l18 block ID

[rinigado]

Trying to figure out if there were l18's with breather tubes exiting up rather than sideways out of the block? If so, is there any other meaningful difference if between the two styles of block?

[datzenmike]

We only got the L18 in late '73 and all of '74 but worldwide it was kept in use up into the mid '80s I think. It probably has the oil filter boss with the four threaded holes around it. Same.

[G-Duax]

Are you trying to clear an aftermarket header, or what?

 

I have a custom fabricated stainless breather tube for the side outlet block, that is made from oval tube, that runs tight against the block, to the rear, then turns 90 degrees past the rear header tube.

Went a different route when I built my vacuum pump evac system, so I don't need it any longer.

My son's L18 is a top outlet, so he doesn't need it.

 

Yours for $16 shipped Priority.

 

[rinigado]

someone had a block for sale, the top exit breather tube confused me. I can't see past the filter in the picture I have, but yeah, looks like 4 raised areas for bolts. thanks Mike.

[Doctor510]

L20B blocks have the top mounted breather tube, several styles

[Crashtd420]

My l16 has a top breather tube too and the 4 holes around the oil filter every other pic I've seen shows it coming out the side. .. had to get creative with my pcv tube too to fit headers....

There similar info in a the engine post

"Just an l16"

[datzenmike]

These top block vent outlets are later castings and would be on import engines.

[Crashtd420]

So when you say it's on import engines what do you mean? My 72 521 truck came from the San Diego area, and numbers say it's the original motor.. so did it maybe not start it's life off in California?..

Weren't all datsuns made in japan?

Can the serial numbers be traced for more information?

still learning, I like information...

[Datsunthug]

Cars/trucks destined for u.s. Had different requirements than cars that stayed in Japan is what he means.

[Crashtd420]

So what maybe the motor was intended to stay in japan?

mines a really later month 71 which Is why I call it a 72.... maybe they ran out of the motors that were build for the US and put the others in towards the end of the production run.

Does that sound kind of right?

[datzenmike]

I think the natural progression on L16/18 was side mount followed later (year unknown) to the top mount... possibly at the same time the L20B came out (which also had the top mount) which was in the '74 610. I don't think both were produced at the same time.

 

By import engine I'm referring to the practice of importing cheap JDM low mileage Nissan engines in the late 70s and 80s. Mechanics found that it was cheaper to replace than rebuild. L16s and L18s were produced long past the times they were sent here. L16s were used at least through '78, the L18 through '81 in Japan and '86 in the middle East. If you have a top mount block breather.... probably it was an import engine.