine so I can get on with other stuff.
destroyed as I thought it would be, but definitely not good for anything.
You could always keep it for sentimental/originality reasons and work on it at a more leisurely/enjoyable pace in future as you gain more engine building skills(sounds contradictory).Shame no one experienced lives close who has the time and hands on guidance to offer.Like i need guidance in using quotes correctly in forums:rolleyes:
 
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morbias

Well-Known Forum User
The engine is half in and half out

The block is still in, head and pretty much everything else is sitting in the naughty corner facing the wall. Done my back in getting the head off, turns out it weighs a lot more than I thought. The garage roof is too low to take it all out at once :p

Forgot to mention, the block is a goner too... had another closer look in the cold hard light of day and cylinder 6 has corrosion on the deck surface around the top of the bore, much too much to do anything about. If the motor was re-ringed I imagine the extra compression would probably blow the head upwards at that point and destroy the head gasket.

For the moment I'll just press on with the other jobs that need doing, weather's getting better so I'll leave the engine problem until later in the year. Thanks for all the input, it appears the answer to the thread title is a big resounding no!
 

Mr.G

Club Member
On a positive note for me a least ;), if you do end up junking the engine block, can I have the filter net and its securing baffle plate with bolts please :).
 

morbias

Well-Known Forum User
I haven't actually looked yet to see if it's still there or what shape it's in, I'll check it out and let you know
 

Mr.G

Club Member
Thanks :)!

I think the best thing to do now, or at least what I'd be looking to do, is to source a complete L28 engine, either from a reputable source or if not, get to hear it running before the engines out.

It's unfortunate yours had these issues, down to someone fiddling who didn't know what they were doing in terms of getting the timing and fueling right.
 

morbias

Well-Known Forum User
I hear L28s are becoming pretty rare nowadays, would be nice but I'm not too bothered about all out power.

Got the baffle plate out, b*ggered one screwhead but the other one's fine, they were properly in there. It shouldn't be too difficult to get a replacement if you take it to a hardware store and get the thread measured up. Baffle plate looks good, but how on earth does one remove the mesh filter, it doesn't seem to want to move?
 

Mr.G

Club Member
Wicked! :thumbs: thanks!

It's been so long since I last saw one being removed I can't remember how it came out! From memory it should just come out once the baffle is out?

Yes L28s are getting rare these days, if you did want one you need to put in an order with PMac or Mr.F and keep an eye on eBay too. A few people break 280zxs on ebay but you need to be quick for the engine.
 

morbias

Well-Known Forum User
Thanks a lot but I'm going to hold off for now and reconsider my options in a few months. Now you'd better delete your post before anyone else sees it lol

Mr.G - I'll have another crack at it tomorrow, don't think I've got any pliers long enough that can get a proper grip it - there's probably 37 years worth of sludge holding it in there. Don't Nissan stock the mesh any more?
 

Mr.G

Club Member
Yeah don't worry if it's too much hassle, I'm pretty sure I asked Mr.F and Nissan UK computer said No. But I may try stateside if I can't find a good used one here.

So what are your options now with the engine? Are you going to try and source an L26?
 

morbias

Well-Known Forum User
Probably will go with another L26 as everyone with a 260z seems to have fitted an L28, so there should be plenty of L26s around. Am I right in thinking the L26 has more torque than an L24 but revs slower due to the longer stroke?

I'll have another go at the mesh of doom tomorrow. It might be an idea to use bolts for the baffle just in case you need to remove it again at some point, screws seem like a bad idea.

At least one part of my engine will live on!
 
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