93 300ZX N/A

[kingzdestroy]

Hey guys, I bought a 93 300zx with about 147,000.00 miles on it. I knew it was leaking pretty bad when I got it, and the owner said that all it needed was a new water pump and hoses. I was amped to get my dream car for a cheap price even though I knew I still had to fix it up. I drove it and it drove fine except for minimal white smoke from the exhaust and the occasional temp gauge heating up. I pulled over a few times just to check fluid levels and it did seem to leak a little rapidly once driving. I took it to my mechanics and it sat for 2 days before he could take a look at it. When he tried to start it, it gave a loud clap but would not turn over. Now the car will not even start. I looked at the dip stick and it was a milky color which leads to a blown head gasket, is there anything else I could possibly diagnose without taking it to a shop to get charged an arm and a leg just to test it. People have been telling me that it could be blown head gasket, cracked block, or blown engine. I would like to narrow it down, and hopefully walk away with just swapping the head gasket. Any help is appreciated.



Sincerely,

A Die Hard 300zx Fan

[Ace2cool]

That sucks man.... These cars aren't really notorious for block problems, in fact, they're pretty solid in that aspect, seeing as the cast iron block is the reason the engine weighs so much. Warped heads are a thought you could notion towards, but once again, not a very common failure on the Z32.

Head gasket is most likely the culprit, but you don't want to just swap the gasket. You want to know WHY the gasket blew. Low coolant, stuck thermostat, or blown water pump, just to name a few reasons of why it could have gone. When you replace the gasket, the heads do need to be machined down to ensure a flush mating surface. NEVER re-use head bolts, as they warp after the first torquing. If you need any more help, don't be afraid to head over to the Z32 series forums! Lots of useful information and helpful people over here. z-series-general-forums.html

[kingzdestroy]

Ahh Ace2Cool, some refreshing words from someone who finally seems to know a little thing or two I sincerely appreciate it. And you will definitely see me over there. Thanks again!

[kingzdestroy]

Hey my mechanic mentioned that he wants to take the both heads off and get them magnafluxed to test for cracks, is that reasonable to do?

[Beamerme]

usually, i dont see whats wrong with that. Hes just trying to see if there are cracks its better to be safe then sorry with a car. Usually u can see them visibly, the cracks but sometimes there on the inside of the head so u got to be safe and do a magnaflux test.

[krash]

Doesn't seem like a bad idea to do the test now. You don't want to put everything back together and then find out theres a crack somewhere.

[kingzdestroy]

Any suggested parts to get tested, I'm already getting both heads done but because of what I was told about the block. I thought I could hold off on that for a while. Any suggestions or tips to help save money and get the car fixed would be appreciated lol :P

[kingzdestroy]

I was also wondering if anyone knew of a good place to get used heads or even new ones. I have no idea where to even start looking, and any and all help would be sincerely appreciated.

[Beamerme]

i dont see why u would need new heads, the old heads are fine, just make sure there straight and nothings wrong with them. You got to see it from the point of view.... of ..... hey is it easier to do it with the engine in the engine bay? or out? which ones eaiser? the clutch is alot easier to do in the car? or out of the car? out of the car so replace your clutch. Is the timing belt easier to do in the car? or out of the car? outside of the car of course (it might be timing chain idk). Thing is make sure everything easier to do when the engine is out of the car is done. Like water pump.... timing chain/belt, heads are done revalved or whatever new valve guides, hoses that are easier to get to when the heads are off do those to. stuff like that, and dont cheap out think of the long term of your car and not just the short term. If you dont know how to do something dont half a** it make sure its done right. You will pay for it later.

[kingzdestroy]

Well the reason I'm inquiring about new heads, is because I don't know if mine are cracked or not. I'm just trying to prepare myself for the worst news possible. Thats all.

[Beamerme]

heads cracking are pretty rare they have to be under alot of stress for that to happen, ex extreme heat, nuclear attack, and possibly other things. I have been in the game many years and never seen cracked heads.

[kingzdestroy]

Haha thats awesome man, I really love the feedback ive gotten from you and others because im a complete beginner. I appreciate it all!!!

[kingzdestroy]

Hey guys, so me and my mechanic are slowly gutting my car. (I will have pics posted soon) my guy is wanting me to ask some seasoned z lovers is it recommended to take out the engine with the transmission as one piece or take them apart and then take the two pieces out?