Headgasket Problem?

[droptopdragster]

Ok peoples, I think I may have a head gasket leak. Typical signs. Overheating, white smoke from exhaust, all that good stuff. Thermostat, radiator, radiator cap, water pump and belts are all new so I think it's the head saket. My question is. How hard is this gonna be and how expensive. I know since i'm taking the head off I might as well re ring the pistons but what about the timming chain. should I or do I need to change that too. If I do I know I need the chain, the guides the gears, etc. Thatnks for any advice.

1992 Nissan 240 Sx Se Convertible Ka24de motor18" rims, intake, Speakers/subs/ alpine deck w/ Ipod

[Eikon]

You might be better off watching classifieds for a good used KA motor.. You should be able to pick one up for under $500 max. After the costs of machining the head flat and all the labor involved.. you might be better off with a new engine and parting out the old to recoup some of the money lost.

[Eikon]

Here's a great engine/transmission/etc for $325 in TN. zerothread/203532

Geez.. it's only 166 miles away from you.. grab a pickup truck and go get it. You'll probably recoup that whole amount by parting out what you don't need when your done.

[Hijacker]

personally speaking, a headgasket isn't too much trouble if you have the equipment to get to it. How many miles are on the motor? And is it the original chain?

[droptopdragster]

that engine is from a 98 and it has a 91 k miles on it. Is there a difference from that one and my 1992 ka24de motor?

Also my engine has 146k miles and I have no idea if it's the orginal chain. All I know about the car is I bought it from a used car lot. ( it was sitting way in the back collecting dust) but it was traded in by some girl that went to NC State University. So I have no idea what she could have done to it.

[droptopdragster]

I could do the work myself I have all the tools, and I go to a community college where we work on cars. I just got my degree in automotive but i'm looking for the cheapest and easiest method, because I want to turbo the engine. Also do you kow of anyone who has a automatic, turboed 240? I'm sure it's possible to do but I don't know of anyonw who has one.

[Hijacker]

the 98 motor would be the best way to go. less miles on it, so you can be assured that it might have less issues down the road with it. Assuming that the owner didn't flog it too badly.

Of course, while it's out o fthe car, you may as well go ahead and do some maintinance on it. like the timing chain. it'll save you grief a few years down the road

i can't remember exactly the differences between the later motors and the earlier DOHC motors, but it's all in the emissions management

[heartofaskyline]

my buddie swapped a 95 de into his 93 hatch and has had trouble with the harness, since some of the plugs dont match or reach. i do agree with just getting a new engine instead of all that. but if you just wana do a headgasket, its only 50 bucks if you install it yourself. not really that hard, just follow the tourque specs!

[biggie]

Since you are in G-boro, hit up Carolinanissans.com There is probably an engine locally to get. And when using a S14 KA in a S13 you need to swap a few things (distributor, intake mani, etc).