datsunlover Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 Ok, wondering what to look for/be wary of on a used head (I'm going tomorrow to look at some Z parts.. so need to know quick) It's off the car already, and has N42 stamped on the side, but thats all I know. Story I got, which was given to the owner from the PREVIOUS owner, is that the head came off a good running car that got smashed in the rear. A bunch of parts were pulled (including this head) and set on a shelf. Aside from obvious damage (cracks, broken valves) is there anything I should be looking for that would indicate it's bad/hurt? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 240zJake Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 Take something really straight like a level and check for warping Small cracks... out of rond holes stripped holes... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bastaad525 Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 The L6 heads I've seen... if they crack, they LOVE to crack right in between the intake and exhaust valves, in between the valve seats, so definately check that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzed Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 The biggest problem with Datsun L series heads is cracks do to overheating and freezing. In my experience N42's seem to be more prone to this than most of the other castings. Specifically look in the #4 chamber between the adjacent cooling holes and the exhaust seat. A crack may show up as nothing more than a dark line. If the head is cheap a visual inspection may be OK but if you are paying any real money I would insist on a pressure test. Other than the above check for corrosion in the cooling jackets, pulled theads, warped head as per above post and excess milling of head - the three small divets in the head should be visible and 030 - 060 thou deep. You can use heads milled beyond this with head saver shims. Last confirm that the first and last exhaust manifold studs are not broken - this is also very common but fixable. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
datsunlover Posted November 20, 2004 Author Share Posted November 20, 2004 Cool... thanks guys. The guy told me maybe $50 or so.. I figure it's worth that even if I can only use it for parts or somethin.. This guy just bought his first Z, and got a mess of parts with it. Maybe I can trade/swap some stuff with this guy too.. I'm thinkng this head *might* have an aftermarket cam in it.. See..the car this guy bought, I looked at about a month ago. At that point, the original owner told me he had a 75 that was his daily driver, and he had 'built up' a bit over the years... said it ran really good, fast, ect and it was good enough that he fought to get it back from the ins co. when a truck rear-ended him. He then bought this 76, and had plans to fix it up as well.. but he just drove it for a while, then changed his mind, needed cash, whatever (he was kinda funny..) so he put evrything up for sale. The guy who has it now said he got the whole deal for $1000. More than I wanted to pay anyway.. Sooo.. any way to tell if the cam is not stock? (markings/colors/? to look for?) Or is this just a crap shoot? Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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