To say I'm gutted is an understatement. After having yet another clutch fitted as the one fitted previously was not done in its entirety, had a new prop shaft bearing, main seal, gearbox and diff oil...thanks to SouthWestZeds all runs very well. Lovely job Jason!! :bow:

 

Did a compression test on the cylinders to try and find what all the oil problems were.

 

Yes. 2 of the cylinders were very low, one was reading 60PSi (dry). It's surprising the car still runs at all, but it does and still very very smoothly.

 

Oil cap off and vapor escaping. So it's well and truly shafted.

 

Devastated really. I love my zed to bits, treat it with so much care, rarely used the power and this happens....it sucks as people that use their zed's power lots live with a faultless car for years.

 

So, it's new engine time. I just don't want another lemon as the car will be sold for spares and repair. :(

 

So if anyone has a decent engine (bare block and heads)....no need for turbos or any ancillaries, then I'd be grateful if you could let me now.

 

Thanks. :(

 

PS, big thanks to SouthWestZeds for the work they’ve already done, very good friendly service. Although they are not forum traders, I'd recommend them to everyone.

Bad news bud-gutted for you! :( -sure you'll get sorted tho' :)

Youre Zed is a beauty mate, far too good not to repair properly.

 

Feel for you as I have been there, and its not fun. :(

 

Hope you get sorted quickly.

 

Alan.......

Cheers guys. Just worried about it all. I don't know whether to strip mine and rehone the bores fitting new rings, as I have no idea what the block is like. It still runs really well, so maybe the bore walls are fine and it's just the rings that are on their way. :(

Cheers guys. Just worried about it all. I don't know whether to strip mine and rehone the bores fitting new rings, as I have no idea what the block is like. It still runs really well, so maybe the bore walls are fine and it's just the rings that are on their way. :(

There's only one way of knowing bud!-good luck :)

It's the logistics of it all. Can't just leave a car at someone's workshop while I 'try' and source a good engine if mine's fooked. That's the crucks of it all. :(

Use your existing engine to rebuild. Its a known quantity that hasnt been overheated, gone porous or warped etc.

Only if your block is scrap do you need another unit to rebuild.

The downside of course is loss of use of car while engine is out.

 

I opted for the purchase of another engine to build so as to continue using mine while the new build is being done. My circumstances are a bit different tho as there is nowt much wrong with my original engine and I will be able to sell it once the new unit is installed.

Well, I can just hope that the bores are ok. It didn't burn hardly any oil on a 200 mile round trip I did today, nor does it smoke unless under load which it doesn't do much of. Just on start up mainly as the oil being pumped up between ring and bore has collected in the inlet.

 

I would love to rebuild mine just as long as I knew it didn't need a rebore.

Well, I can just hope that the bores are ok. It didn't burn hardly any oil on a 200 mile round trip I did today, nor does it smoke unless under load which it doesn't do much of. Just on start up mainly as the oil being pumped up between ring and bore has collected in the inlet.

 

I would love to rebuild mine just as long as I knew it didn't need a rebore.

What's wrong with a rebore? More displacement and it will surely equate to about the same cost as a new lump anyway?

 

Sorry to hear you have to spend money believe me I know it's a sh1te feeling but I don't see the logic in dumping a newish block on the basis that you may have to do what people do to perfectly good engines to make them go faster :x:

 

If that wasn't what you meant please ignore all the above bar the condolances :D

Rebore equates to new pistons. I am just hoping my block will need a rehone and a new set of rings.

 

I don't want to make it go faster. Just want an OE spec engine with a slight boost increase.

Rebore equates to new pistons. I am just hoping my block will need a rehone and a new set of rings.

 

I don't want to make it go faster. Just want an OE spec engine with a slight boost increase.

New block is surely not going to be that much cheaper than the cost of a 'bore and pistons? After that it's six and two threes as to which is better, displacement or PSI?

...which is why I am hoping my block will be ok for just a rehone....+new rings.

Found this Si......Good luck mate.

 

300ZX TT ENGINE

Thanks Vin. Just don't wanna buy a lemon, hope it's a good one. :(

Thanks Vin. Just don't wanna buy a lemon, hope it's a good one. :(

 

The ad says Si that you can hear it running in the car? Sounds good to me bud. not many give you that opp'. But I see what you mean mate. It is a bit of a lottery.

Vini

Edited, as someone beat me to it, LOl.

I know it does. If I can get someone local to the place to get a compression test done on it, then I'll most likely have it.

May i ask how you did the compression test? Reason i am asking is because most of the people do it in the wrong way and they get incorrect readings.

 

Just for the record the procedure you have to follow is to remove ALL the coils and ALL the spark plugs before checking each cylinder. Then release the pressure from the fuel lines by removing the Fuel fuse that is inside the black box (look at the engine from the front and is at the left corner inside the engine bay).

 

However, if you check the compression of your engine by removing one coil and one spark plug at a time and then put back when finish you will get much lower incorrect indications.

 

I took my car for a compression test few years back and the mechanic did the compression test incorrectly and the readings were way off. Thats why i never go to mechanics.

 

My suggestion is that if you are engine is going then get another one and leave this one for a rebuild when you have the time and money.

Oh FFS! I'm so sorry for you mate. I've been there and know how you feel. Feel free to call me if you want to bounce ideas off of someone.

 

edit - furthur to what Nitro said. Theres a company that specialise in low milage reconned jap engines. They import them and they are guaranteed with a good rep. Cant remember their name but I'll try to find it.

With the cap off it was pulsing oil vapour which points directly to shagged rings. Especially with what else went on with it.

 

Thanks Dave, yeah, would be nice if you had the number. They'll probably cost a ruddy fortune though.

 

Cheers

 

Si

May i ask how you did the compression test? Reason i am asking is because most of the people do it in the wrong way and they get incorrect readings.

 

Just for the record the procedure you have to follow is to remove ALL the coils and ALL the spark plugs before checking each cylinder. Then release the pressure from the fuel lines by removing the Fuel fuse that is inside the black box (look at the engine from the front and is at the left corner inside the engine bay).

 

However, if you check the compression of your engine by removing one coil and one spark plug at a time and then put back when finish you will get much lower incorrect indications.

 

I took my car for a compression test few years back and the mechanic did the compression test incorrectly and the readings were way off. Thats why i never go to mechanics.

 

My suggestion is that if you are engine is going then get another one and leave this one for a rebuild when you have the time and money.

not forgetting to have the throttle bodies wide open

Hey SI,

 

Sorry to hear that :(

 

Your Z is too good and should be saved!

 

Could Z-tech not do the re-build for you?

 

Must be a better bet than taking a chance buying a 2nd hand engine elsewhere....

 

Good luck

 

Richard :)

Hey SI,

 

Sorry to hear that :(

 

Your Z is too good and should be saved!

 

Could Z-tech not do the re-build for you?

 

Must be a better bet than taking a chance buying a 2nd hand engine elsewhere....

 

Good luck

 

Richard :)

 

south west z are fitting it rich or south west zeds always confused which one :)

south west z are fitting it rich or south west zeds always confused which one :)

 

No confusion really, Southwestzeds are as the other one doesnt exsist!!! Have you seen or heard from Paul lately mate ( no nor me )

Hi mate, just to let you know that we (me and Jimmer) bought an engine off this guy, he is in Waterlooville, near Portsmouth, and it was a cracker. He did describe it as a complete engine less turbos and it turned out to be a complete engine less everything, no water pump, no cambelt covers, no flywheel, no plenum, no nuts and no bolts, no hoses, in fact just a absolutely bare engine. If he took anymore off, it would have been in bits. But, it was a brilliant engine. Oh, and by the way. if you buy it, make sure you have three shredded wheat and a can of spinach before you pop down to pick it up. He is a well suited and booted dude that does not get his hands dirty, and them engines are fooooooooooking heavy. Ask Jimmer.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, Southwestzeds are the dogs b******s. They are enthusiasts and have been for a long time. They know what they are doing, believe me, I only trust my everyday car to the main agent, but they look after my Zed. Brilliant.