motor swap

[Cachis562]

hi everyone i havent been active on here but i can really use some help. so my dads 1976 datsun 620 truck broke down the head gasket went out. I want to put a different motor on it but i have never done anything like this if anyone can help me i would really appreciate it. my dad has had this truck over 15 years and i want to keep it please help!

[datzenmike]

Head gaskets are $20 from NAPA.  If you can't change one and get it back on the road, how are you going to swap in a different engine? even with help? Although many interchange the words, motors are electric, air or hydraulic powered..... engines run on chemical fuels.

 

This is an easy fix.

 

If you mean a different stock engine that's a little more work but everything at least fits and bolts up. You are in California so you will need to pass emissions testing. In simple terms only an original L20B engine is allowed in a '76.

[thisismatt]

Geez Mike.  I guess you better tell the Department of MOTOR vehicles they need to change their name.  Actually, wait...I can just tell the cops and CHP to sod off, since I'm not driving a motor vehicle, but in fact an engine vehicle.  Plus, I'm not even a motorist, but an enginist.  Other ones that need fixing include motorhome, motorcycle, Canada's motor vehicle act, motorboat...

 

 

Go to bed, Mike.

[2wheel-lee]

Damn it....I've been using motor oil in my....whatever...

 

Nissan Motor Company

Honda Motor Company

Toyota Motor Corporation

Ford Motor Company

General....what's the second word? Oh yeah...General Motors. 

 

Just to name a few...  :confused:

[datzenmike]

 

Motor is a catch all word for anything that produces motion. But specifically, can be broken down into motor and engine to be more precise. The 620 is a motor vehicle but what powers it is an engine. The Tesla has an electric motor not an electric engine. Trains were powered by steam engines, not steam motors. Car starters are starter motors not starter engines. 

[thisismatt]

So your first statement was false, thanks for clarifying

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Way to stay on topic, boys.

 

To the OP, it really boils down to a couple of things: skill level and budget. Your most cost effective path is going to be repairing the engine and get it back on the road. If you wanted to swap in another L series engine, you will need to find one if similar vintage (for emissions reasons). If you want to scrap everything and modernize the truck with a true motor swap, then start thinking about budget.

 

If you are a capable mechanic and fabricator, motor swaps are no big deal, even here in CA (polarizing topic these days). If you want to avoid the trouble of navigating all the BS here on Ratsun, feel free to contact me directly and I can walk you through the swap process. I would be glad to help, even if it's just info you want.

[Cachis562]

hahaha i know the head gasket is cheap and easy but i wanted to take this oppertunity to look into motor swaps and changing those front drums to disk brakes. im going to change gasket in a few weeks when i have time. i have a book to help me also.

[flatcat19]

Motor is a catch all word for anything that produces motion.

 

 

My Fleshlight does this...?

[datzenmike]

hahaha i know the head gasket is cheap and easy but i wanted to take this oppertunity to look into motor swaps and changing those front drums to disk brakes. im going to change gasket in a few weeks when i have time. i have a book to help me also.

 

Just in case.....

 

If you don't know about securing the timing chain tensioner do NOT remove the cam sprocket to take the head off until you do. It's easy to do but a failure will cost you 4-6 hours of extra work.

 

Another trick is to take the head off and on with the intake and the exhaust attached. Saves time and a whole lot of bother and none of the studs get broken.

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Yes, both good tips.

[flatcat19]

Just in case.....

 

If you don't know about securing the timing chain tensioner do NOT remove the cam sprocket to take the head off until you do. It's easy to do but a failure will cost you 4-6 hours of extra work.

 

Another trick is to take the head off and on with the intake and the exhaust attached. Saves time and a whole lot of bother and none of the studs get broken.

 

And if you happen to drop the chain and need to remove the whole timing cover...there is a small 10mm bolt hidden behind the oil pump.

[racerx]

hahaha i know the head gasket is cheap and easy but i wanted to take this oppertunity to look into motor swaps and changing those front drums to disk brakes. im going to change gasket in a few weeks when i have time. i have a book to help me also.

...your all over the map, just get it running with head gasket replacement and pass smog....

[datzenmike]

My Fleshlight does this...?

 

 If battery powered it's an electric motor. If 50:1 gas oil mix it's an engine.