:headvswal My other half has been out in the Z today (1994 TT 40,000miles). Car has never missed a beat in the 18 months since I imported it.

Yesterday had the standard exhaust changed to cat back mongoose system to go with the Apexi air filter that has been on for 2 months. No other mods made.(I assume the engine problem today is a coincidence?)

To get to the point all I know is that she was driving the car home tonight on the M6, and apparently there was white smoke coming from the engine and from the exhaust, she says she did not notice it straight away (how does she know that?). Also she says the temperature gauge was at max.

She says she was pulling over on the hard shoulder when the car stopped, I assume not a good sign.

I called the RAC and swapped places with her, a long 1.5 hours later they appeared to bring the car home. I have carefully measured water into the radiator (12 pints!), so empty I assume? tried to start it turns over but it is clear its no going to start, not a sign of it firing.

I have arranged for it to go to a friends garage tomorrow, they have an excellent mechanical workshop but I doubt they have worked on Zeds.

So what I need to know is what I need to do with the engine. I assume the head gasket has blown? What is stopping it from starting? What else is likely to be damaged? Also what else do you suggest I do when the engine is out?

I cannot really think straight at the moment, 2 hours at the side of the M6 is enough to give anyone a headache.

Any advice will be gratefully received........

Really sorry to hear that mate. I guess it will need the head examined to see how bad the damage is?

Thanks, I will be happy if its only the head, still dont undertand why it will not start....

Thinking off the top of my head, if the head's warped enough, no compression, so it'll never fire.

 

I don't think you could melt anything else enough to stop it all from working, but have you had a scan over the engine to see if anything obvious is damaged?

 

Hope you get it sorted mate.

I know jas (yami) has recently done an engine rebuild, he might be able to help.

 

Another good person to ask for advice would be PJ (southwestzmech)

 

HTH

 

Pete

White smoke = burning water = head gasket failure, cracked head if your really unlucky

But it should start?

But it should start?

Have you checked the cam belt as well??? just make sure thats ok too! other than that do a compression check and check you have a spark at every cylinder and fuel is also reaching all the cylinders!

Normally a compression check will give you the answers to whether you have low compression due to ring failier or headgasket/valve problems.

You will also need to find out whether you have a Coolant leak somewhere as well.

hth :)

But it should start?

 

Depends. If both head gaskets have failed across all 3 pots per side, then no, it won't even stand a chance of firing.

 

Engine out, rebuild the heads, get them refaced and pressure tested as well. Check the condition of the bores too. If you have the cash, might be worth fitting new piston rings, mains/end shells too.

warped heads,check you havn't melted the coilpacks in to the head,seen one of them recently!

 

very low compression will make the car difficult to start,and normally goes in toe with warped heads,fingers crossed the heads are not cracked but coolant in the exhaust could be a cracked block/head drain the sump and radiator check for water in oil oil in water etc and obviously comp test,if the car starts then you could use a combustion tester on the radiator but a comp test will give you a definative answer!

Hello all, just joined the club, Love my 300zx fairaldy but she is ill.

I need help big time, Exactly the same as Ronflat problems. Sorry pal, i am in same situation. Except my car was bought from a dealer only two weeks ago, and been full serviced or so they said, Very clean looking car in Charcoal grey, went to south of france, not zooming as area notorious for the french plod with cameras, that will issue a 900 euro fine on the spot or take the car as deposit.

Had travelled about 400 mile's all gauges were good, no funny noises, Then totall power loss,, whenstopped the engine was glowing very hot, but the temp gauge read normal, water pouring out of expansion tank, stills turns, cam belt is good, but zero compression, no funny noises, does anyone have any advice?? ARe the heads / valves of safe design ie they have whacked the pistons.? If the head gasket has gone or both have gone this would cause no compression, or has anyone ever had block split. These engines are as strong as anything, but i really need advice or any help.

Also the garage are stating thta it was sold as seen and offer no warranty, i have been talking to trading standards and they say i have a case againest them under the sale of goods act 1979. All motor trades selling cars are legally bound to offer a 3 month warranty, is this ture, help help

Alll i want to do is get her back on the road. but the engine bay scares the crap out of me. any reply gratfully received.

Hello all, just joined the club, Love my 300zx fairaldy but she is ill.

I need help big time, Exactly the same as Ronflat problems. Sorry pal, i am in same situation. Except my car was bought from a dealer only two weeks ago, and been full serviced or so they said, Very clean looking car in Charcoal grey, went to south of france, not zooming as area notorious for the french plod with cameras, that will issue a 900 euro fine on the spot or take the car as deposit.

Had travelled about 400 mile's all gauges were good, no funny noises, Then totall power loss,, whenstopped the engine was glowing very hot, but the temp gauge read normal, water pouring out of expansion tank, stills turns, cam belt is good, but zero compression, no funny noises, does anyone have any advice?? ARe the heads / valves of safe design ie they have whacked the pistons.? If the head gasket has gone or both have gone this would cause no compression, or has anyone ever had block split. These engines are as strong as anything, but i really need advice or any help.

Also the garage are stating thta it was sold as seen and offer no warranty, i have been talking to trading standards and they say i have a case againest them under the sale of goods act 1979. All motor trades selling cars are legally bound to offer a 3 month warranty, is this ture, help help

Alll i want to do is get her back on the road. but the engine bay scares the crap out of me. any reply gratfully received.

 

i should imagine the heads are warped badly hence 0compression

 

also the stock gauge is inactive until engine temps exceed 110degrees,hence the importnace of fitting aftermarket gauges,one of the best mods you can do IMO