New owner from Indiana
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- Locobill
- Roadster Fanatic
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- Joined: Sat Aug 11, 2012 2:57 pm
- Location: Laporte, IN
New owner from Indiana
I got married last October and part of my wife's dowry was a 1969 2000 that had been her Dad's. The last time it ran was in 1991, and it was stored in her garage. She said it had left her at one too many intersections flooded out, so that was it. This car has only 28,000 miles and the body is in good shape. I have a mechanic friend who is going to help get it working.
I have a few initial questions.
1. Owners manual says it used 20 weight oil. What type and weight oll should I use now?
2. What is a good current type oil filter would be suitable?
3. Do I need to use a lead additive in regular non-leaded gas?
4. Before we try to start the engine, a friend said to put a little oil, or better, a little transmission fluid down the spark plug holes to help lube the cylinders.
The gas tank has been disconnected and we plan to use acan of gas temporarily.
She thinks that the clutch might be "frozen". I also know that the brakes go all the way to the floor.
Any thoughts or answers would be appreciated.
Bill
I have a few initial questions.
1. Owners manual says it used 20 weight oil. What type and weight oll should I use now?
2. What is a good current type oil filter would be suitable?
3. Do I need to use a lead additive in regular non-leaded gas?
4. Before we try to start the engine, a friend said to put a little oil, or better, a little transmission fluid down the spark plug holes to help lube the cylinders.
The gas tank has been disconnected and we plan to use acan of gas temporarily.
She thinks that the clutch might be "frozen". I also know that the brakes go all the way to the floor.
Any thoughts or answers would be appreciated.
Bill
- Roman
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Re: New owner from Indiana
You will certainly have to go through all the systems, but I'd be willing to bet the "flooded out at intersections" is due to old brass floats in the carbs. They tend to crack and fill with gas. Then they don't "float" and flood the carbs.
Will trade guitars for roadsters, food, shelter, clothes, etc, etc.
- jrusso07
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Re: New owner from Indiana
You can still get the oil filters fron Nissan. Try PN 15208-H8920. I think there are a lot of standard off the shelf filters but I don't know the part numbers.
10w-40 weight oil should work fine...
Marvel Mystery oil is a good low viscosity lubricant to put into the cylinders. It will mix with the gas and the oil and ultimately provide some engine detergent action. I would turn her over by hand for a while to make sure things get well lubricated. Remove the cam cover and observe that the top end is being feed oil from the oil pump...
Check those floats in the covered chamber next to each carb (4 screws removes top plate).
Also suggest you check how well the carb jets slide in and out . They are located at the bottom of the carbs. You should be able to pull them down about a1/2 inch and they will spring back up into the seat. Else, might be source of flooding if they are gummed up and stuck down (too much gas flow at idle).
10w-40 weight oil should work fine...
Marvel Mystery oil is a good low viscosity lubricant to put into the cylinders. It will mix with the gas and the oil and ultimately provide some engine detergent action. I would turn her over by hand for a while to make sure things get well lubricated. Remove the cam cover and observe that the top end is being feed oil from the oil pump...
Check those floats in the covered chamber next to each carb (4 screws removes top plate).
Also suggest you check how well the carb jets slide in and out . They are located at the bottom of the carbs. You should be able to pull them down about a1/2 inch and they will spring back up into the seat. Else, might be source of flooding if they are gummed up and stuck down (too much gas flow at idle).
Joe
1969 SRL311 - Solex
1970 SPL311 - U20 mod
1970 SRL311
1969 SRL311 - Solex
1970 SPL311 - U20 mod
1970 SRL311
- Down under 311
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Re: New owner from Indiana
Photos ???
68 Datsun 2000 solex carbs matching number ... Now with long pipes
67.5 number 662
2005 Porsche 997 SOLD
62 karmann ghia restored SOLD

67.5 number 662
2005 Porsche 997 SOLD

62 karmann ghia restored SOLD

- Locobill
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- Joined: Sat Aug 11, 2012 2:57 pm
- Location: Laporte, IN
Re: New owner from Indiana
I was able to upload a thumbnail to my profile, but not sure how to upload any other pictures at this point.
- Linda
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Re: New owner from Indiana
Get familiar with the Tech section for lots of good tips. There is a page for oil filters.
If this was my first Roadster I would put some oil in and start it up. If it was my second Roadster I would resist that and go thru everything first.
Check all the grounds and clean them
Change the plugs, points, condenser and plug wires
Check the coil specs or get a new one
Check inside the fuel pump for cracks in the rubber and likely replace.
New fuel filter, have extras handy
Check fuse box, if dirty then clean
Check connections on starter to be sure they are clean.
DC neg battery and spray electronic cleaner spray into every plug you see and reconnect
Check under dash for melted frayed wires
Set the valves and timing
Drain and refill cooling system with fresh 50/50 coolant. Be aware that fully filling the system takes multiiple fills and squeezing lower hose to clear air out.
Be sure thermostat opens at 160-190 depending on what you have. Plan to change
Plan to get rid of the smog stuff and recurve distributor as soon as you can
These are many of the things someone would do if trying to sell a car that has been sitting. You might consider it now.
Linda
If this was my first Roadster I would put some oil in and start it up. If it was my second Roadster I would resist that and go thru everything first.
Check all the grounds and clean them
Change the plugs, points, condenser and plug wires
Check the coil specs or get a new one
Check inside the fuel pump for cracks in the rubber and likely replace.
New fuel filter, have extras handy
Check fuse box, if dirty then clean
Check connections on starter to be sure they are clean.
DC neg battery and spray electronic cleaner spray into every plug you see and reconnect
Check under dash for melted frayed wires
Set the valves and timing
Drain and refill cooling system with fresh 50/50 coolant. Be aware that fully filling the system takes multiiple fills and squeezing lower hose to clear air out.
Be sure thermostat opens at 160-190 depending on what you have. Plan to change
Plan to get rid of the smog stuff and recurve distributor as soon as you can
These are many of the things someone would do if trying to sell a car that has been sitting. You might consider it now.

Linda
Sadly-Linda has passed away 2022. She was the 311's den mother and drove the first Rare-Parts ball joint project. RIP.
- LI Roadster
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Re: New owner from Indiana
welcome.
put you location in your signature.
start reading the tech wiki, and use the search function...
oh and post pictures, we all love pictures
put you location in your signature.
start reading the tech wiki, and use the search function...
oh and post pictures, we all love pictures
1969 2000 Roadster
- Locobill
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- Joined: Sat Aug 11, 2012 2:57 pm
- Location: Laporte, IN
Re: New owner from Indiana
I updated my location....Laporte, IN
I have pictures, but not sure how to upload them. Any help??
I have pictures, but not sure how to upload them. Any help??
- bikermike
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Re: New owner from Indiana
Welcome. I echo all of the above.
To upload go pics from your PC, go the the "Full Editor" and you'll see an "Upload Attachment" section.
When questions arise, I have found it helpful to use the search function of the forum to find some past discussions on the topic at hand. If something's not clear, a reply post with a follow up question continues to add knowledge to the thread.
On oil filters:http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f= ... er#p138001
To upload go pics from your PC, go the the "Full Editor" and you'll see an "Upload Attachment" section.
When questions arise, I have found it helpful to use the search function of the forum to find some past discussions on the topic at hand. If something's not clear, a reply post with a follow up question continues to add knowledge to the thread.
On oil filters:http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f= ... er#p138001
-Mike
1967.5 SPL311
1972 240z / L28
2003 BMW 525i Touring
2014 Jeep KL
1967.5 SPL311
1972 240z / L28
2003 BMW 525i Touring
2014 Jeep KL
- Dave_Car_Guy
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Re: New owner from Indiana
Welcome new owner from Indiana!
To post photos, look at the area below the window you are using to create/type your posts. There is a second window below the text window. It is title "Upload Attachment" and has a line labeled: "Filename" with a button that says "Choose File". Just click on that button and it will allow you to browse your computer's libraries for any photo you wish to upload. Good luck and we are excited to see you resurrect a fine red Roadster, with family history!
Cheers,
Dave, Car Guy
To post photos, look at the area below the window you are using to create/type your posts. There is a second window below the text window. It is title "Upload Attachment" and has a line labeled: "Filename" with a button that says "Choose File". Just click on that button and it will allow you to browse your computer's libraries for any photo you wish to upload. Good luck and we are excited to see you resurrect a fine red Roadster, with family history!
Cheers,
Dave, Car Guy
Dave
Danville, CA
former 1968 Datsun 2000 Roadster
Danville, CA
former 1968 Datsun 2000 Roadster
- notoptoy
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Re: New owner from Indiana
Yep, all complete except for those pictures! 

"When all else fails, force prevails!" Ummm, we're gonna need a bigger hammer here.
67.5 SPL311 H20 w/5 speed
65 Impala Convertible
2017 C43 AMG
67.5 SPL311 H20 w/5 speed
65 Impala Convertible
2017 C43 AMG
- Locobill
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- Joined: Sat Aug 11, 2012 2:57 pm
- Location: Laporte, IN
Re: New owner from Indiana
Rejuvenating a car that hasn't run in over 20 years is turning into an exciting and challenging experience. We were able to get the engine running....on 2 of the 4 cylinders. First order of business was to rebuild the carbs. That is in the process and plan to be finished this week. One of the floats seemed to be sticky.
Also, we are replacing the clutch master cylinder, as it would not hold fluid. Will probably have to rebuild the brake master cylinder too, as the pedal goes to the floor with no braking.
Some of the hoses look pretty worn. I have seen the radiator hoses for sale, but have not found some of the other miscellaneous hoses available. Any thoughts on where to get them?
It also sounds like the exhaust has a hole, as the engine is pretty loud. My wife said she was told many years ago that the manifold had a crack, so will have to look for that.
On the plus side, the car took a coat of wax very nicely. The interior shined up nice too.
Well.....that's the latest.
Oh, one thing I discovered....the car is registered as a 1969. It did not have the marker lites on the sides, so I checked the VIN and it turns out it was a 1968 (7001).
Bill
Also, we are replacing the clutch master cylinder, as it would not hold fluid. Will probably have to rebuild the brake master cylinder too, as the pedal goes to the floor with no braking.
Some of the hoses look pretty worn. I have seen the radiator hoses for sale, but have not found some of the other miscellaneous hoses available. Any thoughts on where to get them?
It also sounds like the exhaust has a hole, as the engine is pretty loud. My wife said she was told many years ago that the manifold had a crack, so will have to look for that.
On the plus side, the car took a coat of wax very nicely. The interior shined up nice too.
Well.....that's the latest.
Oh, one thing I discovered....the car is registered as a 1969. It did not have the marker lites on the sides, so I checked the VIN and it turns out it was a 1968 (7001).
Bill
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- bikermike
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Re: New owner from Indiana
What does the rear of the car look like? The bumper and license plate lights are different between '68 and '69. If the license plate light is mounted in a recess in the bumper, then the rear of the car matches the fenders as a '68.Locobill wrote:Oh, one thing I discovered....the car is registered as a 1969. It did not have the marker lites on the sides, so I checked the VIN and it turns out it was a 1968 (7001).
Bill
fyi on clutch master:http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... it=+master
Some searches of past posts may yield some advice on hoses.
The car is looking good.
-Mike
1967.5 SPL311
1972 240z / L28
2003 BMW 525i Touring
2014 Jeep KL
1967.5 SPL311
1972 240z / L28
2003 BMW 525i Touring
2014 Jeep KL
- RCMike
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Re: New owner from Indiana
That's a great looking car!
- notoptoy
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Re: New owner from Indiana
Check the vendor links section for all of your parts needs!
http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=54" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=54" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
"When all else fails, force prevails!" Ummm, we're gonna need a bigger hammer here.
67.5 SPL311 H20 w/5 speed
65 Impala Convertible
2017 C43 AMG
67.5 SPL311 H20 w/5 speed
65 Impala Convertible
2017 C43 AMG