Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Synopsis so far: I'm having all work done at a professional restoration shop on my recently acquired 1968 Datsun 1600.

I stopped in today to check on the progress of the car to find the engine removed. The car couldn't start and the engine was seized. I'm sort of happy to know that everything is being taken apart and cleaned up. I'm sure the car will run better and last longer this way. While the engine is out, they're going to take out the transmission, clean that up and replace anything that needs replacing.

Strange thing is the engine is my 1600 is from a 2000. I'm guessing the parts will be easier to replace and cheaper to get.

Good news - they removed the gas tank and peeked inside. They said it looked like new and only have to give the outside a protective coating.

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but 2000 engine parts (the unique stuff) is more expensive and more challenging to find. Timing components are markedly more expensive. If the engine is truly shot, you may want to consider a replacement engine of some sort. An H20 is readily available, looks a LOT like the R16 that belongs in there and is cheap horsepower. It is a bolt in - NO modifications!

I updated my web site with lots of photos and info on the progress. You can check it out at:

http://datsunking.tripod.com

Do you have any pictures of the engine for us to see that way we can help you out more!

Lou Smaldino
66-1600
67-2000

Also please be sure that these guys have worked on Datsuns before, especially if they are going to have a machine shop working on that engine and everything, I have heard too many horror stories with 2 liter heads being cut wrong.

Good Luck!!

Lou Smaldino

Fortunately, I do have a pic or two of the engine when it was still in the car, I'll post a link to that shortly.

As for the shop that's working on it - They came recommended by two people I highly trust.

I was looking at the pics. I like the graphics on your site. Looks like a solid basis for restoration. I was suprised to see that the pulled the engine separate from the trans. I haven't seen that attempted before. Keep us updated with your progress. Best of luck.

Datzoom

Those con-rods are strange looking. The bearing cap is not correct for a u20. It also looks like your rear main seal was bad as well (been there done that)

Will

Take a look at this engine and tell me if the valve cover is similar to your. Because those connecting rods you have are definitely not from a U20 engine.

http://www.dimequarterly.tierranet.com/ ... g_2949.jpg

I am wondering if your car has an L20 motor, which is from a 510.

Take a look!!

Lou Smaldino
66-1600
67-2000

In the pic of the rods the cam that is there is definitely pushrod style. I wonder if it's an H20 motor? I've never seen H20 rods, but that would explain the 2.0 liters.
Just a thought.
Mark

The grill is from a 2k also. I would double check the vin to make sure it's a 1600.

Here's the engine:

Thank you for the replies and the help. The valve cover says 'Datsun' on it, but it could have come from the original engine?

I'm looking at pictures of engines from my Clymer Repair manual for 1600's and 2000's. It looks more like the R-Type engine, but its not exact.

The camshaft in the book looks like mine does - but my photo is blurry so its hard to tell. Hopefully the pic I posted will help since I don't know much about engines.

That definitely looks like a 1600 engine, can you get the engine block number?? Who is saying it is a 2000 and why are they saying it is a 2000? Is the Tranny a 4 speed or 5 speed?

This restoration shop you took it to, are they used to working with Datsuns or do they do British cars. In every Datsun manual around you remove the engine and tranny as one unit. You never disconnect it like that while its still on the car.

Keep the information coming this is becoming kind of fun!!

Lou Smaldino
66-1600
67-2000

The restoation shop has a few Datsun Z's in right now, an old porsche and an old VW beetle. I haven't seen any British cars in the shop yet. I don't really trust the repair manuals and I think the majority of them written and organized for people working out of their home garage with limited equiptment.

I left a message with the shop to see if they have the engine block number on hand and they'll call me back shortly.

The shop is run by someone who has been doing this professionally for over 20 years. They are not a car garage where you take your car for an oil change. They do restoration and custom sunroofs.

Unfortunately, my father took the car to a person who didn't know what they were doing. The invoice lists all the parts that were replaced; new hoses, fuel lines, fluids, brake hose, radiator hose and master cylinder (part number 46010-A7800).

Maybe I should do one of the CarFax reports to look into the history of the car?