I am trying to identify a nissan in line 4 cylinder motor from a jet drive boat, I think it's an L-series, does anyone have photos of an L16 or L18 so that I can compare. The head casting reads N58 and the distributor is mounted up front on the right side in front of the block. Any help or suggestions appreciated.

start with the engine number. If it's an L series it will have it on the block, starting with the prefix L then whatecer size it is, eg, L18 6+8###### or as such.

I am picking it up today, I will check for the block numbers as soon as I get it. I saw some movies on utube and definately looks like an L-series. This thing is in pretty rough shape, sat outside with no valve cover for years, lots of surface rust, I hope I can save it.

is the dizzy on drivers side or passengers side of car if on drivers side not an l series
a series on drivers side l series on passenger side

Wait a minute now, I'm in the states so my driver's side is your passenger side and vise versa. Looking at the front of the motor the distributor is on the right and the distributor shaft does not go directly into the block, it goes into an aluminum housing that is mounted to the front of the block.

Ha yeah good point but the motor doesnt change just look a it from an Aussies point of view HA HA. At the back on your passenger side just below the head there should be some numbers and an L as revhead said starting with L???? and the starter motor will be on your passenger side as well as the alternator but up front.

Yes, the alternator in the front and the hole for the starter is there and the oil filter too, it's mounted right in the middle of the block. The marine sparkproof starter is missing. Which brings up another question, if this is a marine motor the standard rotation for marine motors is counterclockwise looking at the flywheel, but the jet pump I have is set up to run clockwise. I will have to determine which way this motor is designed to rotate. I think most jet pumps are setup to run automotive rotation but I'm not sure on that. I think this motor is pretty rare because I haven't found any info on it anywhere. The company that made the intake/exhaust manifold is called "Conqueror marine" maybe one of you guys have heard of it?

Forget trying to ID by sight. There are lots of similar engines even Nissan has two that look a lot alike.

Look for the ID stamp. It will say "L" if it is an L-series engine. It is a flat plate with a number stamped on it. Have to wipe away grease or rust to see the numbers. It will be on the block.

I got the motor today it's an L20B so now at least I know what to look for for parts.