N47 Head Removal Problem

[Jeff G 78]

Is that corrosion/rot in the #1 chamber between the valves?  I can't tell what I'm seeing.

I guess the dowels were keeping it stuck...

[Zed Head]

Why replace the HG?  Lost track of the original problem. 

Make sure to study the dirty parts before you clean things up.  Clues.

[S30Driver]

I too am curious as to what prompted you to replace the head gasket ...

[Consigli]

1 hour ago, S30Driver said:

I too am curious as to what prompted you to replace the head gasket ...

I think because it was stuck. 

[gwri8]

Sorry, I never gave the original reason for the head gasket.

The Z was losing radiator fluid and there were no puddles or leaking hoses.  Upon closer inspection I noticed said fluid flowing out of the back of the head, but only when it was running.  Obvious head gasket problem.

I could have used Stop Leak or something similar and MAYBE…..  it would have contained it.   But my thinking was why put a band aid on a problem instead of what I would have to do eventually to fix it properly. Plus that stuff coats everything and I didn't want that.  Of course, when I a snapped head bolt along all the  tugging, pushing, prying, pulling and cussing the head, I was in too deep to go backwards. The Quest had begun.

What gave me encouragement is that I've got a winter project L28 on a stand in my shop.  I've started the tear down when I have the time.  The head on it popped right off, no problems whatsoever. I call that one "the bait head". I can't write here what I call the one I dropped off at the machine shop today.

I know in a recent thread there was discussion about head gasket brands.  Just a shout out to Datsun Spirit, I ordered the gaskets, bolts and studs from them.  They sent nice, pretty OEM Nissan gaskets and cad plated bolts/studs.

The bonus part of the project was the manifold stud bolts. They were rusted of course, but weren't the same.  There were a couple of 12mm, some 1/2", two 7/16" and a bolt in place of a stud that none of my sockets would fit. Good ole' Mr Cresent wrench to the rescue for that one.  It was an omen that I had to remove the heat shield before I could get the manifold off…. You gotta love PO's.

 

Edited October 7, 2016 by gwri8

[siteunseen]

I went to highschool with a girl we called "bait head".  

[gwri8]

1 hour ago, siteunseen said:

I went to highschool with a girl we called "bait head".  

Only in Alabama…….. and maybe Mississippi, or Georgia, or Louisiana.

[rcb280z]

Glad to see you didn't use a stop leak for the head gasket leak Greg. I used a stop leak for my 2 leaks I have in my 77 and all it did was make it worse. Now when I change my head gasket I have to flush out the entire cooling system. And that's not going to be fun. That's cool you found OE gaskets. I assumed they didn't exist any longer. Guess that's what I get for assuming.

The leak at the rear of the head, is it near the #6 exhaust port area? I have one in that area and it leaks until the engine warms up. Seems to be near the "corner" where the head meets the block.

[gwri8]

On October 6, 2016 at 11:42 AM, Dave WM said:

pls keep us posted on the bolt removal process.

Snapped Head bolts are out!  Soaked them in PB Blaster for a few days while the head is at the machine shop and today i heated the bolts only, not the block, with a propane torch. Gave them a good tap with a hammer and put a vise grip on the nub sticking out of the block.  It took a little while but with some tapping on the vise grip with a medium hammer they finally broke loose.  No more snappage.

Now just waiting to hear from the machine shop. I asked them to check head level and give the valves/seats and seals a good inspection.

[gwri8]

On October 8, 2016 at 2:02 PM, rcb280z said:

Glad to see you didn't use a stop leak for the head gasket leak Greg. I used a stop leak for my 2 leaks I have in my 77 and all it did was make it worse. Now when I change my head gasket I have to flush out the entire cooling system. And that's not going to be fun. That's cool you found OE gaskets. I assumed they didn't exist any longer. Guess that's what I get for assuming.

The leak at the rear of the head, is it near the #6 exhaust port area? I have one in that area and it leaks until the engine warms up. Seems to be near the "corner" where the head meets the block.

I wasn't expecting OEM from Datsun Spirit but I'm glad they sent them.  The reason I ordered from them was that they wanted the specific block and head #'s for the appropriate part.  I appreciated that Datsun Spirit would take that step. None of the other vendors I checked were that specific for information.  

The leak was about 2 inches wide right below the right angle cylinder head water outlet to the back corner.

[rcb280z]

6 minutes ago, gwri8 said:

I wasn't expecting OEM from Datsun Spirit but I'm glad they sent them.  The reason I ordered from them was that they wanted the specific block and head #'s for the appropriate part.  I appreciated that Datsun Spirit would take that step. None of the other vendors I checked were that specific for information.  

The leak was about 2 inches wide right below the right angle cylinder head water outlet to the back corner.

That's really good to know that there is someone that goes the extra step to supply the correct parts. I'll be ordering the same gaskets soon. So I will order from Datsun Spirit. I have a list of things to do to my 77 and HG is the first thing. The other is to put the original hood back on, get rid of the centerline wheels, etc, etc. But thats a whole other thread.

[rcb280z]

9 minutes ago, gwri8 said:

The leak was about 2 inches wide right below the right angle cylinder head water outlet to the back corner

I believe that is the same area that mine is leaking. But mine stops as the engine heats up. I don't look forward to flushing the stop leak out of the cooling system! But it needs to be done.