Hello again, I just got her running again this evening. I was waiting on the starter to be reconditioned since I was last here. Started first turn with a jump start but as soon as I took the jump leads off it started to backfire & miss before stalling. Jump started it again & it ran smooth but as soon as I took of the leads off it started to backfire again and stall. I know the battery is shot but before I done the head gasket it ran smooth after it was jump started? Any ideas guys as to what could be causing this.........

Thanks guys for all the help.... just looking at the link for changing the head gasket. I presume the torque pattern for my A15 is the same as the A12 and the torque spec for tightening I use is the A14 51-54 ft-lb?

This is as clean as I can the block, acceptable? Looks pitted in places but feels smooth.

I had a better look at the head, both ends of the ruler are touching the ends of the head but there seems to be a small gap all the way down so it must be warped. Dont have a feeler gauge so off to the shop next week for a skim......

I used a steel ruler for a straight edge on the head, seemed okay, I'm probably going to get it checked & pressure tested anyway, only cost 60 euros. The same guy will supply me with the gasket. I have a bad feeling that the last time it was done all of the gasket was not removed from the block.

Wont be winning any races with this.............. Worth more in sentimental value to us, I might customise it a bit if I dont much engine problems.




I cleaned the gasket off the head lastnight but there is a lot left on the block, getting it off is no problem but will i do any harm if bits fall into the chambers or galleries?

Better picture of the gasket.....

Thanks guys, I'll see if I can sort a better picture of the gasket in the morning, off to bed for me, big time difference between us

Hi Adam, its a manual... thanks anyway.

Hi all, greetings from Ireland. I have an A15 in an 1986 Nissan Vanette that my father in law gave to me about 5 years ago and I'm now trying to fix here up as they are rare over here these days. The van was parked up for about 4 years but started on the second attempt the other day but I found oil in the rad. The head gasket was done just before he gave it to me but now after its long lay up its acting up again.


I stripped the head to have a better look and the head seems fine, no cracks etc. I found a bit of carbon build up on one of the gasket rings though. I dont think the head was skimmed the last time it was done but I'm hoping you could advise me on where to go from here.

I'm wondering if there is another way these engines can let the water & oil mix. I know very little about engines but would I be right in saying that there is only one way oil can get up into the cam area and thats through one hole in the centre of the head, pic below. and that if the gasket failed here the water & oil could mix?










The gasket didnt look as if it has broken anywhere so I'm guessing the last guy who was a handy man that done the head didnt do it right?








Last picture turned out bad, it was getting dark. Any ideas or opinions are welcome.

Thanks, Rob.