DontknowZ's

Yes the bank has ZERO on all 3.
And do you know if it's a non-interference engine?

Also I'm going to change the tensioners and guides this time, what else would you recommend I replace while I'm in there? Does the chain need to go? It's got about 130k

hulkout

Yes it is an interference design.

I would also change the water pump. Might as well do the chain at that many miles. There's also some small o rings in the oil passages that the book says to "always replace". Check the service manual to see where those are.

Maybe get the heads off and see if there's any damage first though. You may need to save that money.

hulkout

The suspense is killing me

DontknowZ's

Alright so here's the update of the cursed Z.

The right head came off and found all the intake valves bent...ouch! So I purchased some slightly used heads, cams, gears, intake manifold... Whole top end. Got it inspected cleaned and installed them.

So the car started right up after installation but had a nasty ticking. Assuming it was the lifter on the new head I let it run to hear if it got quieter, and it didn't ... So I took the oil cap off to hear it better and saw the intake cam spinning and moving side to side, assuming it's hitting and making the ticking.

So another week of work holds the project off until the weekend but I'm guessing the new (used) cam could be bent? Or maybe the caps are off??? Any ideas

hulkout

Ouch. Sorry to hear that.

I really don't know what to tell ya about cam movement. The cams are cast so I don't know how much they would bend without just snapping. And I'm sure you followed the tightening sequence and torque specs.

How used was the head? Did the cam carriers measure to spec? I'm not sure carrier is the right term. But I mean the spots where the cam rides.

I hope you got a good deal on this car. Haha

hulkout

i just want to add that I admire your perseverance. I think that all of us had had our patience tried repeatedly by either our Zs or another vehicle in our past. Or both. I am envious of your patience. If I had more patience, I could go farther in my life and projects. Keep at it.

Do you have a stethoscope? Those are great for finding the source of noises.

qew

iTrader: (1)

There is a possibility that the followers are out of spec you need to look up the spec and check the clearance with the heel Part of the cam on the follower and a feeler gauge. I believe if I remember correctly the spec is .010-.013 intake and .011-.015 exhaust. When you check and find out what you need you need to add in the difference and go to Nissan to get the correct follower. Don't think the cam would be bent unless it's been mishandled or dropped.

hulkout

Any update?