psdenno

Looking at what you describe and then referring to page ET-10 of the factory manual P/N 99999-20015 (undated) for the L24 Series engine Allow me to quote word for word what the factory has to say on the topic (Some earlier posts have mentioned some of the same points). Troubles ABNORMAL COMBUSTION (backfire, after fire, run-on, etc.) Possible Causes Improper ignition timing Improper heat range of spark plugs Damaged carburetor or manifold gasket (back fire or after fire) Defective carburetor jet Improper function of the float Uneven idling Corrective Action Adjust the ignition timing. Use specified spark plugs. Replace damaged carb or manifold gasket. Dismantle the carburetor and check it. Adjust the float level and check the needle valve. Adjust idle. I've owned and used this factory manual since 1971 and it has always served the purpose. If you haven't downloaded a copy of the factory manuals, do so. If you can't find the factory recommended carb adjustment procedures, let me know and I can walk you through the process. Perhaps, more importantly, find a mechanic familiar with SU carbs who can make the adjustments and has a flow meter and other diagnostic tools. Did the car ever run right after you had the carbs rebuilt and installed? Dennis

Yup, saw speculation that Glenn just pulled a body over himself and jumped off the dumpster and that the blood and guts belong to the guy, not Glenn. I wonder if they resolve it next week or milk the emotion for a few weeks before disclosing if he's dead or alive. If dead, will he show up in Alexandria as a Zombie eventually? Dennis

Instead of an 800 RPM idle, mine is set just a bit higher.. I'll check exact reading next time I drive. Even when I had the old York A/C compressor on the Z for many years, 1,000 RPM worked just fine. The current newer style compressor is even less of a pull on the engine. Dennis

What's left to do? Has the R-134 been installed and leak and output temperature checks completed? As for the idle, mine is just set higher than stock and all is well. No servo needed. Dennis

Very slick. But, being a child of the last century and not a programmer, I prefer using the $3.95 guts from a Sharp Quartz Analog battery powered clock from WalMart as the Z clock upgrade of choice. Dennis

My bad. When you asked where to buy it and how to get the textured finish and color I took that to mean you didn't know where to buy it or how to get the textured finish and color. Sorry that I jumped to a conclusion and for offering Google as a source for answers to both those questions. Dennis

The internet is a big place, but fortunately there is help in finding your way around when you feel lost. Previously, I gave you the steps required to search the message archive on this site. Allow me to expand on that and open the entire internet for you. To find information about Sugru, or any future topic you wish to explore, follow the steps below. Print them out for future reference 1. Open a Google search window on your computer (www.google.com). 2. This is where it gets tricky....type a word or words related to what you're looking for into the "Search" box. Since you're looking for information about Sugru, type "Sugru" in the "Search" box and hit the Enter/Return key. Stay with me on this. 3. Scroll down through the list of topic related web sites that appears until you find the one that contains the Official Sugru company web site. Click on it. Explore the wealth of information. You'll also see sites like Amazon that sell the product. 4. You are now empowered. No more need to ask for basic search help. As I mentioned to you in another topic, paraphrasing something I read in the Bible, "Do an Internet search for a man and you remove his lack of knowledge but once. Teach a man to search and and you keep him from bugging you with search questions forever." Dennis

Looks like a bad dream we can all share. Ladies and gentlemen, Courtesy has left the '70s. Dennis

Just Dashes is the California company that reskins and textures cracked dashes. Pricey, but they do very good work. I had a panel on my Avanti reskinned and it was a perfect match for color and texture. Dennis

Wow, I didn't know there were still places that had "pump jockeys" to fill the tank. I think it's been 35 or 40 years since the last time I was at a station where I didn't have to pump gas myself. Do they check the oil like in the old days, too? Dennis

It was quite a trip. I had just gotten off active duty with the Air Force and the Z was totally packed with clothes, books, a TV, a tent, tools, all the necessities. In fact, it sat so low that I had to put spacers in the rear spring coils to keep the tires from rubbing sheet metal. Oh, to be young and foolish, again. I hope you have as much fun as I did when you make your trip. Dennis

Not sure what the hourly labor rate is in Panama, but the $600 doesn't sound out of line with what I paid to have my AC installed a few years ago. As for it taking four weeks, I suppose it all depends on the shop's workload and how much time they can allot to your Z. If your mechanic is working only on your car, he's dazed and confused. What time estimate were you given when you brought the car in for the AC install? Dennis

Interesting reading. Especially the part about how during and after the American Revolution, American refugees who remained loyal to Great Britain moved from the newly independent United States to Canada. They brought the customs and practices of the American Thanksgiving to Canada, such as the turkey, pumpkin, squash, but no tights. Dennis

Especially if you see a girl, my lord, in a flatbed Ford. I've been on that corner....no girl, no flatbed Ford. Just hot and quiet. Take it easy, Dennis

When I moved west to California about 40 years ago, I drove Route 66 in my '71 Z. At that time, Interstate 40 was still under construction in many places and hadn't replaced 66 as the main route from OK to CA. I got to see the funky motels, gas stations and diners while they were in their final years. If you ever make the Route 66 drive west, be sure to get a picture of yourself "standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona". Dennis

Happy Thanksgiving! Obviously, I'm familiar with the USA version of Thanksgiving, but I know nothing of the traditions and history of Canadian Thanksgiving. For my benefit and in an effort to raise the cultural awareness of your Datsun owning neighbors living south of the border, fill us in on how Thanksgiving came to be in Canada. Dennis

Sounds like a great drive. I live near the other end of the Mother Road and occasionally drive a stretch of Route 66 in Southern California. Although it has the "Historic Route 66" logo painted on the pavement, there's no sign of the old gas stations or hotels - just shopping malls and office buildings. Dennis

Jay, do you have an approximate price point set for your headlight covers? Thanks for what you do to make the NLA available. Dennis

Photos of what you have and where you plan to attach it would be helpful. There are a couple threads active in the last couple weeks about rigging aftermarket AC controls to existing vent controls. See if either of these help. http://tinyurl.com/nsvc2kl http://tinyurl.com/o4z9uc8 Dennis

Like your friend, I also have a Porsche and have K&N filters on the carbs. However, on my Z, I have the stock air filter element and blue wires like you use. I think that your idea of adjusting the carbs to resolve the issues is best. Dennis

I don't have either on my '71 and it idles fine and has no noticeable hesitation. Was that advice given by someone selling K&N filters and race car spark plug wires or by someone who has them on their car. I think I'd look for other causes of the issues you mention. Dennis

That's what I've done several times. Use a metric machine screw of the proper thread (I found mine at Ace Hardware) and grind the round head flat on two sides so it looks like a "T" Stick the head end into the hole where the previous stud was and add epoxy - or fill the hole with epoxy and then inset the new screw/stud. The "T" end embedded in epoxy will keep it from spinning when you put the nut on and also from pulling out. Dennis

Not sure why you don't want to use a light coat of paint as a "guidecoat" to detect imperfections in the Bondo layer. Maybe I've been doing it all wrong for the last 50 years Check this site: http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/paint-body/hrdp-0805-how-to-use-body-filler/ Dennis

I can see the threaded insert working on the later style metal headlight scoops, but how about the earlier cars with fiberglass headlight scoops? Epoxy them in instead of using the rivet tool on the thicker fiberglass scoops? Dennis

Well, the car that sparked this conversation has been unveiled. It's called the Gripz. Lots of styling cues that may show up on future Nissans, but unlikely on a future Z. Four doors, hatchback, SUV. However, it does tease the name ending in Z. http://tinyurl.com/p6mxxyr Dennis