Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi all,

I have removed my engine while the car is being painted (very excited ATM). Can anyone advise on anything they think is worth doing to the engine while it is out of the car an on an engine stand?

thanks

Dave

Clean it, paint it , re gasket distributor, fuel pump, oil filter base. Check one frost plug to see if they are corroding internally (exhaust side near #4. remove drain block plug. a lot of the time this passageway is full of sediment. Check distributor tach seal as they leak all the time. drain oil and remove pan to see if there is sludge or heaven forbid, the lower guide!

Ross
sports imports

AND, if you have the inclination, now is the time to polish all the shiny bits - valve cover, carbs, water pump, thermostat tower, etc. - lots of vino, elbow grease and grits ranging from 300 to 4000.

You don't mention what's been done to the car so-
"While I'm in there"-
Solid state ignition. Minimum Pertronix with Blaster coil. Better is electronic dizzy. If you aren't tapped from the body/paint work, maybe even a programmable dizzy.
Carbs in top shape? Rebuild or pay a vendor for rebuilt.
Do you know the clutch is in good shape? If not, split the trans and engine. have flywheel lightened, add new clutch disc (or buy JT's setup_
Exhaust in top shape? If not, a nice coated header looks nice and will last for years.
New motor mounts.
Is alternator in good shape? Installed on passenger side? Good time to address and I like the little Denso on my '68.
Radiator in good shape?
When I last had the engine out of the '69, I removed the thermostat housing that I've always hated and replaced with a 240Z neck, installed a 2000 radiator, 14" electric fan, put a GM 10si alternator on the passenger side, removed the double groove crank pulley and fan spacer and installed earlier single groove pulleys. Gave me lots of room at the front of the engine.

Dan

Umm, cut the metal brace between you and the starter (when accessing from left front wheel-well!!

I'd say #1 is do the clutch with a min.of the heavy duty 200O set up, for those with a 1600. You have to pull the engine to do it so now is the time.
Also check the counter gear in a 4 speed and replace if any wear, also for those with a R16.
If you need to rebuild or swap the 5 speed to a better one, now is the time also.
Checking the drive train ujoints and replacing as needed makes sense, use the ones with zerks.
Lots of threads and pics of the above projects in the archives.
AutoZone has the tools to loan for these jobs
Have fun
Linda

Check and address your brake lines in the engine compartment. If rusty or pinched, change them. Easy to get to with everything out of the way. Same with the wiring harness, Fuse block (If early model), relays, battery tray, fuel lines and other things that you don't normally think to check. No better time than now!

When "restoring" my '69 2000, I told my wife that I wasn't going to overdue things. After pulling the engine and tranny, she caught me sitting on the front cross member in the empty engine compartment cleaning the brake lines with steel wool. " Glad you're not getting carried away this time", was her only comment. It can be a slippery slope. Pat

cole455 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 18, 2018 7:45 pm Umm, cut the metal brace between you and the starter (when accessing from left front wheel-well!!

2X cut the metal brace. Actually cut it before washing the car for the first time.

Car is at paint shop, request is for info on what to do with the engine while it’s out. Some items listed in engine compartment should be done before paint. Are you having paint shop detail engine compartment?

Been there, done that. Do everything!

Before


During


After

Nice, thanks all for the ideas...it is a slippery slope. Can anyone add further on cutting the metal brace between me and the starter. I am a novice. Any pics would help, thanks

whence cometh this mysterious triangular cut-out.

I have seen multiple high windshields, none of which bear any marks of a prior existence.

On LOW windshield - yup, I have seen one.

Doesn't make much difference ultimately, but just another bit of pointless information to store.

Any one got the 'truth'?