Not the best news unfortunately folks, but yes, the Blue Beast has well and truely died. And will require a new donk. Short story is a few days ago i drove home and as i pulled up to park, the car stalled, instead of returning to normal idle. Obviously i thought this was odd, so i instantly did a diagnostic test on my ECUTalk and it threw a Code 11 (CAS error). At this point the car will not start at all while cranking. So i firstly checked and re-cleaned/re-tensioned the CAS sensor connectors and wiring which all seemed fine but still the same error while cranking even after resetting the ECU. So tonight i asked my mate Adam (Adz_79) to pop out to my place for a visit so i could try swapping his CAS unit over with mine to rule out a faulty sensor. Unfortunately my CAS worked perfectly in his Zed and his known working CAS still showed the same issue in my Zed. So the next quick test was to swap ECU's over to rule out a blown or problematic computer as the issue, and showed same results. Now i knew the issue was either wiring ... or something more sinister inside the engine. Next test is pull the timing belt cover off and have a look at the belt while cranking the starter motor. Bad news ... while cranking, the timing belt isn't moving So i pull out the spark plug of Cylinder number 1 and it's covered in oil - and i mean dripping in oil on the inside. So i'd say there's some serious carnage happening on the inside of the heads/cylinders - being an interference motor. Problem turns out to be a busted key on the crank, which has let the timing belt sprocket on it sit and not spin, causing the blow out. End of the day, it's still a 21 year old engine, and it's bound to happen to me like it's happened to many other people over the years. It hasn't happened due to any bad conditions or hard use, just a natural thing that occurs some times in these old engines. Well, even after this, i still love these c**ts of cars, so it's not gonna stop here! So maybe this event could have fast-tracked my "Monster Build" plans hey...? :zlove: Cheers, Benny. :zlove:
That sucks ben, an unusual failure though id say. EDIT Im not sure if im reading this right, but you're saying that the crank sprocket is spinning on the crank?
that is an unusual one indeed mate, further investigation will be interesting, sheared? an old crack that developed over time or what else i dont know. Was there any other issues ? usually for something like that to shear off there needs to be abnormal forces present, warped heads/cam tunnel for example(not saying thats a possibility here)
This could be the case buddy, i'll definately be able to shed some more light when i crack her open. First point of call will be to pull the engine and rip the cam covers and then heads to see any abnormalities with cams, valves, etc...
Sorry to hear Benny you made one hell of an engine there for very little outlay. I can only imagine the animal that you will build this time. Can't wait to hear about it
What bad luck Benny, but at least you now have the excuse to do the monster engine build. Have you given any thought to whether towing a truck for 1000kms with the old donk might have played a role it its demise?
If you still have the damper on, the crank gear can not turn, it is clamped between the damper and #1 main journal. The woodruff key does not stop it turning, it simply locates it. Seized cam would be my guess as to why the belt isn't turning, not common but have seen probably 4 or 5 with a seized cam.
Very good point Eric. I'll let you know if this is the issue when i start pulling it apart. ...btw, i may be contacting you in the near future with some build advice and service.
Ok, no worries. Got a couple good TT cores to build up when you're ready but I think it won't be as bad as it seems.
Lucky that you were at home when it happened. How many kays did the engine get up too ? Im thinking it must have been a good reliable engine. My memory is that your a distance away from work. My 89 japspec is still chugging along strong at 180,000 kays. I'm more worried about the rattling bushes or a subframe coming loose than the engine letting go. My monster build will be complete sooo-ooooon
Sad news benny. I saw the title and though "oh no" what's happened now. We all thought it was a goner when she got drowned. But that never stopped it. Also the epic ability towing the surf iirc. Now this. Bugger. Be interesting to read in time to come what has actually happened. Best of luck with the new engine.
Man that sucks, sorry to hear this happened to you. It has happened before on a friend's skyrine. Crazy the amount of carnage this $3.45 item can do
Aww benny its so sad to hear about this, you have one of the cleanest zeds and this had to happen to change that, wait nah it didnt change how clean it is. Let the desire burn within and cant wait to see the end product
Not good Benny Welcome to the world of engine building. Also interested to see what has happened, as Eric has said woodruff key is only for locating, something has siezed up top and the bottom end has kept going for it to sheer off. anything you need just yell out.
Thanks for the welcome Ron. And yes, what you and Eric suggest makes a lot of sense as to the cause. I'll try and find some time today and pull the timing belt off to see how things feel. Might give more insight. So my two options now that i need to decide on, are do i just buy another second hand complete engine out of a wreck, and bolt all my goodies on it (turbos, injectors, pulleys, 100k service kit, etc..) and whack it straight in the Zed - which would give me the same engine/power as i currently have and would be a very quick way to get the Zed on the road asap. or Have it off the road for 3-6 months as money permits - while i get a big HP build happening (was my intention this year, but of course while the current engine was still running. :rofl
