[pilgrim]

This is only marginally helpful...

I've seen discussions where there were templates shared, but it has been a while and I'm not sure whether it was here, at Classic Zcar Club or perhaps at the Z Car Home Page in the references. Searching will probably be needed.

And you might check this thread: Datsun L24, L26, L28 chain wedge dimensions ....following a link in that thread I found this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002Q8TV4/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i01 BUT it was for a later model engine. The general shape is similar.

I will offer this - the shape of the wedge is hard to understand until you've seen the timing cover off and visualized where the chain tensioner is located. It's much lower on the chain than I thought, and the bottom third of the wedge is critically important.

Whatever else you do, don't forget to set that crank at TDC before you remove the head! (Don't ask how I know this....) I will also say that if you have to remove the timing chain cover, do it before you get the head replaced, as it's very difficult to get all the gaskets to stay in place when installing that chain cover with the head in place; much easier if it's done before the head is installed.

 

[pilgrim]

Andrew- thank you for this information. I did see those but didn't realize they were the same thing based on the shape of the ones I'd seen. I will be ordering one along with everything else I need for a successful head gasket replacement. This is on a 1974 260Z with just over 60k original miles. I've had this car since I was 15 and am now 54. Any suggestions on other items I should include other than the new head gasket would be very much appreciated.
Jayson

That fooled me, too...but the business end of that tool and the critical point is about four holes up from the bottom. Everything above that is just to help handle the tool.

 

[pilgrim]

So it actually worked? I'm worried its too small and skinny to hold the chain in place.

The bottom end of the correct wedge is in fact pretty skinny. The tensioner is WAY down near the bottom of the timing chain.