Hello,
I am new to the world of Datsun engines.
I just installed a used A14 in a MG Midget, install was no problem.
after install, I started it with no rad hooked up and ran it for about 30 seconds.
Engine sounded fine so I figured i would move on and complete the install.
Filled Rad with water, started engine and within 2 mins I had water/oil coming out of the breather tube on valve cover.
immediately shut her down and drained crankcase to find about 2 gallons of water/oil.
what you all think... head gasket or timing cover/waterpump?
thank you
Radny

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Wow! Almost certainly a head gasket.

I've never seen (nor heard of) the timing cover/water pump causing this on the A-series. Certainly that has happened with some other engine designs.

Another water passage crossover could be in the intake manifold but again it has never been reported (and likely the engine would not run well if that was the cause).

So head gasket is most likely. I had this problem with a PS (Printo-Seal) head gasket.

i am just baffled with the amount of water that it put in crank case in such a short amount of time.
the oil and filter that was in the engine prior to install looked like it had been in there for a few thousand miles.
what would cause a HG to blow after sitting for a few years?
i did not have the hoses hooked up to the intake, rerouted them to heat core.
Randy

> what would cause a HG to blow after sitting for a few years?

Good question. 30 seconds of running w/o water should be fine.

the engine never even got warm to the touch when i ran it prior to adding water
Randy

oh well, i wanted to tear the engine down and paint it anyway.
If i find some crazy reason other than HG i will post it.
thank you for the help.
Randy

Show us your radiator pipes, thats alot of water, are you sure you didnt pump it into the oil breather?

Perhaps years ago when it was last run it was fine, but then sat with water in it and froze, cracking the block. In that case it could run 'fine' but still have a water leak.

I have seen the Heads corrode from sitting for years, and the timing covers also, more than likely to need welding or replacing the head when you get it off, show us the pics...
the A12 I remember you could fit your thumb in the hole that corroded in the head... I will dig up a picture..