1986 z31 Non-Turbo in Odenville, AL

[monkbonk]

I've had my 1986 300zx since December 29 of 2009. In that time, I've completed a VG30e engine swapover form a 1987 Maxima (picked that one up for $250).



Old pic. I've come a long way since then (I've even got jackstands now).




Old pics still.. I did some amateur engine detail.

It's currently running/driveable. I've finished corrected ECU codes. So far, the only problems I'm butting heads with is
1) injector tick (not lifter tick, mind you)
2) bit of an overheating problem

I've been meaning to take a video of the car running, so I guess I'll do that soon. I've replaced the following thusfar:
MAF
Injectors (altogether with FPR)
Starter
Engine (had 114k from Maxi)
Timing Belt
Camshaft seals, Rear Main seal, Oil Pan seal
Headgaskets (forgot to inspect exhaust studs prior to putting the engine in)
Waterpump/thermostat/ more gaskets (Ishino/Stone)
Sparkplugs/cap/rotor
Vacuum hoses
Dash (from pullapart, not installed yet)

[AUtigers370z]

Welcome to the board :oldman:


Look forward to seeing finished pics!

[1_BAD_Z]

:+1::welcome:

[NissanEgg]

Welcome.
Overheating common problems for the Z31 are air pockets in coolant, bad radiator, bad water pump and/or clutch driven fan attached to the water pump.

I have a 86 Turbo that I am resto-modding. Hit me up if you need diagnostic assistance or help finding parts. I'm in Auburn and make somewhat frequent trips to Birmingham.

[monkbonk]

Thanks.

I've been to pullapart in Birmingham, and it looks like their z31 selection has been pretty well picked over. Right now, I'm only in need of some cosmetic parts. My car was originally white, so it has the red interior.

I'm not going to do too much with it but would like to fix some interior pieces up - starting with my rear carpet mat and driver's seat. perhaps a hood later on.

Here's a video of the car running. I'd mute it once I get to the closeup of the engine bay (if I were you guises). My camera isn't that great/starts making popping noises.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7DN2PKmwus

I've been troubleshooting the cooling system for at least 3 weeks. I am starting to mistrust my temperature sensor b/w spark plugs 1 and 3.

[04LemansZ]

:welcome:

[rh_334]

.

[ExtaZ33]

Welcome to the forums. I live right down the street from you in Springville.

[monkbonk]

Springville's pretty nice. I always get off the Springville/Odenville exit from i-59. My family also prefers Springville Walmart as opposed to the one in Leeds.

Then there's the Homestead Hollow event.
pretty intense

[ExtaZ33]

Springville's pretty nice. I always get off the Springville/Odenville exit from i-59. My family also prefers Springville Walmart as opposed to the one in Leeds.

Then there's the Homestead Hollow event.
pretty intense

Haha, man I'm addicted to funnel cakes and pretty much all the food there. That walmart is the nicest one around! I would drive from the parking lot of the Trussville one just to avoid it. Maybe we can get up for a test drive one day. :driving2:

[monkbonk]

Sounds good.

I need to work on my cooling system. Been looking to buy/borrow one of those infared temperature guns to check the accuracy of my dash gauge.

[monkbonk]

I fizzed it. My dash temperature gauge is grossly inaccurate. Verified that my temps are less than 169 degrees Farenheit within a 7 mile trip. That's with 100% tapwater (need to get me some antifreeze).

I'm road ready. :-)

[NissanEgg]

Tap water is horrible for iron blocks, even with antifreeze mixed in. Makes the particles in the water come out and starts the electrolysis process much sooner.

[monkbonk]

Yeah, I still need to pick up some antifreeze. I haven't been driving the car much, but when I had done the initial flush about three months ago there was a healthy gloop of what looked like mud making it's way out of the radiator. I've gotten most of the rust out, I think.

I've read that people shouldn't use distilled water in their cooling systems either though, but there was no ending explanation to it. (az_bums website).

After stopping from a driving speed of about 55-60mph, I checked my upper radiator hose temp and my gun red 150.9 F.

I'm going to have the car inspected (out of state car) and tagged within the next two weeks.