240SX, 92 Manual, 125K, PROBLEM: Engine cuts off

[kernel_learner]

Hi all,

I really enjoy my '92 Manual 240SX I got it in first week of February and have enjoyed what it has to offer! However, I recently got a problem Intermittently my engine cuts off and the lights on my dashboard would come on, it usually happens when I am slowing down to stop at a light or slowing down to take a turn..changing from high-gear to low-gear. I never have any problems as long as I am accelerating or I am at a steady speed. I am not sure at all what the problem is and I have no idea about a good mechanic to show it to. I am in San Jose/bay-area and would like to get some input on what to do with my 240SX. I really like this car and was planning on keeping it for a long time.

[s13sr20chris]

does it start right back up? if so its prob in your isolated to your idle control system. try setting the basics like idle speed and timing. its possible you just have a dirty iacv.

[kernel_learner]

yes it starts right back-up in the first attempt. In most of the cases I am able to start the car immediately while I am in motion so I don't end up coming to a complete halt (unless I am at very low speeds.)

I am sorry but could you be more specific regarding what the problem is ( I am a newbie to cars). How do I go about setting the idle speed and timing?

Also, today I have had problems even when I am stationary. I start the car and it cuts off in some time..even if I don't change gears or get into motion. It also stalled thrice when I was backing up out of my parking spot. It's "shaky" when I am in the reverse gear. It's never stalled when I am accelerating or when I am in a steady speed. It's only when I slowed-down or was stationary

The Nissan dealer said it's $125 just to tell me what the problem is..I think they will just run a computer on it and check the codes.

[NISTECH]

Are you going to the meet in freemont this weekend? I think I will be going . If so I can point out to you what hes taslking about and maybe do a temp fix by bumping the idle till you can get the system decarbed.

[kernel_learner]

Hi NISTECH,

Where are you guys meeting in Fremont..just curious? I don't think I can come since I have to work tommorow. Do you know of any decent mechanic nearby who could do this work for me? I am not sure if I should do the work myself.

Thanks,KLP.S. I live in SanJose near Kiely/Stevens Creek.

[NISTECH]

sorry was thinking we were already in the upcoming week...doh!! its the 26th heres the link to the post.

zerothread?id=105942

click on the caravan info at the bottom of the thread as there is a group coming up from san jose area.

[kernel_learner]

Thanks NISTECH, it's great to know that there's so many folks from nearby areas I am unfortunately going to have to miss out on this one Maybe next time.

I also noticed today that if I am slowing down and if I change gears quickly and don't keep the clutch down for a long-time the car doesn't seem to stall..it usually happens when I press my clutch and slowly change gears...Does the idle control kick in when the clutch is pressed?

Since I am not such a hands-on person, I was thinking of showing it to a repair shop. I heard that Yarnell's in Mountain-View is pretty good and specializes in toyota and Nissans. Anyone here have any experiences with that? Any idea how much it would cost?