Help Me Make A List of To-Dos while the Engine Is Pulled?

[hovdat]

Hello folks, can you all help me create a list of things I should do while the engine and trans from my '77 5-speed KC 620 are out and up on a stand?

 

I put in a new clutch (but I think the throwout bearing is the wrong height--who remembers what that is supposed to be, 225mm?), but that was by just dropping the tranny, and I would REALLY like to not repeat that process again.

 

I think a main bearing inside the tranny is making a whooshing sound, so that's on my list, as is replacing the rear main seal on the engine. And hopefully figuring out the clutch issue--slave cylinder rod too long maybe.

 

But while it's out what else should I do while I have convenient access to everything? I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts and thanks in advance for helping to get another KC out on the road again!

 

Hovey from Albuquerque

[datzenmike]

The throw out or release bearings are the same but the collar or housing that holds them are different. If just replacing your clutch, the old collar should be the correct one. The slave push rod can't be the wrong length unless you replaced it. Without knowing all that you have done I can't say.

 

The rear main seal only needs replacing if there is oil leakage. It's more likely that the oil pan gasket is the cause and even more likely that the valve cover gasket is leaking down from the back and above. If the engine is not out yet power wash the oil off and let dry. Run he engine and watch to see where the oil is leaking.

 

Counter bearing wear is a growling sound. If it doesn't growl in 4th but does in all other gears... it's the counter bearing. Whooshing sound? with engine off try to turn the clutch fan blades. The should turn smoothly with firmness but not be loose. If very tight or seized this is the whooshing sound you hear.

[difrangia]

Get the radiator cooked out and pressure tested.

 

Locate replacements and change-out heater hoses.

 

Replace the tailshaft/driveshaft seal.

 

replace throwout arm dust bellows. (available from Nissan)

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Perfect time to spray the engine bay down with some Purple Power and pressure wash it off.  Purple Power will even get the grit out of the paint, so instead of rattle canning the engine bay black, like so many Datsun owners do, clean it instead. Even if there's a little rust or whatever, original paint is always better than crappy paint from a rattle can.

 

I hate a dirty engine bay.

[datzenmike]

...sprayed all over the brake lines, brake booster, rad, VR, coil, harness........

[captain720]

...sprayed all over the brake lines, brake booster, rad, VR, coil, harness........

Are you saying it's bad to spray purple power on everything or paint on everything?

 

Cause paint in everything is nasty, but does purple power destroy rubber and wires?

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

No, I think he's saying that paint overspray on those items looks like crap.

[captain720]

No, I think he's saying that paint overspray on those items looks like crap.

I wholeheartedly agree

[hovdat]

These are great ideas, everyone. Keep 'em coming! What are the things you WISHED you would have done while it was pulled?

[hovdat]

And no, I won't be spraying the engine bay black, Datsun Mechanic, I am definitely more of the "stock" type. Like, I found myself Googling where get vintage-looking "trim-line" graphics my '77 KC came with (assuming I re-paint someday). That kind of owner.

[KELMO]

Like everybody else said....take advantage and do some cleaning.  Also might climb into the engine bay and do some close inspection on stuff and see if there are thing you need/want to replace that will be easier without the engine installed.  Might even get underneath just for grins.

 

 

 

Oh, and hey there Duke city guy.

[thisismatt]

Clean out the cowl drain

[thisismatt]

Clean out the cowl drain

 

Err, I was thinking 510...but clean the cowl drain if the 620 has one  :confused:

[BambooU]

Yeah cleaning is a big thing to do, especially on a driver. I'm currently compiling my own list for this summer when I swap the l16 for an 18. 

 

-deep clean (I'm using a gunk remover for steering box and such) 

-brake line straightening (may reroute as well)

-clean out my crossmember

-replace rad. hoses that are cracked and worn out. 

-new rubber on motor mounts. 

-catch can (needs motor though)

-plug up firewall holes and things

-prep for new stearing linkage

-About 500 other little things

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

If it's possible during the build, I like to remove all the carpet and spray it down with a cleaner, then hang it up and pressure wash it. This has to be done in summer when it's hot enough to dry it out.

 

I also remove all the HVAC ducting and clean that out, along with the heater box, door panels, kick panels, any other panels, handles, dash, steering wheel, etc. Old cars get stinky inside and a deep cleaning usually does the trick.

 

I know it's got nothing to do with the engine bay, just thought I'd share.

[Lockleaf]

The stuff Stoff is suggesting might sound intimidating (I'm not sure of your skill level) but in reality, the entire dash assembly and all the stuff under the dash can be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled in a Saturdays worth of work, even if you are unsure of everything.