1997 D21 Ka24 Help!!!

Forum for the Xterra, Frontier and Hardbody, the smaller workhorses of the Nissan lineup!
Dotty620
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Jul 16, 2020 7:45 pm
Car: 1978 Datsun 620, the legendary lil green pickup.

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Ok so my dad has a 1997 Nissan pickup. Ka24b engine, 5 speed 4x4. 165,000miles. I am chasing a ghost. About 4 years ago dad started complaining about this cutting out and choking problem, especially when going up and down in elevation. Seemingly does it at random. I've been chasing this for years now and it has progressed to all but undrivable. She idles rough, between 2-3000rpms she is just choking on herself, sputtering and struggling to run. She will start to smooth out as the rpms increase from there. She bucks and sputters under load and has no power.

I am a professional mechanic so let's start with what I've done so far. Full tune up, plugs, wires, cap rotor, all new filters. I replaced every vacuum line in the truck, then smoke checked and found no leaks anywhere. New EGR valve installed. New PCV. Fuel pressure is spot on spec, regulated or not with no leaks at the preasure regulator. Replaced regulator. Removed catalyst from exhaust all together to rule that out. Modus gave me codes for absolute manifold preasure. New OEM map and maf sensor installed. Code would not clear, ECM had what looked like a bad prom chip. Replaced with known good part. Throttle body removed and cleaned. Still no change.
:wtf2:
Live data stream gives me nothing. Everything I throw at this thing, nothing. I ordered a new distributor out frustration, but I am beginning to think thing damned old truck can't be fixed. New battery and all grounds cleaned and inspected. Cranking compression 165psi. I will send a 6 pack of cold beer to the person who figures this out!


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AZhitman
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Posts: 71061
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 S13, 92 SE-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14.
Location: Surprise, Arizona
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Have you tested the swirl valve solenoid and actuator that flips the butterfly valves inside the lower intake manifold?

Dotty620
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Jul 16, 2020 7:45 pm
Car: 1978 Datsun 620, the legendary lil green pickup.

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I'll have to look into that one. As far as I can see the intake is a similar looking unit to a carb manifold from the old NAP Z days. It has a throttle body and some other sensors for the injection and emissions, but appears to be a one piece unit.

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AZhitman
Administrator
Posts: 71061
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 S13, 92 SE-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14.
Location: Surprise, Arizona
Contact:

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whomadewho
Posts: 523
Joined: Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:32 pm
Car: 1997 Nissan pickup

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Great thought Azhitman. Might also want to check the fuel line located towards the fuel tank for a cracked or a rusted line Fuel tank maybe rusted out.. I assume you replaced the fuel filter? Check the plug that goes to the distributor for a poor connection or a bad wire. . How much engine vacuum. Check ground wire at the ECU. There is one located next to the ECU and one behind the kick panel (passenger side) Sounds like if you send the beer there will be a few cans missing?

whomadewho
Posts: 523
Joined: Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:32 pm
Car: 1997 Nissan pickup

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Another thought... Check for excessive play in the timing chain.


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