Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I built a lot of Duratec motors in the past, and every time I tore one down, I out of habit replaced parts no matter the condition, like the timing chain tensioner.

What items would you guys put on your list of always replace when rebuilding a Roadster, instead of reusing?

IMHO, it's more a factor of what do you want as IMMEDIATE spares - water pump, alternator, starter, rebuild kit for fuel pump (if appropriate), brake shoes - so that when one goes bad you don't have to search/wait and have time to get what went wrong replaced/sorted.

As to replace always, clutch, pilot bearing, throwout bearing (?), front/rear transmission seals (?)

My 2c

I'm not sure if you're referring to just the motor, or the entire car, but on all of the used cars I've owned, I've always began refurbishment by replacing, or rebuilding, what I think of as "reliability components" such as oil pump, water pump, radiator, fuel pump, filter and tank, carburetor(s), all hydraulic cylinders, brake pads or shoes, alternator, starter, and ignition components. Eventually battery and tires would need attention, but those were of less mechanical nature. Of course, there is a longer list of other things to inspect and / or repair, but I focus on things that might likely strand me on the side of the road.

Engine internal:

Bearings (of course)

Timing chains and tensioners. Sprockets just depend on condition

Lower chain guide-they always break. (Upper guides only rarely need replacing)

Always remove the evil L.

Valve stem seals

JT68 wrote: Mon Dec 07, 2020 12:32 pm Always remove the evil L.

I'm going to have to google this

Edit: Ah, its a U20 thing. This is a lowly 1600, which is where I got lost. Learned something new!

No need to google, just search here on the forum. Or look in the tech wiki.

I'm going through this right now. I have decided that any gasket that is touched by oil, is getting replaced. Yes, both inside contact and those that have been weeping. Just getting to the front of the engine. It's a 1600, if that makes a difference.

I started at the rear of the car, diff and transmission are done.

Yea, I figured gaskets were a definite. I wasn't sure on things like the chain tensioner, push rods, rocker arms, etc. (I'm still used to DOHC engines)

Just trying to think of things that are easier done while everything is apart, like the rear main seal, without going crazy and replacing things that are good for long time.

no on pushrods,

maybe on rockers, just depends on history-some are fine, others are thrashed.

Lifters are typically shot, cam and sprockets 50/50

oil pump if you are doing a pro job

yes, ALL gaskets&seals

oversize pistons almost for sure - the cast pistons crack commonly and the bores typically wear, only rarely will used pistons and bores be in spec
(only low miles engines with frequent oil changes)

If it is an early head, you will want to upgrade the valve stem seals, unless you don't mind smoke.

Egz wrote: Mon Dec 07, 2020 3:12 pm Yea, I figured gaskets were a definite. I wasn't sure on things like the chain tensioner, push rods, rocker arms, etc. (I'm still used to DOHC engines)

Just trying to think of things that are easier done while everything is apart, like the rear main seal, without going crazy and replacing things that are good for long time.

I also have instruction sheets and tech support when we are back to help.

When you get around to deciding what you want check out these extensive sections, all parts on hand:

www.datsunparts.com/Gasket-Engine

www.datsunparts.com/Engine-Seals

www.datsunparts.com/Engine

www.datsunparts.com/Cylinder-Head-G15-R16

Dean