Cali79zx

I can't seem to get this damn bolt broken loose. Any suggestions on: 1) How to keep the engine from turning? and 2) How to break it loose period?

Btw, the engine is still in the car, not taken out.


Thanks for the help

NismoPick

The easiest way is to use an impact gun.

You can also put it in 5th gear, pull the ebrake, have someone standing on the brakes, and have the wheels chalked, while you use a breaker bar and "cheater bar" extension.

You can also do it the slightly more dangerous way of wedging the breaker bar / cheater bar against the ground, or hold it against the frame, and give the motor a quick start with the key (COIL WIRE TO DIZZY UNPLUGGED OF COURSE).

Cali79zx

What if its an automatic transmission?

NismoPick

Then put it in DRIVE / 3rd gear... and do the same steps. I would hope that you got the general idea of putting as much resistance as possible to the drive train... so you can put that much resistance into breaking the bolt loose. Get it?

Cali79zx

Got it. Thank you

Cali79zx

So I am running into another problem. I can't get the engine to stop turning. I have taken all the steps Nismo suggested and the engine just keeps turning. Do I have a whole other problem or what? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks

NismoPick

I take it you didn't try the impact gun nor cranking the engine methods?

280zx2by2

Yeah I tried putting mine in 5th-1st, reverse everything. I had to use an impact.

280zx2by2

He might not have an impact gun and he might have the timing chain/sprocket off of the cam as I do.

Only leaves the (go buy or borrow an) impact gun option.

Cali79zx

I don't have an impact gun and the entire reason I have to do this is because the timing chain lost slack and the tensioner came off. So I can't turn the engine over right now.

280zx2by2

Well unless you can locate an impact you might be screwed...

The haynes manual says something about using a flywheel locker but I have never used one.

NismoPick

Impact gun is the only option, unless you have a spare tensioner. If you do, use the starter to break it loose.

The last resort method would be to drop the oil pan & wedge a 2x4 block between one of the crank arms and the engine block wall so the crank can't turn. This is the last resort because the oil pan is a beetch to get off on the 280zx.

Cali79zx

Alright, well I just tried to wedge the breaker bar and crank it over...

and some how managed to crack the entire bottom half of the front cover off.

hahaha. and the bolt still isn't broken. Pick n Pull here I come.

I'm just gonna invest in an impact wrench. Thanks for the help guys.

Btw, one of my friends suggested a swap with the sr20det. Good idea or no?

NismoPick

You wedged it on the timing cover??????? As I stated above, only wedge it on the ground or frame.

As for the SR20DET... NO.

Cali79zx

lol is there any way to even wedge it to the timing cover???
I wedged it to the frame. I honestly don't know how the timing cover cracked.

If you were to swap the motor, what would u suggest Nismo?

NismoPick

Wow... I'm amazed that the timing cover cracked.

The SR20DET or KA24DE(T) works well in an S30 (240z-280z) body, not a 280zx body. Watch this video for the reason why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SmelhOoS1g

For the 280zx, keep it inline-six, either an L28ET, L31 Stroker, or RB26DETT (if you have gobs of $ to spend).

Cali79zx

Alright, well I got the pulley bolt off so that's good lol. Just need to order a new timing cover and I'm good to go.

280zx2by2

Or go V8-V6...

I personally would go VG or VQ for a v6, FI 302 for a V8.

L6 = over rated, who really needs near perfect harmonic balance when you get most of your HP/TQ at low rpm?

audiofreak97

I used a strap wrench on the crank pully, along with putting it in gear, parking brake and chocked the tires. Worked without too much fighting... Sucks you had to break stuff to get yours off.

Cali79zx

Yeah it does suck it broke lol, but I ordered the new timing cover today so it should be here in a few days. Will post a pic of the timing cover tomorrow

thetremendousti

where did you order one from? I hot tanked my front cover and had to get a used one for $80 how much and where with you?

Cali79zx

I ordered mine form zcarsource. Thats the only place I could find. It was used and it cost me 160. Ordered it last night. Its coming from phoenix so it should be here in a few days

NismoPick

Ouch! $160?

Late news... but maybe use this info next time. You could have scored one from a junk yard (most likely already pulled) for $35-$50.

www.car-parts.com

1979
Timing Cover
Nissan 280Z/280ZX 09038 $50 One Way Auto Salvage USA-CA(Alhambra) Request_Quote 1-626-289-5696 Request_Insurance_Quote
1982
Timing Cover
6960 $50 Standard Auto Recycling USA-CA(Chula-Vista) E-mail 1-619-426-1166
1981
Timing Cover
Nissan 280Z/280ZX 440207 $40 Merrell's Auto Dismantling, Inc. USA-CA(San-Bernandino) Request_Quote 1-909-888-4768 Request_Insurance_Quote
1974
Timing Cover
Nissan 260Z 09080 $35 One Way Auto Salvage USA-CA(Alhambra) Request_Quote 1-626-289-5696 Request_Insurance_Quote
1980
Timing Cover
3380 $35 Standard Auto Recycling USA-CA(Chula-Vista) E-mail 1-619-426-1166

Cali79zx

Wow hahaha well I guess next time I will check those places out XD

Cali79zx

So I had to show everyone this picture



I can thank this to the brillant Datsun designers lol



Woots lmao.