Hi guys I'm Ando and I'm currently stripping down my a12 engine for a complete rebuild.
I have a 73 1200 sedan which I have spent the last 3 years cleaning up and have finally had it painted a ford falcon purple it's also got jelly bean mags.
The engine has bad blow by and a serious knock so it's definetly in need for a freshen up.
Does anyone have any advice or could share any tips on rebuilding these engines?
I'm a noob sorry lol but very keen to learn
Thanks in advance

Hey Ando,

id say the first step would be to get yourself a workshop manual for the a12 which will probably prove to be the most helpful tool
when it comes to rebuilding the engine, also dont be shy to share some pics of your build!

good luck

Thanks Ange, i have been searching on google for a free PDF manual but not having much luck, don't suppose anyone has a link?.
I've never worked on a car motor before but I have changed the piston rings on my motorbike a couple of times so I think I have a fair understanding of an engine, well enough to get me started anyway lol

keep a look out on ebay, they often pop up there

I have a spare "Datsun 1200" Worksop manual, it's quite used, but still fit for purpose. Send me a pm if you are interested.

Cheers

I have a couple of Manuals in PDF from somewhere, If you PM me your email I'll send you them.

they are scans of the manuals, so not brilliant but pretty good for free.

Thanks fellas I ended up going to the library in my lunch break today and surprisingly they had the one I need, hardest part will be trying to keep it clean lol.
Does anyone know if it's ok to use emery tape and hone the bores by hand or do I have to lash out on expensive equipment? My mate told me I should put the block in a tub of acid but I can't exactly remember why, something to do with finding cracks, I grabbed 10 old batteries from behind a second hand tyre shop after work today just need to find a suitable tub to pour the battery acid in from the old batteries.

Lightweight block coming up!

I don't think it's a good idea to put your block in acid like you describe. I don't think it's safe either.

Just give it a good wash. Personally I'd use Diesel or Kerosene or Petrol and a tooth brush for the oily bits, for the coolant side of things just back flush with clean water till the water coming out is clean.

You can buy a honing tool for ~$30- to go in your drill if a hone is all that it needs. The members here can probably help a bit more if you put up some photos as you're stripping it down. The best way to tell if the block needs a hone or a re-bore is to measure it (the service manual should say how to do that). You'd be better off doing nothing than using emery paper by hand in the bore. That just won't work.

Good luck and happy learning.

ok thanks lamb, yeah my mate said I'm a dumbass for grabbing those batteries apparently it's not the right kind of acid, worst part is one leaked badly in the boot of my dads new falcon and kind of wrecked the carpet a bit. Oops