Hi Ethan,

If it was quiet before the timing belt broke, and then noisy after "reconditioning" then the mechanic missed something. One of the rockers could have been bent in the mishap. E-series is OHC but uses a rocker shaft.

If the engine requires:
* Head to be fixed for noise
* Rings
* Bearings
Then YES, I agree find another engine and swap it in.

E15ET is a desirable engine, and many have been swapped into Datsun 1200. Your newer Sunny will like it too. The safest method is to buy a Super Saloon -- you can test it and drive it before you buy -- and sell your Sunny. Or you can swap the engine in, but there are many parts involved and if you have to pay a mechanic to do it you should have 100% confidence in him.

Hey guys....

I know this is not exactly a Datsun, but I do have one! This Sunny is my wife's daily driver, and has a couple of engine troubles...

A bit of background on this car:
The company I worked for bought this car with a leaking water pump. It was changed but the engine wasn't even given an oil change. After a couple of months, the timing belt snapped when I was driving it & bent a couple of valves. I had the head recon'd & the mechanic that put the engine back together said that it needs rings, bearings & seals. Apparently the bore was still ok , had no lip.

Where my problem comes in is with the way the engine sounds. I know that these engines idle very quietly when is perfect condition. This one sounds like something is loose... The mechanic tried tightening the rockers? followers? then the engine wouldn't start/run. When he loosened them again, it started up. He said it could be worn followers or a worn camshaft. The sound speeds up/slows down with the engine speed & sounds like: prrrrrrrrr!

I'm planning on changing rings & seals soon (it's leaking quite a bit of oil & I check the level every few days)

A few weeks ago I saw an HB12 Super Saloon with a turbo motor, aircon & power steering. I would eventually like to get that engine or maybe another that can give me "full-house" options, any ideas on the engine?

Am I barking up the wrong forum? Does any one know a forum I could get some pointers on for this car?

Thanks for listening guys!