Me and my dad are working on a 1983 280zx and when I got it the engine was stuck. I threw a little automatic tranny fluid in it and let it sit for a awhile and it broke free but it makes this noise when running Does anyone know what this noise is? Could it be the piston rings grinding against the wall? I adjusted the valves and replaced the fuel line also. Any help would be appreciated.

I think I might have to tear it down to the head and have a look but I would like to avoid that if possible.

 

I am hearing 2, if not 3 different things going on.

Water pump, belts, fan
Valve train: bent or burned valve?

On the bright side, it doesn't sound like the lower end to me.

Do a compression test before you pull the head.

Maybe you'll get lucky and someone can chime in with "I know exactly what that sound is."

 

Thats what I hope that someone has encountered this before. I did a compression test and they seemed fine but when I took the valve cover off one of the valves was off to the side and i fixed it and adjusted them to the Haynes manual spec.
Just to be sure we are talking about the same noise Im talking about that screeching noise in the video not the valves or belts. Thanks for any and all help

 

Sounds like the water pump, easy to get to, pull it and see.

You might want to shop for a second engine if this goes real bad, good luck, hope it is something easy to fix.

 

Thanks I will check it out but I dont think its the pump but you never know

 

Use a piece of dowel, broom stick, press it against the engine, water pump or head, should get loudest when you get near the problem, they have automotive stethoscopes, you might invest in one, or go old school with a stick. It definitely sounds like a bad bearing, I wouldn't run it much as is or you may do major damage.

 

I ordered a automotive stethoscope and it should be here soon but i kinda just want to go ahead and take it down to the head just to look and make sure the cylinder walls are still ok. What do you think?

 

Since it is a bit questionable to start, might as well pull the head, get it redone, check out the cylinders, if it needs lots of work so be it, you might be able to re-ring and hone it,new bearings and with a fresh head you have a good motor.

 

Sounds like a plan