That's not a good sign ... use force to get the plug out, but it may ruin the threads. If the compression is OK you can "heli-coil" the threads.

yeah thats what i thought. Im going to take the head off anyway.. so i should be able to see how much damage there is. hehe. it felt like a lot :(

i took the head off, and it dont look good. a valve has gone through a piston and the top of the cylinder (the part thats in the head where the valves come out) is all fekked up. Only the piston head is wrecked, from what i can see the rod underneath that connects the piston head to the crankshaft looks fine. So going on that..

1. does it cost less to fix just one cylinder as opposed to four.

2. can you put more metal onto the head?

3. would i be better doing somethin else?

Get a good used Fiat engine -- a bigger one ... make this problem into an advantage.

Keep in mind that we are Datsun fans here, and may not know much about Fiats.

The fiat TC is rated as one of the best 4 cylinders of all time and its was made almost 40years ago. They all have a forged chro-moly crank rods and some even pistons, they are a die cast block way ahead of any car company (recently nissan finally released one) A fiat body never deserved this beautiful creation but if youre going to go for the 1600 use a regatta 100s high comp engine with its 43.5 inlets and 36 exhausts which will take 49mm inlets along with 40 exhausts.
For those who arent aware unlike champions like the Riggoli family check out
http://www.ele.tut.fi/~vvieri/tc/8v_e.htm
This is the non-pollution twin cam engine we have been missing out on. An a company in sydney is now importing the 16valve versions complete front cuts which can be used without pollution gear as externally they are almost exactly the same as their pre 1976 non pollution type with a little modding to some accessories brackets and the plugs cover plate or the fitting a modded 8 valve cover on the 16v head.
These front cuts are about 2500 bucks but imagine no computer, cat or other plumbing and 200h rear wheel hp with twin carbs!
Feral tell me what you think of this old technology
http://www.ele.tut.fi/~vvieri/tc/TCpage.htm[/url]
and the 16valver
http://www.ele.tut.fi/~vvieri/tc/16v_e.htm
Remember this engine unlike any other can be fitted without any of the setbacks of other modern engine that appeared 30 years later. Its die cast lightweight and the 8 valver can be had as easy as the town bike. For Although no Nissan where do you think the lesser powered ca18 and toyota twin cams originated from??
Also guys check the starting page
[url=http://www.ele.tut.fi/~vvieri/tc/TCpage.htm]

Oh no where sorrounded by closet FAIT freaks

nah, havent had much experience with em myself and all i know is they rust easy

good luck with ya fiat dude

Talking about the engine and yes this comment or essays posted for those like you mate who dont know bout them.
Its good to have your eyes opened a little.

I hate Fiat bodies!!!! but the engine in the Riggoli 1200 ute is the one of the main reasons it been so popular thanks to an original design twin cam from an ex-ferrari designer. Its good to be open minded otherwise wed all be driving chevs.
or twin turbo 1200 utes! (you mad bastard)

Dont ever insult me liking rusty fiats

FIATman
Generally speaking, you are streets ahead if you stick with the parent manufacturer of your car. [any car] If this foreign manufacturer produces a good, larger engine within the same engine family, or a version that is close, then that is usually the most practical & cost effective way to go.
Many of the responses here seem to sing the praises of one of this companies offerings, so i would say that you should listen to their wise councel & avoid a major engineering job adapting something else if what you need is available.

Costs?
Just take your worst nightmare,... double it, & call it a deposit. If it comes in at a lower figure, then take a couple of your saved dollars, buy a cola, & calebrate. [Then sell it & go buy a Datsun 1000, 1200, or 120Y because this is what we all seem to prefer on this site ]
Chris