90two4tsx

Whatsup guru's!
Well, I am new to the world of 240's and have been reading all I can about my car. I love it, and I got it at a great price, but it does have some problems. First of all it has about 80k on the clock, but thats one of the problems =(. I purchased the car from a friend for 1700, and have put 900$ in repairs on it already. Had a new master cylinder put in, and break job all the way around. Also had one motor mount replaced, plugs changed, valve cover gasket, broken seat fixed, and a new muffler added. The biggest problem with the car currently is the fact that the speedometer does NOT work?! Neither does the odometer, or tripdometer (don't know the offical name) heh. As I drive the car in this state, the needle will occasionally move, sometimes working for 10 seconds, and sometimes not doing a thing for hours. Sometimes the needle will jump all the way past 115 and just stick! Well, it's annoying to not know your speed, but I'm hoping this problem I am about to convey has to do with this. I have noticed that when in fourth gear, upon hitting 3800 rpms or so, it's the same everytime the car acts like it shuts off the fuel. Only way I can get it to respond again is to change gears or push the clutch in and back out. This is highly annoying? I was wondering if this bunked out instrument cluster and the sensors involved could be causing this? A mechanic friend of mine who did the previous work said he narrowed it down to the "analog" speedo sensor in the instrument cluster, and that I would need to match it up at a junk yard somewhere. Does this sound right? And if so, do you think this would correct my problem of the 3800rpm 4th gear cut out? I know the car has a sensor on rpm in 4th and 5th but they are higher than 3800!

Also,

the car makes a wierd popping/shifting type of noise when turning or braking sometimes. What should I check out on this noise? It sounds like it comes from the driver side firewall, roughly.

Also, the shifter (5 speed), is very sloppy after you put it in gear. It goes into all gears fine, no grinding or meshing, but the shifter will come back to the center of the boot by itself rather than staying locked in it's appropriate position. (But it does stay in gear,) .. It's kind of like an auto centering joystick, for lack of a better description? I know this isn't a big deal, but I was thinking maybe some linkage is just worn out, and that purchasing an aftermarket short-throw shifter and installing would clear it up? Anyone experienced this, and if so have any ideas??

If your still reading thanks!.. I am just trying to get everything I can think of about the car into the open and get opinions..

Two other minor problems are the handle on the glove box broke off, (just the plastic piece, not the springs or anything), and was wondering if thats an easy fix? Also, the console that flips up just sits there, unattached. Should I just go find a black hinge bracket and rig it? Or is there a better way?

I know the car sounds like a piece, but it's really not that bad. It has low miles, runs good, cept for the 3800rpm 4th gear dilema. It's pearl white, with alloys, good tires, sunroof, cold ac, all mechanicals are sound as far as I have had them checked out... (Just wanted to give the car a little defense..

Lastly,
This car has been basically sitting up for about 2 years, thus the low milage, and I was wondering what all I should check out maintenance wise. Eg: PCV valve, fuel filter.. etc etc. What are typical problematic areas for this car.

Thanks to all who have beared with me through this long and I'm sure boring post, but I really would love to get some feedback from those who KNOW what they are talking about, unlike me as of yet. My previous cars have been 2 mustang 5.0's and my first sweetheart a 91 300ZX, that I regret selling!

This 240 really reminds me alot of it..

Anyways, once again thanks, and anything you could comment on would be greatly appreciated..

Take Care,

Jared
1990 240sx SOHC, 80k, Fastback, 5spd. (stock!)

Sinfestboy

Swap in an SR20det
That will fix ALOT of your problems. and it will give you alot more power.

fanatic

Well, my first thought would to be to get it a check up at your dealer, therefore they might be able to identify some problems, and from there on just follow the advice the dealer gives I guess.

90two4tsx

Heh..

2R20det.. Hmm sounds like a new engine. If not, what is it. The engine is fine, heh. Also, I despise dealerships, they perform wonderful work, and are quick with the cars, which they should be, due to them having all the tools in the universe availble for your cars diagnostic, but they charge an arm and a leg for anything. I've had the car checked at a reputable local shop, and the head mechanic do the current repairs on it. If I were to take it to nissan they could charge 100 dollars just to look over everything. If anyone could attempt to diagnose and give me hints online that would help..
Thanks

Jared

Sykikchimp

The Sr20det is the JDM engine put in the 180sx (japanese 240) Its a 2.0 liter turbo 4 cylinder, with 205 stock ponies, and the potential to handle about 350 on stock internals. It truley is a work of art.

But in my mind the KA is a beautiful work of art as well. Just alittle more american thinking. (torque hungry yankee's..lol)

Also - general stuff you'll want to do:
Get some Intake/carb cleaner and clean the IAA valve, the throttle body, and the MAF. All things that is a minimum of hassle, with good results. That will fix a lot of random problems, from blowing smoke, to irregular idling

90two4tsx

Where exactly is the IAA valve on a 1990 240sx.. SOHC? Diagrams, or detailed explanation on how to find it and clean it would be helpful =)..

Thanks,

Jared

flarearrow

get your tranny checked out, get the sensors checked out. Get the cable connections from the tranny to your speedo and tach checked out.


As for the noise, check out the rubber boot protectingt he ball joint. Is it all torn and grease flying out of it? You might be facing impending doom with the ball joint.

I'm only just guessing here because it sounds like you need to have this car thoroughly checked out. Sounds like it needs a restoration job. I hope you got a great deal on this car, because you're going to need the money you saved for repair work.

poisonfist

You should also reset your ECU if you haven't done so after all the repairs.

HondaKillah

Good point...






a SR20DET swap sounds too good in your situation in the long run.

90two4tsx

Hehe..

I think you guys are over reacting on the car a bit.. for instance "I think a sr swap would be a good choice for you".. Man this motor runs smooth with only 80k on the clock, why throw it out and spend all that money on another motor? I just have small annoying problems to deal with, nothing major. I have fixed many of them since the orgination of this post, but am still on the quest to get the car "perfect". It runs strong, but has a few quirks, of course. I will work them out if it's the last thing I do. =)

Thanks for you opinions and advice.. I have done most of the things, and I just got a new VSS sensor I am going to install on my tranny in the next few days, if anyone has any experience on that install please let me know. =).

Thanks again,

Jared

Typical Cat

I am a Guru, yes very true !

240sxer

a sr20det came in SILVIAS.200sx..... and a ca18det came in 180sx....

Amolao

Keep the engine, with such low mileage is still a good performer. Buy the FSM (service manual), good investment if you are mechanically inclined and plan to keep the car for a while. The Gauge problem should be easy to fix if you are technically inclined (sorry about repeating myself)......check sensor connections, wiring in the back of gauge cluster, etc..... something is not connected or bad sensor problems

Get proffesional advice on the tranny......

Again, keep the engine and be prepared to invest more money, but still it will be a good investment if you keep the car and take care of it.... Find interior pieces on ebay or junkyard.....easy one
Never done the sensor installation, sorry, but should be Plug and Play.....
Take care, dude

fist

that clunking when turning may be in the front suspension...control arms or some **** like that.

maybe the calipers?