1987 GT-FOUR 177000km - just got it, got 2 codes and fun times

Engine pics

 

Oil pump and sump off

Water pump installed and Just got 2nd gen thermostat to suit the 2nd gen pump and outlet.

Waiting on oilpickup gasket and oil pump-engine gasket so I can put it back together.

Jobs to do
Front diff pinion seal and axle seals and oils
Rear diff mount and oil
shocks, brake discs and pads
New radiator-in the market-heard good and bad about cheap ebay jobs but might be worth a try.
Rear main is possibly leaking too. so perhaps a clutch job in my near future.



Engine is sweet as - i hope


Old pump and pickup gasket




What's this in the sump? Broken garter spring and the remains of a small rubber seal, is it a valve stem seal? Oil pump relief valve?

 

Cheers Shaun that seems to be the leading suspect.
Better get the head off. Damn

 

Yep valve stem seal it is confirmed.
So engine out I guess. It's gonna get worse before it gets better.
I have a new oil pump-need gasket to engine block and gasket for pickup.
I'll inspect the old one for a spare.
i want to put it back together and see if it runs without knock error, then take the engine out.

so engine out needs
- gasket kit
- head job
- piston rings
- bearings
- clutch kit
- axle seals
- fix/replace exhaust manifold

cost has just escalated out of control

 

The plan

Maybe someone did drop a seal down a spark plug hole or oil filler...
I have seen in-car valve spring removal tools on YouTube.
All the spark plugs were black and looked the same.
When i started the car it would spit out black oil every time.

I've decided it's not worth the risk so I am going to remove the head and get it worked at a shop.

So far i've removed
- intercooler reservoir - want to heat shield it
- throttle body - needs cleaning and CSI cleaned
- exhaust manifold, headers and downpipe
- water bypass pipes from head
- rocker cover - need hex bolts, screws are screwed
Just need my hex set and I can take off the head.

I've read about using 3sge cams as an upgrade. I have a spare pair I could use. Is there any point for a stock setup?
If i get the head done I want it to be ready for a later turbo/power upgrade.

My immediate plan to get the car running
-timing end pumps/pulleys/seals/belt
-head worked/valve job
-stock internals, replaced where necessary-bearings,rings
-Rebuilt/resealed ct26 or upgrade, straight down pipe and repair or upgrade headers
-Keep stock ECU for now

-Clutch and rear main seal, axle seals, diff pinion seals
-suspension
-brakes

Later - bigger turbo/side feed intake/front mount intercooler
-mods to support like ECU

Stock power is fine with me for now as long as it's strong and the rest of the car is in good shape