Drax240z Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 OK guys, the story is I put the engine together with a felpro and it leaked before I even started it. I need to line up a replacement before I pull it all apart again. The only one I seem to be able to find is another Felpro, looking for ideas. Tried the local NAPA (Victor Reinz) and it's NLA Nissan is 14days + and $129 Placed an order with MSA for a 2mm metal - NLA All the other stores around here seem to carry felpro and that's it. To top it off, I have a 87mm bore, some gaskets are a little too tight for my tastes. Ideas? Anyone know a place with 2mm metal ones in stock? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlatBlack Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 OK guys, the story is I put the engine together with a felpro and it leaked before I even started it. I need to line up a replacement before I pull it all apart again. The only one I seem to be able to find is another Felpro, looking for ideas. Tried the local NAPA (Victor Reinz) and it's NLA Nissan is 14days + and $129 Placed an order with MSA for a 2mm metal - NLA All the other stores around here seem to carry felpro and that's it. To top it off, I have a 87mm bore, some gaskets are a little too tight for my tastes. Ideas? Anyone know a place with 2mm metal ones in stock? I really don't know anything about your motor but my original L28 that was cracked from an overtorqued head bolt started to leak coolant as soon as I filled it up after I put a new headgasket on. Obviously I hope this isn't the case but how old is your block and what are you using for head bolts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xnke Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 Search for Ishino head gaskets, They are the OEM for nissan, and usually run about 20-25$ each. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktm Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 Drax, check out www.autohausaz.com They carry Ishino gaskets which I primarily use with great success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted August 20, 2009 Author Share Posted August 20, 2009 I really don't know anything about your motor but my original L28 that was cracked from an overtorqued head bolt started to leak coolant as soon as I filled it up after I put a new headgasket on. Obviously I hope this isn't the case but how old is your block and what are you using for head bolts? Ah, good point. 2850cc, 87mm bore L28, turbo, 75 280z block, P90 head. Custom pistons, 140mm crower rods, knife edged crank. All new ARP head and main studs. Motor has 0 miles on it, was not over torqued, and was magnafluxed before assembly/machining. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigenOut-S30 Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 Have you tried calling courtesy Nissan in Dallas? they have a good amount of OEM Z parts in stock. (800) 527-1909 or (972) 644-3942 Hope that helps ya out man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted August 20, 2009 Author Share Posted August 20, 2009 Ended up ordering an Ishino from http://www.autohausaz.com... We'll see! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 fast z Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 For it to leak right away with never beeing started, there is another problem. There is nothing wrong with felpros, especially for never starting. I would look elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted August 20, 2009 Author Share Posted August 20, 2009 Agreed. I think the issue is my O-rings combined with the gasket. I am going to run empty o-ring grooves with a new gasket, but I was having trouble finding that new gasket... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 fast z Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 What sort of orings do you have, and how do they interact with the HG? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted August 20, 2009 Author Share Posted August 20, 2009 Groove is an estimated 0.020" deep by 0.040" wide, with 0.040" wire. I didn't spec this stuff, it came complete on the block I bought. The wire was a PITA to put in, I believe my life will be better without it in place, and use the groove to cause some extra mechanical deformation and improved sealing in the gasket. I suspected at the time that the installed wire height was higher than it should be above the deck, but being my first experience with O-rings I just went with it. Mistake. Lesson learned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dapiper Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 That would leave 0.020" pinch on fire ring, a bit much. I recommend you use no more than 0.012" Try using 0.032" SS wire and glue in with superglue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
310z Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Get a hold of azcarbum he has a line on all different thickness of head gaskets. I have had no problems with mine how ever his prices will scare you. But the parts are quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junglist Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Get a hold of azcarbum he has a line on all different thickness of head gaskets. I have had no problems with mine how ever his prices will scare you. But the parts are quality. I think he just sells the Kameari gaskets which you can get in different thicknesses and are super expensive but are one of the only good "performance" head gasket options left. If someone were able to contract out a company to sell some MLS gaskets for these cars for around $100-150 they would make a killing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 fast z Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Ususally I do a .045" wire, with a .032" deep grove. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted August 21, 2009 Author Share Posted August 21, 2009 Regardless, it sounds as though 0.012" or so is the right amount to be proud. I will measure when I disassemble and see if I can get some smaller wire in place with the Ishino gasket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e_racer1999 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Tried here: http://www.zccjdm.com/catalog.php/azcarbum/dt75036/DATSUN_HEADGASKETS ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffp Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 Hi Guys, I have also been looking for a gasket supplier. I think I found one, but I will need to send them my gasket to copy. I need to complete some work on the part before I send it to them. I expect to have a part ready for this place early next week. So the thinking is to have them make the stock bore dia and possibly an 88mm bore dia. I will keep you posted on this one. I am not sure of the cost, but they will be cheaper then the gaskets from Kamaraly, however you spell their name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xnke Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 JeffP, the stock headgasket bore IS 88mm... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gregkring Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 After all these years does Cometic not make a gasket for the L28 yet? They are one of the leaders in MLS gasket sets. www.cometic.com They can cut any gasket you want, offer many thicknesses, and the R&D is cheap. I had them cut me a set for an Indy based Buick engine and they gave me a set of gaskets if I sent them a sample gasket to copy and let them keep it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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