twitch

Im looking into buy a 240sx 91 from a guy. He states it has a blown headgasket n never over heated. He said he found coolant in the oil pan. Is that a sign of a bad head gasket? And if so how easy/hard is it to do?

Fabrik8

Anytime there is a known engine problem like that, just assume that the engine may need to be replaced so make sure you can budget for that. If you can't afford to replace or rebuild the engine (depending on whether the block and head can be reused) then you should walk away from the car.

-JB-

I agree with Fabrik8, be prepared to spend more on the engine.

KA's are strong motors since they are iron. Usually if you check the deck to make sure it's flat a new headgasket is all you need. I bought a 240 a long time ago with this issue, replaced all cooling components, checked deck, ran fine ever since....but you are taking a chance on the engine being good.

twitch

Check the deck? Like the where the head sits on the block?

-JB-

yes make sure the block surface an the head surface aren't warped from the heat........if they are you'll just blow another headgasket. You'll have to get them decked if either of the two are warped.

MookHaasa

It also could be that the front timing chain ate through its chain guide then into a water jacket causing the coolant to mix with oil.

twitch

So there's a chance the headgasket is still good so I wouldn't need to take the head off

-JB-

You won't know till you go look at it. It's gonna take time pulling things apart to diagnose the issue. You just can't go by just coolant in the oil an know exactly where it's coming from till you start pulling things apart. You have to remove the timing chain to pull the head apart.

Dough_Boy.

I think you should maybe hold off for a little while and do some research on s13's.

-JB-

KA motors are so cheap though, if he was getting the car for the price of a car minus a motor, he'd be ahead if he knew what he was doing.