U20 advise

[Bigbopper1959]

Hi Guys & Gals,

I'm a new Datsun roadster owner and need help finding some parts for a U20 block & crank I recently bought for a song to replace my R16.
I'm looking for a re-buildable cylinder head and valve cover for starters.
I did find a guy that's selling a complete U20 that supposedly ran when he pulled it out of the car but has a bent valve. He's asking $650, is that a resonable price if it spins?

Please tell me what you think?

[garth]

BigB

I would make him a conditional offer <$650 based on the head condition. I.E, thickness = OEM standard, not shaved, no warping, cooling ducts clear, no heli inserts, etc, aka a virgin head.

Tell us where you are located and don't be surprised if 4 or 5 forum members offer alternatives.

[Bigbopper1959]

Hi Garth,

I'm located in Elk Grove, California.
This guy's engine is fully assembled and wants to sell it complete. I'd have to remove the head to make alot of these checks.
Any other way to make a quick check externally?, he may not be cool with me disassembling it and then say sorry no sale.

Big bopper

[notoptoy]

Big Hopper:
Welcome to the forum, you are asking the right questions at the right place.
First, a bent valve typically means some kind of timing problem - typically a chain problem on a U20 - either stretched, improperly installed, or jumped a tooth - none of it good.
The timing components are both the most fragile (though still robust) and expensive parts of the U20. You are looking potentially at $1000's of dollars in repairs .
If the engine has a bent valve, the head has to come off at sometime, why not convince him to do it now. If he is unwilling, I'd keep looking. $650 is not cheap if you are looking at $1000 for timing components, and $1000 or more for machine work. And you don't know if the bent valve has done any damage to the guides, seats or anything else. Just my opinion.

[Solex68]

I have a bare U20 head I would let go for $300 if you needed one. Someone may have one here for less. Mine would require valves rockers and springs. It have been shaved one. I could get the specs for you if you were interested. No worries if you are not.

[Bigbopper1959]

Thanks guys,
This bent valve head may not be the right way to go but I'll see if he'll pull it off for further inspection.
I may be getting back to you solex68.

Thanks for the help.

Bigbopper

[Solex68]

No worries.

I also have a U20 head ground to the max. It could be run but you could never grind it again. The previous owner ran it with two head gaskets. It didn't leak at all. Probably best if you run it with one of the thick head gaskets from Dean of Datsunparts.com to be done right. That head you could have for free. Just pay shipping. Again, you would need to supply all the other hardware, valves, springs etc.
Just giving you options.

[jrusso07]

I have a head that has not been resurfaced but has some pitting on the sealing surface due to PO letting it sit in a damp place on that surface. A machinist friend said it could be resurfaced, valves and springs, retainers have been removed and are bagged and marked. Cam towers are in place. No cam, no cam followers.

Can send pics. $150 plus shipping from NY. I know of U20s for sale in NY and can provide you a contact if you would like. He might have a ready to run head?

[Solex68]

I have a head that has not been resurfaced but has some pitting on the sealing surface due to PO letting it sit in a damp place on that surface. A machinist friend said it could be resurfaced, valves and springs, retainers have been removed and are bagged and marked. Cam towers are in place. No cam, no cam followers.

Can send pics. $150 plus shipping from NY. I know of U20s for sale in NY and can provide you a contact if you would like. He might have a ready to run head?

I endorse Joe. I have bought from him previously and I wasn't disappointed.

[Gregs672000]

Valves, guides, springs etc are available, though becoming more expensive. They can even be made from blanks or from other engines etc. it's the timing gears and chain tensioners that are expensive and critical. $1000 or more if they are worn out, or nothing if the gears are in good used shape. It's kinda hard to describe what you're looking for to know if they are usable or not, but in essence no sharp, pointy teeth, and no "Christmas tree" shapes where the chain has undercut the tooth. If you get a disassembled engine post some pics and we'll be able to tell you. The tensioner foot needs to be in good shape too, unless someone has come up with an option.

And of course, one has to consider the need for good carbs, water pump, and rocker arms. The crank should be checked for cracks too. Unknown engines can be great, or a huge expense.

[Bigbopper1959]

Thanks for the options guys,

Greg, I appreciate the free head offer but would rather run one that has not been ground down to the max just in case I have sealing issuse in the future.

Joe, I may take you up on the head you have. Can you send me some pics?
What to you think the shiping cost would be approx.? or if you can get me a weight I could figure it.

Thanks,
Pete

[Phred58]

Pete,

Probably too late but just noticed your thread; I'm not too far away in Cameron Park. PM me your info and I'll give you a call.

Paul