Hi all, greetings from Ireland. I have an A15 in an 1986 Nissan Vanette that my father in law gave to me about 5 years ago and I'm now trying to fix here up as they are rare over here these days. The van was parked up for about 4 years but started on the second attempt the other day but I found oil in the rad. The head gasket was done just before he gave it to me but now after its long lay up its acting up again.


I stripped the head to have a better look and the head seems fine, no cracks etc. I found a bit of carbon build up on one of the gasket rings though. I dont think the head was skimmed the last time it was done but I'm hoping you could advise me on where to go from here.

I'm wondering if there is another way these engines can let the water & oil mix. I know very little about engines but would I be right in saying that there is only one way oil can get up into the cam area and thats through one hole in the centre of the head, pic below. and that if the gasket failed here the water & oil could mix?










The gasket didnt look as if it has broken anywhere so I'm guessing the last guy who was a handy man that done the head didnt do it right?








Last picture turned out bad, it was getting dark. Any ideas or opinions are welcome.

Thanks, Rob.