Just got the call from the mechanic

[TheKryptKeeper]

I blew a head gasket. I replaced the head gasket. I had the head milled .031 in and the valves compression tested. I didn't shim the head and instead settled on raising my compression. I put it back together and cranked it by hand to ensure that the valves didn't touch. They didn't.

I cranked it over and it didn't start. I did a compression test and every one of the cylinders was at 40psi exactly. That's when I saw that my timing was off by one tooth. I fixed that and cranked it and it didn't start. I now had 50-5-5-45 psi respectivly.

I ran out of ideas and equipment to check. So I towed it down to the mechanic to be diagnosed. They just called and told me that I had 50-42-35-25psi respectivly. They got an 83% leakdown on all cylinders, 1 and 3 intake, 2 and 4 exhaust. They say it's either my timing, or my valves are bent.

I had my valves checked and I'm pretty sure that my timing is on. (I stuck a straw into #1 and watched the valves open and close in time; they're dead on).

My question:

What the hell?

Thanks,Krypt

[TheKryptKeeper]

I went down to the shop and they told me that they don't really know what the problem is. The next step for them would be to take off the timing cover and check the timing, which would be a $1270 dollar job. Basically, it was a waste of my time.

Has anyone else ever had this kind of problem?

Krypt

P.S. How much does a ka24de cost?

[TheKryptKeeper]

Anybody?

Some suggestion besides a 7.62 to the block?

[shotzi]

you really should have used modeling clay on top of ur pistons to inshure clearance. any time u move the head closer it is a good idea to.

[TheKryptKeeper]

I rotated the crank around by hand with no spark plugs in and it rotated just fine. I figured that I would hear/feel some resistance, but it was like butter.

[LayNLow240]

sounds like your timing is off. are you 100% sure that your head was set to TDC for cyl #1? and the block was set to TDC also? if everything you have said is true, then that can be the only problem.

[TheKryptKeeper]

Can someone tell me the steps for setting the timing. I have done it on 4 cars without issue and read the manual a couple times, but maybe I really am an idiot and just aren't doing it right.

I hope so. I want this problem to end.

Krypt

[LayNLow240]

plesae search. it has been covered before many times. i think its even in the 240sx.org article section.

[drift donkey]

240edge.com go to tech manuals section and follow those instuctions buddy. I usually stick a long screw driver in the #1 cyl. so I can watch TDC.1270.00 to take of the valve cover is ****en insane. I would find another mechanic

[TheKryptKeeper]

I have looked at the articles and have done timing before. I did the screwdriver in the cylinder trick and it looks perfect. I can check it out again, but I'm pretty sure that it's right.

It was 1200 to remove the entire upper and lower chain cover. I don't know why the lower would need to be moved. If I have the number one cylinder on TDC, then set it to the timing marks, then it should be fine.

The mechanic said that the tensioner is probably causing it to be off. ???

The tensioner doesn't make that much difference does it? It was just fine when I took it off, what's the difference?

[slidethe40]

get a buddy with the same engine, and pull the valve cover off and look at the timing marks on the crank pully , while being tdc. and just line the cam gears up. make sure the cams are some what close to the rite angles as your buddies.eh i dunno that is what i did with my sr when i threw the chain like an idiot.

[Cameron]

ok dude, dont even f*** with paying them to replace it just buy a new ka24de motor with transmission, uncut wiring harness, ecu for 100-300 bucks... just dont even mess with them working on it..

-Cam

[TheKryptKeeper]

Any idea where I can get one?

There isn't exactly fruitful pickings in new mexico.

The ONE motor I have maneged to find is owned by a guy that will let it go for 2000, because it's such a rare performance engine.

What a steal!

I'm gonna get the car out of the shop tomorrow and take it to my buddy's.

Krypt

[ka24dave]

Any idea where I can get one?

There isn't exactly fruitful pickings in new mexico.

The ONE motor I have maneged to find is owned by a guy that will let it go for 2000, because it's such a rare performance engine.

What a steal!

I'm gonna get the car out of the shop tomorrow and take it to my buddy's.

Krypt

be wary... dont jump on the first motor you see because its flashy. just a warning.

[TheKryptKeeper]

Still, does anyone know of anyone selling?

[My RB25]

If you get a used motor, I highly suggest you do the timing job that mechanic was talking about. He was basically selling you the timing job. It's soooo much easier when the engine is out of the car, trust me.

Plus you'll save hundreds of dollars by switching to I mean by doing it yourself.

[TheKryptKeeper]

Maybe, i'm gonna try and re time it one more time.

And New Jersey does have some good drift spots.

Pennsylvania :-)

[Florida240sx]

Probably cam timing.