autoxR Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 I'm putting together my friends 1975 280z. Bad compression in #2 cylinder, (rings). Anyone know of a good inexpensive rebuilder in NorCal or have a good L28 for sale? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midnight-280Z Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 What are you looking to spend? are you just looking to rebuild the broken parts or did you want a complete rebuild? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autoxR Posted June 25, 2008 Author Share Posted June 25, 2008 The compression in all cylinders is 150 with #2 being only 80. I would like to do as little machining as possible. My max budget on the enigne rebuild is 1800. The car sat for 12 years....finally have spark and fuel to the eng, still won't start. I want to get it running with the old engine first, just to see if I'm facing anyother cost...injectors, flowmeter...ect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stealth-Z Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 My friend recently spent close to $1500 on his L28. In that cost was a master rebuild kit with oversized pistons. The N42 head was given a valve job and all the lash specs set. We assembled the motor ourselves. The machine shop is on Folsom Blvd. in Rancho Cordova. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daeron Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 does the compression in the bad cylinder come up when you add oil to the cylinder? If not, your problem isn't rings, its either a bad headgasket, or a sticking or burnt valve. I may be missing a few other possibilities, but I wanted to make sure you realize a single, dry compression test showing low numbers on one cylinder does not, by itself, diagnose anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autoxR Posted June 26, 2008 Author Share Posted June 26, 2008 oil added to #2 brought the compression up to 190 psi. Rings for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daeron Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 okay well,, im sticking my foot out on this one, but couldn't you simply re-ring the engine? Pull it, put it on a stand, pull the oilpan, remove that piston and con rod, and put new rings on it? I mean, sure, its hackneyed.. but it would repair your car.... Otherwise, find a Junkyard. Chances are about even on finding a $1-200 engine here versus a local junkyard... unless Northern California has gotten as bad as South Florida has with these cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autoxR Posted June 27, 2008 Author Share Posted June 27, 2008 Doing just the rings has crossed my mind, but I'd kick myself if I did it and months later developed a rod knock. Last time I worked on a Z in the late 80's, the parts were everywhere, I could by used good engines at every recycle yard. I've called everyone in my area and they said "no that car is way too old." The yards know they can make way more money on the newer models than to waste time on older cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daeron Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 well, I would mine through craigslist in a 100 mile radius, maybe even post a couple of wanted ads.. certainly wanted ads here and on any other forum you can find. you ARE in california, it shouldn't be THAT hard to find a spare engine.. Good luck man! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autoxR Posted June 28, 2008 Author Share Posted June 28, 2008 Thanks, found some complete runners on craigslist, will have to remove engines out of two cars, wife is going to be thrilled! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustChou Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 hey if you're still looking for an L28, let me know. I'm located near Berkeley and I have a good strong L28 that's already been pulled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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