jboulukos

Thanks for this advice! I'll do that!!! Also, where are the 'heat riser manifolds?' I have the gaskets for them.

Is this the same as pre-diluted/ 50/50 coolant?

Thanks! I noticed 2 small cylinders on both ends of the drivers side head bolt holes (seen in picture). Are these just guides to fit the head onto the block?

On previous threads I have read to spray the gasket mating surfaces with ether/starter fluid. Is this appropriate?

The gasket mating surfaces were scraped with clean razor blades and wire brushed.

Pulled off the gasket and found that it was compromised on the last cylinder. The corresponding cylinder did not have water inside but had a slightly different color than the others. Does this look like a classic blown head gasket?

It has it's flaws. Lots of rust covered by bondo and a Maaco paint job. The drivers side floor will get wet if left outside in a decent rain. Not sure if the water comes in through the windshield seal, or via the cowl and an open seam in the firewall or something to that nature. I have a bunch of extra parts from visiting parted out cars and junkyards as a hobby when I lived out in WA. I even found an original intact dash pad for it. I'm just trying to do what everyone else is doing...keeping these cars alive!

I ended up leaving the carb inside and taking the manifold and head out. Pictures to come.

Help. I detached the exhaust and I was just about ready to lift the head with the manifold/carb together when I realized there is one more attachment. It's a small metal cable with rubber hose around it that screws into the firewall and goes to the backside side of the carb. How can I detach this?

It looks like an exact factory match. Where did you have it done?

Thanks Sierra. It has its fair share of rust and bondo but I'm taking good care of her. I'm currently changing the head gasket, slowly. I'll add some interior pics...keeping it stock with the original AM only radio. How's yours running?

Excellent. So I will undo the exhaust pipe and pull it out by hand. Then remove the manifolds from the head. Next, clean the block, bolt holes, cylinder head surface. Then have the head examined and pressure tested. Put gasket on and reassemble. I know the torque specs for head bolts, manifold nuts, rocker arm assembly. And I know the valve clearance measurements, cold and hot. Are there torque specs for the water outlet or just tighten snug with a wrench?

True story! I pulled the thermostat out today. There is no gasket between thermostat and cylinder head, as you've stated. There is only the water outlet gasket.

Head bolts off. Now how to lift out the head with manifold and carb...do I detach the exhaust pipe? If so, how?

What is this metal bracket attached to the passenger side of the cylinder head?

Here's the push rods and head bolts in order.

Is the exhaust pipe attached to the manifolds?

Ok thanks. So I removed the thermostat...had "Nissan" on it so it might be original to the car. I took off the rocker assembly and then did the loosening sequence on the head bolts. Took them off. Now my main question is how to remove the head from the car...with manifolds and carb attached? I took off the top screws to the manifolds however the lower screws are difficult to get to. I'm excited to remove the head and examine it.

Take your time, get a used service manual off eBay for cheap, ask questions on the forum and search for answers here. Most of all, enjoy yourself.

Thanks! What are the lower 2 gaskets seen here? It came with the exhaust and intake gasket I ordered. Might be only used on 79-82 but not certain.

I know the gasket on the right is for the water outlet. Is the gasket on the left to go between head and thermostat?

Can you explain the process of how you sanded and buffed your tail lights?

Excellent Is the thermostat gasket made of rubber?