Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hi all - just got me a uk spec 1990 sportrak - had plenty 4x4s (still got a 1990 surf!) but never a daihatsu.

looking at the engine the other day with a mate and noticed the whole engine appears to slope downwards from the front towards the rear of the vehicle (god knows how i didnt see it earlier) - is this normal in sportraks? never seen an engine fitted at an angle before (it has had a new engine in the past)

if it isnt normal - what could be the explanation?

cheers in advance

chris

a slight angle might be normal.. but if its pretty noticeable... then its bad.

your best bet would be to look at the tranny mount as it is most likely shot. if your lucky, it might just need to be tightned up a bit. check it out and post up your results.

post a pic - that will help.

Actually this flexible engine mount system is a design feature of sportracks - it allows driveline articulation to get over hills, etc. Just park the vehicle facing downhill slightly and the engine will be level.

Seriously though, most engines do look like they slope slightly rearward. The best way to put your mind at ease is to look at engine bay pictures on car sales websites (eg drive.com.au) or find another vehicle to compare with.

Cheers

mine's a bit sloping downward front to rear, it's normal. even in a falcon, hilux, and landcruiser as well. i believe most cars will have north/south engine slightly slope front to rear.
I think it's to help the oil run from the front of the sump to rear of the sump for the pump to suck up before going thru the filter?? But not too sure about this bit.
Some north/south cars such as vans, or engine too big to fit in a small engine are tilted sideway to fit in. not straigth up.

I'll take a photo of my UK Sportrak with an angle guage on the cam cover later and post the picture on here.

Mac.

thanks all for your replies! - i will take a photo though just so you can see the extent of the angle - hey, as long as it runs ok then im happy

At least now i can concentrate on getting it non standard! - the back seats and carpet have gone for starters so i can have a reasonable load bay for the dogs and my shooting stuff!

off for a search of the forum to get the answers to a few q's

cheers dudes

Chris

Sorry Smokin, I've just tried to upload the picture from my camera phone and lost it. I'll have to take another in the morning while I'm at work as the car is there while I finnish off the other mods before next sundays outing.
It does lean back, but how much when compared to yours remains to be seen.
Cheers.

Mac.

no probs mate - ill do the pic of mine today also
you get my pm btw?

cheers

chris

Smokin, most engines in cars will slope to the rear of the vehicle, it is required to keep the engine above the front cross-member, diff, steering, suspension etc. and still allow for the transmission to fit into the tunnel under the vehicle, even small engines like rotaries will angle backwards..

Darren

Pics of engine angle.

Paul.

I did get the P.M. You will have a reply in a minute.

Mac.

Mantamac wrote:I did get the P.M. You will have a reply in a minute.

Mac.

cheers on both counts!!

chris

ill post that pic soon but it looks similar -panic over !!

le pic:

Looks about right to me.

Paul.

yep. looks alright. your fine. now go break somethin.

SimplyPV wrote:yep. looks alright. your fine. now go break somethin.

and i might add....


looks too clean!

what a poor waste of a daihatsu....

SimplyPV wrote:and i might add....


looks too clean!

what a poor waste of a daihatsu....

Give me a few weeks - ill soon sort that out! - must admit its very unnerving having an engine bay where you can identify things - much better when you have to scrape an inch of oily sludge. Damn - even the coolant is the right colour and not rusty red - and no leaks!! my surf popped aftermarket radiators on a monthly basis - whats wrong with these daihatsus!!!

Chris