People have observed a similarity between the general design of the U20 and
the design of some of the Mercedes engines of that era. Whether it was an
intentional copy or not, I don't know.
I tend to view such claims with a great deal of skepticism, like the claim
that the roadster is a copy of the MGB (the roadster came out first).
Anytime I hear someone claim that X is just a copy of a European design, I
assume it's probably a case of Eurocentrist bias.
Gordon Glasgow
Renton, WA
www.gordon-glasgow.org
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
> [mailto:owner-datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Perry Smith
> Sent: Friday, May 12, 2006 6:09 AM
> To: Davesmbox@aol.com; datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
> Subject: Re: U20 block and crank question
>
>
> Dave,
>
> When I had my U20 rebuilt three years ago the machine shop told
> me my crank was scored (it was). I had taken it apart before
> bringing it to them for the rebuild so I knew that was true. It
> was scored because the PO had oil-starved it (at least once) and
> the reason it needed the rebuild was because of this oil
> starvation - and that had caused one of the main bearings to
> break loose from excessive wear. I had no doubt the crank needed
> to be either replaced or "built-up". There was no scoring on the
> journals. My brother is a mechanic and told me that since the
> crank on a U20 is forged and not cast, it can easily be built-up
> by welding (and is worth it!). (Side note: if you ever have the
> crank out and lightly tap it with a wrench it makes the nicest
> "ting!" - just like a bell, you'd ever want to hear.) Since
> there was no other reason to go oversized bearing or rings, etc.,
> I opted to have the crank built-up. So far no problems and I
> still have this nice "real" racing
> engine - eyelashed valve cutouts, etc. My brother also told he
> the history of the engine (U20)was that it was a Mercedes-Benz
> inspired/designed/licensed engine. I don't know if that's true,
> but it's an interesting piece of history for a car that has lots
> of influences from other cars of that era. ANone know if that's true?
>
> I opted to keep as close to "original" as possible - I'll do
> oversized bearing later, if necessary. I sometimes like to think
> of my Roadster as a "well-built" MG, if there is such a
> thing...ha, ha! Of course my fiance just calls it my "Stuart
> Little" car and leaves it at that.
>
> Perry Smith
> '68 2000
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