Engine problem...must be head gasket?

[Dag-Henning]

- sorry Dave, I see and appreciate your point. However, I use my Elan for historic racing (FIA ) , and I am afraid the Datsun crank is not allowed......However, for the road, it seems like a good idea! ( Checked the bill, and the new crank was ?750 + vat. If you are abt to regrind and modify etc. for the "Datsun sollution" and buy the services from someone, the difference might not be that big......)

Dag

[rgh0]

Dag

I really love these historic racing rules, in all countries sense does not often play a part I find.

A new forged steel crank from QED is allowed but a genuine forged steel crank from the 60's because its made by Datsun and not QED is not. Or is there some other determinant of what is an acceptable steel crank as far as the FIA is concerned? What con rods and pistons do they allow for FIA compliance. 26Rs did not actually use steel cranks and rods or forged pistons when first made according to the original compliance documents so its not based on the original compliance papers!

At least in Australia the historic regulations s for my class say that interior engine components are free. Which is sensible because who can determine what rods, crank and psitons you have and what relationship they bear to what was used in 1968 ?

In Australia a Datsun crank mod is around A$1200 or 400 UK pounds. A UK steel racing crank after freight and duty turns the 750 pounds to around A$4000 which is why everyone uses Datsun cranks. The equation may not be the same in the UK given the scarcity of datsun cranks and the FIA regs.

I just encourage pople to keep them on the track which is their natural home and overcome the challenges of cost and regulation in the best way possible for them.

regards
Rohan

[Dag-Henning]

- yes, I see Rohan, - and I do not at all say that I approve or even understand the rules given in the FIA app.K. However, I have no choise!
In period F, until -65, I am allowed to use a steel crank ( EN19) made to the same pattern as the original crank ; - no doubleweb, modern pcs , but the original shape ina better material.. The rods are steel, but made to the old Cosworth pattern,- no H-shaped rods allowed. The main bearing caps are steel, but round-shouldered, made to the same pattern as the "120E" caps. ( They are supplied by one manufacturer only, - situated in Switzerland.........!)
Pistons are free......
In periode G (- 66 - 71) you have more choise, as the original homologation ofcourse gave more possibilities, e.g. dry-sump etc.

The above is "fair enough" , - the frustrating part is that you know some people are cheating, as an engine very seldom are taken inn for dissasembly........That is, if you don't win all the time.....- and I don't..!

Dag

[rgh0]

Dag

Thanks for the information. I agree, racing to the FIA rules would be very frustrating as the opportunities to illegally cut costs and improve performance and reliability are great and the chance of detection very small.

I think I prefer the Australian rules where internal components are free. Cost versus performance versus reliability is then your decision. Given its an amateur sport this is the way it should be I believe.

Rohan

[Dag-Henning]

- no reason to argue.....- may even agree !

Dag