Disaster Strikes

[Nigel Mulvey]

I was on my way to the Sydney Z Car Club meeting tonight, enojying the wonderful ride now I have replaced the bushings and shocks. When all of a sudden I hear a clattering sound from the engine - a bit like the sound of a ball bearing in a biscuit tin.

Fortunately, I know a tow truck driver who brought the car home for me at reasonable cost. There is no doubt the engine is stuffed, thank heavens I have the spare 260 engine I can drop in - more $'s.

Anyway, hopefully see you next month Geoff et al.

[tanny]

Oh man, what a drag. I guess that's what makes owning the Z interesting. When you own an old car you never know what's going to happen next, but at least you can fix it yourself. Lucky to have that spare. Good luck, Victor.

[That Ozzy Guy]

Shame about the car Nigel. Hope it's nothing too bad.

I was stuck at work until 6:30 tonight so I had to give the meeting a skip this month.

[g260]

Sorry about the engine Nigel, hope its not too bad. The meeting went a bit longer tonight as it was the first one after the nationals in Qld and there was plenty of discussion about it and what we have to do for the next nationals we are hosting in 2005. The general concensus is that we will hold them in Goulburn at easter and have the track day at Wakefield Park which is only 10km out of town.

Still waiting to see the car in the flesh George, did you get through rego ok?

The second meeting in the car park finished about 11pm.

Geoff

[Bambikiller240]

Nigel:

Did the engine show signs of overheating whent he noise occurred? I wonder if maybe one or more of the "mousetrap" springs that are on the rocker arms came off, or something else that only affects the cylinder head, or timing chain/tensioner. When bearings go bad usually the noise starts low and builds in volumn, and and as that happens the engine gets progressively hotter. (unless you are winding the engine up to 7,000+ rpm)

Before you write off the engine, you may want to pull the valve cover and have a look around.

[AxtellZ]

I agree with Carl, that "sounds" like a rocker/valve area rattle- Have you pulled the cover yet? In my experience, i always expect the worse, only to find these cars are tough little buggers, and have thusfar had only minor troubles... I wish the same for you. Good luck! Jeremiah

[Nigel Mulvey]

Thanks for the sympathy and advice guys. I'm going to pull the engine and put in the L26 anyway because it was completely rebuilt at a cost of AU$5k before I wrote off the car it was in (makes me sound like a real rev head does't it). So the L26 is as new. I will keep the L24 as it is the original engine (matching numbers) and will keep it in case I want to sell (unlikely) or restore the car to original.

[Mike]

Originally posted by Nigel Mulvey

....When all of a sudden I hear a clattering sound from the engine - a bit like the sound of a ball bearing in a biscuit tin.

Nigel, you have to feed the little wombat in the engine compartment. Otherwise, he'll stop running on his wheel.

[m]

[Alfadog]

tisk tisk tisk

You're not having very good luck are you Nigel???

Dont worry, usually this means a whole heap of good luck is coming your way shortly!!! :classic:

Hope you enjoy your beautiful rebuilt L26!

[That Ozzy Guy]

Originally posted by g260

Still waiting to see the car in the flesh George, did you get through rego ok?

The second meeting in the car park finished about 11pm.

Geoff

Yeah, I'll come and meet up with you guys at the next meeting. Can't believe the meeting went on for that long. How many people turned up?

Sorry to hijack yor thread Nigel. I won't do it anymore.