Rebuilding the KA24E is next

[ManzanoNissan]

For four years I've been project fixing my 1991 D21 4x4 truck as a restoration on the frame and now I'm at the final big fix, the engine.

It's toast. The head has a ticking sound, overall compression is awful and cylinder 4 has pooched compression rings with a 58psi rating so it has to be rebuilt. I'm decided two things:

1) after reading/researching I've decided to have the machine shop do the fitting of the rings/bearings etc and slap it all back together instead of my buying a kit. I thought the process would be fun/learning but since researching I've come to understand the machine shop will have better parts/better price than a kit and having the engine perform like a monster is more important to me vs enjoying slapping together the engine with substandard parts. So I'll pull the engine, strip it and deliver it and have them do the rest.

2) I'm painting the engine when done. Not sure what color though.

That's the plan so far but this is my first time so if you've got anything to throw my way for consideration, let me know. What engine color would you use? Anything I should be tackling when the engine is out of it's bay?

[VStar650CL]

I'm kind of fond of the teal blue they used on the L16 510's way back when. Pontiac Blue is pretty close.

There are plenty of KA guys here who know more about rebuilding them than I do, so I won't offer specific suggestions. However, generically, anything rubber that's hard to get at with the engine in place should be a hard yes.

[Niti QX4]

Sounds like you have a great plan!

[ManzanoNissan]

I'm kind of fond of the teal blue they used on the L16 510's way back when. Pontiac Blue is pretty close.

There are plenty of KA guys here who know more about rebuilding them than I do, so I won't offer specific suggestions. However, generically, anything rubber that's hard to get at with the engine in place should be a hard yes.

Thanks V. I like the teal blue too! That was my first pick. I searched the L16 510 to get a look and geez is that a window pane in the carburetor? That's wild!
The plan was to replace the motor mounts. I'll do the cab mounts at the same time. But when I pull it, I'll definitely do a thorough scan for anything else that should/can be replaced while it's out. Good point.

[VStar650CL]

Yep, the electric Hitachi's had a window for the float. Some motorcycle carbs had them back in those days too, although they were usually little sight-glasses and not a picture window. Guys go nuts with those old L16's putting quad side-drafters on them, usually Webers or Mikunis. Those cars were the '57 Chevys of the riceburner set. Gotta love it.