Author Topic: 1983 Datsun 280ZX  (Read 144478 times)

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Offline Chris

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #50 on: January 31, 2009, 01:27:07 AM »
Sounds like rings.

You're not helping. :p
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Offline RobJohnson

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #51 on: January 31, 2009, 02:04:11 AM »
:bird:


You're probably right.

I am just giving you a hard time.

I am sure it's something simple like tire psi.

 :lmao:

Offline Chris

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #52 on: January 31, 2009, 02:04:42 AM »
I am just giving you a hard time.

I am sure it's something simple like tire psi.

 :lmao:

Kiss my ass.  :censored:
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Offline RobJohnson

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #53 on: January 31, 2009, 02:06:31 AM »
I took a glance at all the shit attached to the motor this morning before work. 

I got a little scared.

They put EVERYTHING on the same side of the head.  The only thing on the other side is the spark plugs.  The injectors, fuel line, both manifolds... all on the same side of the engine.  If I can pull the heads, I can rebuild them and replace the rings.  IF.  I have no idea if the rest of that stuff will come off without breaking.  It's worth a shot.  I still haven't done a vacuum test on then engine... I'll try to get out there early tomorow and do that.  I put it off last weekend, but its supposed to be 50° tomorrow.

Glad it will be a little warmer for you Saturday.

Sounds like the head could be a real PIA, but changing plugs should be a breeze!

Offline Chris

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #54 on: January 31, 2009, 02:08:01 AM »
I already ordered an injector gasket set.  I should have ordered a complete engine gasket set. :(

I have my doubts about Fel-Pro.
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Offline RobJohnson

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #55 on: January 31, 2009, 02:13:49 AM »
I already ordered an injector gasket set.  I should have ordered a complete engine gasket set. :(

I have my doubts about Fel-Pro.

If you do tackle the head gasket, you might be better off taking the hood off (4 bolts) to get it out of your way. Makes it easier to see and you won't hit your head

Offline RobJohnson

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #56 on: January 31, 2009, 03:19:42 AM »
Stupid Casino teamed up with local dealership...they have searchlights in the parking lot and are giving away $10 in free slot play with a test drive.

On my way home from work, I was thinking....if those lights are shinning in my windows, I am going to be pissed.

$10 in slot play to have Starving Marvin the Dodge Salesman call you for the next three weeks asking you "what did you think"


Offline Chris

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #57 on: January 31, 2009, 03:27:21 AM »
LOL.  I try to avoid salemen of any kind.  They all suck.  We get cold calls at work for people trying to sell various shit from flourescent lights to network hardware.  I don't know if our ex-network admin ever answered his desk phone... it was the dumping ground for cold calls.  Anyone trying to sell anything to the IT department got transferred to his voicemail.
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Offline Chris

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #58 on: January 31, 2009, 03:28:22 AM »
Well, ****.

I went outside and started the car.  I wanted to go to the Waffle House for something to eat.  To "help" the windows defrost, I tried using the rear windshield washer for the first time.  Now I have a passenger-side floor full of washer fluid, and I ripped up the carpet to find out what it was.

On the plus side, while I was down there I checked all the fuses.  They're all intact which means my Hitachi factory-installed stereo is fried but at least I don't have any other major electrical problems.  Maybe my buddy Kenny can fix it.

This thing smokes like a French whore.  Hell, I was afraid some cops were going to come and find out what I was burning and arrest me.  I had my parking lot lit up like a Christmas tree.  The police are out on a rampage tonight... it's the end of the month and they're pulling people over like crazy to get their quota.

I guess I'm not too concerned about the engine.  If I can get the heads off, I can fix it.  The motor is strong... I didn't have any problems getting it up to 90 mph on the interstate.

I suppose I got what I paid for.  $1000.  Damn.  Looks like I have some work to do.  And now I'll need new carpet.  At least it's a fun car and I'm not stuck with some boring shitbox.
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Offline RobJohnson

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #59 on: January 31, 2009, 03:31:46 AM »
LOL.  I try to avoid salemen of any kind.  They all suck.  We get cold calls at work for people trying to sell various shit from flourescent lights to network hardware.  I don't know if our ex-network admin ever answered his desk phone... it was the dumping ground for cold calls.  Anyone trying to sell anything to the IT department got transferred to his voicemail.

I forgot about the flourescent bulb salesmen.....funny

Offline RobJohnson

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #60 on: January 31, 2009, 03:33:49 AM »
Well, ****.

I went outside and started the car.  I wanted to go to the Waffle House for something to eat.  To "help" the windows defrost, I tried using the rear windshield washer for the first time.  Now I have a passenger-side floor full of washer fluid, and I ripped up the carpet to find out what it was.

On the plus side, while I was down there I checked all the fuses.  They're all intact which means my Hitachi factory-installed stereo is fried but at least I don't have any other major electrical problems.  Maybe my buddy Kenny can fix it.

This thing smokes like a French whore.  Hell, I was afraid some cops were going to come and find out what I was burning and arrest me.  I had my parking lot lit up like a Christmas tree.  The police are out on a rampage tonight... it's the end of the month and they're pulling people over like crazy to get their quota.

I guess I'm not too concerned about the engine.  If I can get the heads off, I can fix it.  The motor is strong... I didn't have any problems getting it up to 90 mph on the interstate.

I suppose I got what I paid for.  $1000.  Damn.  Looks like I have some work to do.  And now I'll need new carpet.  At least it's a fun car and I'm not stuck with some boring shitbox.

Sorry about the mess, hopefully by pulling back the carpet it will dry and be ok.

Sounds like it will be fun to drive and be a good project for you as it warms up outside.

Offline Chris

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #61 on: January 31, 2009, 03:37:00 AM »
It's a blast to drive, just wish it had more power.  The 150hp 1982 motor is kinda puny.  There are companies that sell conversion kits that will allow a straight bolt-on for an LS1 (Corvette) and LT1 (Camaro) engine/transmission.  That might be fun.  Or I could do a retro-fit to the ZX Turbo that was put out that year... it has a Borg-Warner tranny instead of the Nissan 5-speed.
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Offline Chris

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #62 on: January 31, 2009, 02:55:14 PM »
Curious...

Manifold vacuum pressure is 20 Hg and steady.  No fluctuations, dips, or wavering at idle.  I replaced the fuel line that connect the injector rail to the fuel filter.  It was crusty and was most likely the source of the gas odor since I let the car heat up and ran it around the block two or three times and parked it with no smell.  The car appears to have stopped smoking now but I can't tell.  Its difficult to see since it's 50° and sunny outside.  There was nobody lingering in the parking lot that I could ask for help other than that golden retriever, and he wasn't much help.  No bubbles, oil, goo, or crud floating in my radiator.  The coolant is green and you can see the radiator fins through it, so it looks good. 

On the not-so-positive side, I think something in or around the heater core sprung a leak last night.  I will have to check the hoses under the dash now.  I did discover the side of the block below the intake & exhaust manifolds looks like its soaked in some kind of fluid.  I can't tell where it's coming from until I climb under the car.  I'll have to break out my wheel ramps for that.
« Last Edit: January 31, 2009, 02:58:31 PM by Chris »
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Offline Chris

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #63 on: January 31, 2009, 05:25:32 PM »
Oil fouling... :(

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Offline Chris

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #64 on: January 31, 2009, 10:38:09 PM »
Radio works!  Now I can listen to Rush on my way to work. :)

(loose fuse)
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Offline RobJohnson

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #65 on: February 02, 2009, 03:54:43 AM »
Sounds like you are making progress. Glad the fuel problem is corrected. Fires are bad!

Offline Wineslob

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #66 on: February 02, 2009, 12:25:03 PM »
Oil fouling... :(



Time for a compression test.............. all cyl should be about 140 psi and no variation of more than 10-15 psi (hi-lo)
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Offline Chris

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #67 on: February 03, 2009, 12:39:28 AM »
Time for a compression test.............. all cyl should be about 140 psi and no variation of more than 10-15 psi (hi-lo)

That is on my To-Do list for tomorrow.  I have also noted that a non-working PCV valve and valve stem seals (see above) would produce the same symptoms. but I don't know to what degree.  I will be picking up a compression tester and a new set of Viton valve seals after I get back from the bank tomorrow.  I hope it isn't the rings.  I could concievably tear the engine down and rebuild it, but I would have to move it inside.  Any bets on if I can haul the block up a flight of stairs by myself using a hand truck?
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Offline RobJohnson

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #68 on: February 04, 2009, 01:59:48 AM »
That is on my To-Do list for tomorrow.  I have also noted that a non-working PCV valve and valve stem seals (see above) would produce the same symptoms. but I don't know to what degree.  I will be picking up a compression tester and a new set of Viton valve seals after I get back from the bank tomorrow.  I hope it isn't the rings.  I could concievably tear the engine down and rebuild it, but I would have to move it inside.  Any bets on if I can haul the block up a flight of stairs by myself using a hand truck?


Don't try to take a block up steps by yourself. Not only could you hurt yourself, you could damage the block if things did not go right.

Offline Chris

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #69 on: February 05, 2009, 12:04:24 AM »
An assembled L28 block with a 5-speed weighs a little over 500 lbs.  The transmission is 75 by itself. 

I hope I don't need to pull the engine.  What a pain in the ass.
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Offline RobJohnson

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #70 on: February 05, 2009, 02:56:31 AM »
An assembled L28 block with a 5-speed weighs a little over 500 lbs.  The transmission is 75 by itself. 

I hope I don't need to pull the engine.  What a pain in the ass.

It all looks simple until you need back surgery.

Offline Chris

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #71 on: February 05, 2009, 02:58:08 AM »
I think I could get away with rigging a pulley to the support beams on my building.  I should have it up the stairs in no time.  Minus a staircase or two.
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Offline RobJohnson

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #72 on: February 05, 2009, 11:16:34 PM »
I think I could get away with rigging a pulley to the support beams on my building.  I should have it up the stairs in no time.  Minus a staircase or two.

 :lmao:

Offline Chris

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #73 on: February 07, 2009, 05:20:06 PM »
Compression test results (dry)

1: 180, 2: 190, 3: 180, 4: 180, 5: 190, 6:180

I don't have any extra motor oil lying around so I couldn't do a wet test.  I squealed the tires a little bit in the parking lot :-) and saw a big puff of blue smoke, but that was the only smoke I saw today.  And I can't find the damn PCV valve for this thing.
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Offline RobJohnson

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #74 on: February 09, 2009, 02:43:45 AM »
Compression test results (dry)

1: 180, 2: 190, 3: 180, 4: 180, 5: 190, 6:180

I don't have any extra motor oil lying around so I couldn't do a wet test.  I squealed the tires a little bit in the parking lot :-) and saw a big puff of blue smoke, but that was the only smoke I saw today.  And I can't find the damn PCV valve for this thing.

Blue smoke is oil....

Did you ever find out where the leak was from? (when you used the wiper/washers)