Datsun 1980 1952 CC motor L20B chassis WHAT TO LOOK FOR?

[tumolt]

I am buying a 1980 L20B Datsun 20' motorhome with 4 speed transmission. Weight 4000 lbs. Low miles. I like to know more about how to keep it running and what things to expect. Kept mostly under cover but the first thing is to check are fluids, hoses, belts, etc. What might I want to check otherwise? Thanks, Matt

[81na ZX]

L series engines don't have many problems, but if its fuel injected, check the rail and injectors.

[AZhitman]

What a cool old motorhome those are - Post some pics...

Wouldn't it piss some people off if we made this thing the "Ride of the Month"?

[evildky]

I don't think the L20B ever got injection? and yeah, hellasweet ROTM

[Mr1der]

that would be badass.

L20B should just have a stock 2 barrel carb on it. The cars however got fuel injection in '77. I wonder how well 90hp can pull that though?

oh, by the way, if and when you get it, we're gonna require pics ya know.

I wanna check out the interior, I'm actually a "carpenter" at a custom tour bus company where probably the most high profile client we've had was the POTUSA

I say "carpenter" because I've got about a year and a half experience in it while I'm working with people that possess well over 20 years...ya know...it's honestly similar to being the Datsun mod.

but seriously, I wanna check out the interior, being that old it's probably gonna have problems on it though and I'm willing to offer an advice I possess in that area.

[tumolt]

Nothing fancy about this motorhome. It has no roof or dash air, owner says 43K miles, cab in back is aluminum so it keeps the weight down, and he removed a cabinet which allowed space for a small table and 2 chairs. I am buying it sight unseen, already committed to buy, but the farmer who ownes it is happy with just having me up there to look at it first before making the deal. Kind of nice in a day where every dog eat dog car dealer is looking to squeeze every dime out of the general public. I saw an earlier one here that had a generator mounted inside the passenger side rear of the coach. I planned on getting one so I bought a 2500 watt Honda generator for such an occasion. Unfortunately last week they broke into my home and stole it. These mini-motorhomes are great fun for weekend gettaways or if you are even more adventurous, you can tow a small trailer behind and stay away from home for years. I just wanted to know what to expect as far as timing chain problems, or quirks inside the motor that can be preventative maintenance before getting the bad news. Thanks, Matt

[tumolt]

That's good to know. My 22 RE 2.4 had only 39K miles in my Toyota motorhome. This is suppose to be a lighter version without air conditioning. The motor is considerably smaller than my old Nissan 200 SX (8 plug) motor, which I used to push start my buddy's fully loaded 4 speed car hauler. He couldn't believe I could do it. 12,000 lbs + He popped the clutch within 10 feet and was back on the road. I was following him back from a drag race meet. I just wanted to know what to expect as far as timing chain problems, or quirks inside the motor for preventative maintenance before getting the bad news. Thanks, Matt

[tumolt]

You're talking to a handman. I have extensive but not always use of my hands. I can assure you I have no intensions of making this a work of art. It is going to get just a few changes, some flooring (no carpets), a generator and roof air. No dash air, a new radio with MP3, speakers, Fans, lots of new spare parts for when and if there are any unforeseen breakdowns (hoses/belts), add on trailer hitch, etc. After all that I plan on hitting the road for at least 6 months. The pictures of the motorhome will be posted for all to see. These are rare as hens teeth. I would say buy one if you can, restore it to your spec's, and enjoy it every day you have time to jump in and go. If only I had money. Todays big cab over diesel motors get 20 to 25 mpg. This should get 15 or maybe 18 mpg depending on how I drive. I wonder if a 5 speed would help? Any advice? Thanks, Matt

[evildky]

sounds like your 200sx had the CA20 wiht the Nap-Z head, dual coil, giant distributor and a spark plug on each side of the combustion chamber

the L20B also got the Nap-Z head at some oint on the trucks, the engines are really about the same size the Nap-Z head is a bit bigger due to it's large combustion chamber and dual plugs, it's a crossflow, the L4 has intake and exhaust on one side

it's been years but I seem to recall the 22R as being longer and narrower than the CA

[Mr1der]

it's a bit taller than a CA too.

the valve cover is for a fact, the 22r is massive....I think I have a CA20 valve cover laying around the house for some reason...

[tumolt]

I hate to say this but I've been a fan of Jap motors for years. I never broke one and I think with the proper maintenance they can be very dependable. My 200 SX, 1983 had 5K miles on it when I purchased it in 1988. I drove it 152K miles with relatively no problems, other than fuel injectors. I cannot say I have come anywhere near this with American motors. Except for my 240 SX KA-24DE automatic transmission, I've had no problems with the motor. The systems in place from the manufacturers are designed for aftermarket sales of parts that were from the design table, allowed to wear out over time. It just is outrageous that new car parts are just as expensive as new old car replacement parts. There is no easy way around it. I think if you have a good product, parts should be relatively cheap since you want to retain customer loyalty for future sales. No. It ain't so. No more customer loyalty and certainly no price controls on parts. They got you by the balls.

I found out the motorhome has working dash air conditioning. New R/V roof mounted 110 Volt units can be purchased for about $550. Unfortunately my new Honda generator was taken from my home two weeks ago and would have been perfect for the task. Honda generators are the best and most quiet. Don't buy a Briggs and Stratton unless you don't want to sleep. I will be going away next week to pick up the motorhome and will post pictures when I get back. Hopefully Zhitman's link to Nissan mechanic's will help me in getting any problems worked out. Thanks, Matt

[tumolt]

You're the daddy of them all. Thanks for the link. I will post pix's of my new motorhome next week after I pick it up and get back from the trip. Booking a one way 7 day advanced purchase from Greyhound to get there. Takes 12 hours to get to my final destination. I probably will drive back the same day. It might take me 8, but if I should get tired I can always park and cop a few z's. Matt