Okay this post may seem like the blinding obvious, but remember I'm still pretty new to do this engine work game!
I've managed to line up a recondtioned A12 for NZ$60, that's right $60! The guy is going to help me install it as I won't be in my home town, actually for those that know NZ I'll be in Christchurch, 400km from where I am now (Dunedin) and 400km from my hometown (Nelson).
I was wondering if anyone has any tips for what to watch for, don't worry about how basic it seems, as everything is useful info!
Any info would be much appreciated!
Cheers Will

This might sound stupid to some!
But I always keep an eye out for stray lightening bolts!

( you can never be to careful!)

LOL!

( Remember to smile and laugh when working on Datsuns!!!!!!!!)

I fyou have a video camera it might be a good idea to video tape the contents of your engine bay quickly before you take the engine out as you might not rememebr which way things go back in. Sounds stupid. But it does save alot of guessing.

Also make sure you have a whole lot of sealable little plastic bags to put all nuts and bolts in and then use a PERMANENT marker to write what the nuts adn bolts were for.

And finally make sure that all nuts and bolts are tightened before driving.
If you think the ohter bloke has done it then make sure and check yourself as well... Hate it when you both assume the other guy has done it and like your ngine or radiator or something falls out.

Oh yeah another thing. Make sure you also have all oils and radiator fliuid and filters adn stuff ready too...

Right, thanks for the advice! I was wonderig about gaskets, what will I need and does anyone know whereabouts I can get them in NZ?

Sump side down
you would be surprised how many people this tricks up

Seriously though. Keep a roll of masking tape and a pen handy so you can label all the wires and pipes etc so you dont miss reconnecting any.

As far as gasket set go, I dont know where in NZ to get them, but Nispares in Oz has a good special on at the moment. Full gasket set for A12 for Aus$33 (probably about $400 kiwi dollars ). they are at www.nispares.com.au . They might freight to you.

Hope this helps
Cheers
Wayne

So the sump is the blueish coloured bit, right?!
But seriously, what bits does anyone reckon I should keep off my engine?
Has anyone done a twin carb set up with the standard carbs?
Space is at a bit of a premium because I'm taking me and two mtes gear from a year away from home back to Nelson, so unfortunately taking the whole block isn't really going to be an option!

Hey Will - aren't you supposed to be studying this time of year!? $60 for a reco 1200 is a great price - just remember there are reco's and then there are reco's. From what we know of your car it sounds as though you have already have a good, standard A12 in there. Before I swapped out a good motor I'd want to know what has been done to the one going in so that I didn't end up with a grenade. You could have the reco motor shipped home or down to uni (do they still have the car club garage just off campus?- used to be able to work on cars there back of Clubs and Societies building?) If the reco is a good motor then you could build it into a race engine and swap it in. If you have any details about the 'new' motor then post them so we can give them the once over for you. And keep your original block if you do swap on the way up to Nelson - gives you a cheap backup if something blows. I once bought a Sedan from Christchurch with a reco'ed A12 that 'had never been run in' - hope you're not dealing with the same guy!! His nickname was Fonzie and he drove a black big block Ford - I should have taken that as a warning but I was blinded by that Datsun needing a new home - 1st and only Sedan I ever owned.

Hmmmmmmm maybe you're right?! Maybe I should be studying, well i've done my first 3 and only Physics to go which should be a breeze (hopefully!) we'll see on Tuesday.
Here's the info on the engine, as well as this one he was selling one with a blown head gasket.

He runs some business that audits gaming machines and looks quite clean cut, but maybe that's how he made his money, ripping off poor students.
Complete engine in good working order. Reconditioned a few years back (bored,rings,bearings)but less than 10,000 kms travelled on it. Project abandoned. No receipts available unfortunately, but will stand by it or money back.


auction closed: 10:32 pm, Sat 26 Oct



Bidding History

The reserve price was: $45.00
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amount date time bidder
$61.00 26 Oct 8:56 pm mr_willyt (12)
$60.00 25 Oct 8:10 am jizim (4)
$50.00 25 Oct 8:09 am eldee47 (1)
$45.00 23 Oct 11:43 pm eldee47 (1)

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Comments on this auction
Hmmmmmmmm long shot but here goes, I'm going to be in ChCh on the 8th/9th of november, the engine in my Datsun 1200 is getting a bit shoddy (smokey), woudld you be able to help me install the engine?! I would be happy to pay you at a fee that we could agree on, I'm living in Dunedin and I'm going to back to Nelson so yeah. Cheers Will posted by: mr_willyt (12) 2:18 pm, Tue 22 Oct
Wow, what a long shot. Could be possible but my weekends are very busy. It would cost another $70.00 to install, my not be me doing it, but I could probably get someone else. Let me know if you are really that interested.

I'm very keen at that price, I'll be in ChCh late on the 5th, I can be there for a few days! As you can tell I'm keen, well as trade me won't let me leave my number, if you give me the okay i'll start bidding away. Cheers Will posted by: mr_willyt (12) 1:31 am, Wed 23 Oct
I'm sorry, the person I had in mind can't do it that weekend, and neither can I.

Seller Comment: There is also a clutch already attached to the flywheel, can't tell how much wear is left, but from what I can see it is good. And if I haven't mentioned it already, it comes with the standard carby and both manifolds, distributor, alternator, plugs and leads.

Seller Comment: Will from Dunedin. I think I've found someone else who can help you put the engine in, let me know if you are still interested in bidding now that the reserve has been exceeded. If you are, I will confirm asap.

Gee am I glad that I came back on the off chance! I'm very keen! Sorry if I've left it a bit late, I only just came online. Because you're unlikely to be able to reply I'll start bidding! posted by: mr_willyt (12) 8:55 pm, Sat 26 Oct
Ok, I've had it confirmed that we can put the engine in for you next weekend if you are the successful bidder. Best of luck!

If I think it's worth it, I'll borrow my Dads ute (Actually it's a Datsun too, a 720 kingcab which he's had from new with 120,000ks!) once I get back home, and drive my block back to Nelson.

Yeah the garage is still there, It costs $3 to use the winch and their gear, now that I'm getting a bit more serious I might have to use it next year.
I'm looking forward to the summer, having an income and a fully equiped garage (eg. winch, lathe and just about everything else), and a fountain of knowledge on old cars which I'm trying to absorb!

Hi there Will,
Just a nother thought, when the new engine is in and ready to be fired up for the first time, it would be a good idea to remove the coil lead (so there is no spark) and crank the engine over untill the oil light goes out. Then you will know the engine has oil pressure before it is started.

Hey will,

Yep Auckland boy here...

With regards to the gaskets i bought a complete set for my a12 a few years ago from Repco they still stock them i'm pretty sure.
The actual guys who make them are ACL NZ, might be able to track down a distributor for these guys in SI too...

Cheers