72datsun Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 my buddy was tuning in my timing about three years ago, he said he got it tuned in pretty good. So he took it for a spin and when he got back, it sounded like the engine was spitting. I opened the hood and it sounded like it was comming from under the header. I put my hand under and sure enough, there was a good amount off pressured air comming out of somewhere. I though it was just the gasket for the header. I replaced that, but its still happening. Im thinking its somthing serious, but have no idea what it could be. Could it have blown a chunk out of the head? It has been sitting for about 3 years now but want to get starting on it somtime soon. Thanks guys. Steven F. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUZN Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 huh...... hmmm....Well first off: remove crap in way and visually see what your feeling. Get a good light on it, maybe its just a hole in the header itself. Block blowing a hole (Iron block) doubtful on a Stock Car. Easy thing is to look for black soot around header pipe to gasket or yet again remove it all and look at gasjet see if it was leaking past.I'm guessing cause I cant see or hear it but I would say its just a bad seal. Can happen. I tightened mine on the other week after a few upgrades and somehow they got loose just by running it for a day so tightened them again and no more leak sound. I would do the cheap thing first and check it with a light see if you see visual signs. But im betting its just a bad seal from gasket to header. Or Holes in header.. maybe cracked header flange. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slown280z Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 Sounds like a blown headgasket. Do a compression test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72datsun Posted April 24, 2009 Author Share Posted April 24, 2009 Awsome. Well i have already replaced the exhaust manifold gasket( between header and block) so I dont think its that. Thanks for the ideas guys. I will check the header it self when I can get time to start the project. I replaced the gasket, but never did check the header. Sounds very possible. thanks a bunch guys. There was also a very bad shaking/ clunking in the rear end when I was towing it over to my buddys house... That could be many things though... Well thanks again guys. Have a good one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slown280z Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 Not a header gasket, a HEAD gasket. It goes in between the head and the block. Some of them have a safety built in that if it blows, it blows towards the outside of the engine instead of the coolant or oil passages so that you can limp it back home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Challenger Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 Yeah head as in cylinder head. Also there isnt a gasket between the block and the header, they dont physically touch... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_hunt Posted April 25, 2009 Share Posted April 25, 2009 (edited) Some of them have a safety built in that if it blows, it blows towards the outside of the engine instead of the coolant or oil passages so that you can limp it back home. Really, which ones? I think you have that all wrong, that was the reasoning behind ML technology, so that they don't blow under extreme applications like turbo, supercharger and high compression. Edited April 25, 2009 by dr_hunt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cygnusx1 Posted April 25, 2009 Share Posted April 25, 2009 You mean this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72datsun Posted April 25, 2009 Author Share Posted April 25, 2009 oh ok, cool. Well ill check the head gasket then aswell. Its a 72 datsun 240z but im pretty sure it has a 78 280z engine in it. That shouldnt be to hard to change should it? And the gasket I replaced was the exhaust/ intake manifold gasket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 In case you're not already aware, there is a Z car club in Kingston: http://www.tizcc.ca/ Some local assistance can be helpful, and there are some really knowledgable members in that club. Nigel '73 240ZT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spotfitz Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 That shouldnt be to hard to change should it? If you have never done a head gasket on one of these L series engine, I suggest you get a manual or help from the local club or both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72datsun Posted April 26, 2009 Author Share Posted April 26, 2009 Alright, Well I can usually figure it out. But a manual will definantly be a good investment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72datsun Posted April 26, 2009 Author Share Posted April 26, 2009 And no I didnt know about the kingston z club, Thanks for letting me know. I'll see whats up with them. Im in the middle of my '82 K5 blazer project to so money is tight right now. Thanks for all the help guys, this is an awsome fourm site. Very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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