rickl750 Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Hi Guys, I just replaced the head gasket on my 1978 280Z. I started the engine and it's running very rough and it's smoking like crazy. I tried adjusting the timing and it helps a little but not enough. I was very careful with the timing chain and hope that's not the issues. Does anyone have any thoughts? If the concensus is the timing chain, what's the best way to adjust it? Thanks in advance for your help. Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tech9 Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Have you tested compression? What color smoke? You lined up the timing marks when installing the chain? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islanddozer Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Pull the plugs / compression test / check tdc to start Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mayolives Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Step One IMHO: Go back to basics. Look at the areas that you just worked on. Wiring, vac. lines, fuel lines, valve adjustment, proper installation of timing gear on cam would be a good order of your search for the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickl750 Posted February 22, 2009 Author Share Posted February 22, 2009 I just took it apart and checked the timing chain. The piston at TDC, distributor pointing at #1 wire and the notch on the sprocket aligns with the one on the cam plate, the valves also seem to be closed. The only strange thing is that the bright link on the chain is lined up with the #2 mark on the sprocket (that's the way it was before disassembly). Anyway, I'll crank it over in a little wile and see what happens. Btw, I did go over all the vacuum lines, wires, etc. )I had labeled everything) Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickl750 Posted February 22, 2009 Author Share Posted February 22, 2009 Guys, one quick question. On TDC the long part of the lobe (the toe) on the cam for #1 piston should they be pointing up or down? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasper Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Don't forget,...After a head gasket replacement, It will usualy smoke for a while, your exhaust system maybe loaded with coolant. Do you have any fouled plugs??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islanddozer Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Guys,one quick question. On TDC the long part of the lobe (the toe) on the cam for #1 piston should they be pointing up or down? Thanks up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mayolives Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 The two front cam lobes should look about like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickl750 Posted February 22, 2009 Author Share Posted February 22, 2009 Hi Mayolives, Thanks a million for the picture that was the last thigh I needed to confirm. I just put it back together and started the engine. It ran very rough but after 10min it smooth out and she now idles on her own. She’s still smoking allot but it's getting better. I'm going to let it run for a while and hopefully it will continue to improve. I’ll let you guys know how it goes. Thank you all, Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickl750 Posted February 23, 2009 Author Share Posted February 23, 2009 Ok, she smoked allot for about an hour and then cleared up. She’s good now, running a little rough and I’m sure once I tune her up she’ll be fine. Thank you all your help, Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tech9 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 Did you adjust the lifters also? Good to hear you got it back up and running. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roody3 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 To continue this thread......(let me know if I'm stepping on anyone here) What is ya'll's thought on having the head rebuilt while it's off? The car was running fine, just a small head gasket leak(77' 280z). I don't have the tools to do it myself, so is it really worth it, or should I just replace the gaskets and keep on cruising? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islanddozer Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 To continue this thread......(let me know if I'm stepping on anyone here) What is ya'll's thought on having the head rebuilt while it's off? The car was running fine, just a small head gasket leak(77' 280z). I don't have the tools to do it myself, so is it really worth it, or should I just replace the gaskets and keep on cruising? If you want to drive your car for awhile I would suggest rebuilding the head before install. Shouldn't be too expensive. $200 max. A good investment and will restore horsepower you were probably missing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickl750 Posted February 24, 2009 Author Share Posted February 24, 2009 Roody3, Check your head with a straight edge and once you disassemble take a close look at where the damage on the gasket is. In my case the head was fine the issue was the gasket. I clean both surfaces very well and put it back together. I'll be doing a complete rebuild sometime this year that's why I didn’t do a head rebuilt. Think about you situation and go from there. Hope this helps. Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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