Questions on head?

[guy_geo]

Here is my concern.

My Z will need a valve seals job.

I got 2 options in my head.

1. Is it better to replace the valve seals and check the timing chain at the same time.

I may have the valves cleaned at the same time, I mean remove the carbon deposit on them right?

2. I may have a real deal on a used head from a 73 240 I think.

Is it better to put a head with less mileage on my engine or what else?

And BTW, what is the difference between a E87 and an E88 head?

Thanks for your CONSEILS!!!!!

What would you do?:sleep:

[Royce]

If the valve stem seals are going bad you will see lots of blue smoke when you first start the car. I suppose if they are really gone you will see a fair amount of blue smoke all the time but not likely. Have you done a compression check to make sure you don't have other internal problems? I have never changed the valve stem seals on a installed head, just happend I had it off and haven't needed to change them since, but I hear it can be done. If you are going to take the head off there are a lot of things that could/should be done at that point. It would be a good time to change cam, valve springs, regrind valves and valve seats, change timing belt. It really depends on the overall condition of the head and the engine and how much $$$ you have to spend on the car.

I wouldn't take a chance on a used head unless you are able to drive it or get a lot of the history on the head and you really know it is bad. You may end up spending more money changing it and if it is bad it may get what you want out of it!

I have never heard of a E87. The Nissan L6 heads I am familiar with are E31 & E88 for 240/260, N42 & N47 for 280Z and P79, P90, P90A for 280ZX. Are you sure it is not a N47??

Hope it helps!

[2ManyZs]

I agree with Royce, don't trust a used head if you don't have to. To many Z heads are floating around out there that are cracked or so warped that they are junk.

For the best comparison on heads check out The Datsun Garage web page under the top 5 web-links. Lots of good info there.

If you are taking off the head it would be wise to go ahead and change the timing chain at the same time. If the head needs that much work the chain and tensioner probably aren't in much better condition and you will only have to tear the engine apart once.

If you haven't gotten one already get a Victoria British parts catalog (it's free), just go to their web-site and apply for one. Their prices are as good as Motosport Auto and they do have a few parts listed that MSA doesn't. They sell individual valves, valve stems, and hardened seats as well. And they have a decent price on the timing chain kit too.

[guy_geo]

Thank you gentlemen.

As soon as the snow is gone, I will run a compression test on the engine.

The guy who is sellingme the car told me it was not bad for the smoke...

Got to see it for myself 1st.