240SX's reliable??

Post by **RG5384** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

Currently in the market for a new car. We are looking at integra's (94-96), eclipse's(98,99) or a 240SSX(95,96). Is the SX relaible? Any maintenance issues that have to be done at certain mileage(timing belt/chain etc)? Who would win in a race against a non vtech intgra and a 240SX(both 5spd)? Thanks in advance guys,Ryan

Post by **corn322** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

first, welcome to NICO. most questions can be answered by the red search button on the top right.

if you take care of a 240, it will last a really long time. you really shouldn't have to worry about the timing chain

against a non vtec integra... it think the 240 would win.

Post by **BadMojo** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

They're reliable cars. The KA24DE engine is tough and there are folks on here with easily over 150K miles on the engines.

Things to watch for IMO:

Listen to the engine. Any tapping or rattling sounds? There are often reports of a rattling sound just underneath the valve cover and this is often timing chain related. There can be problems with the chain hitting some plastic guides. I don't a lot about total chain failure, but the broken guides can cause problems as they come loose. Someone pointed out that the good thing about the chain is that it usually gives a warning before it breaks.Timing belts can snap with seemingly no warning. The KA24DE is an interference engine, so if that chain really slips or snaps, you're in for a world of hurt. The chain isn't technically considered a wear item and is *supposed* to last for the life of the car. Maybe they say this because chain failure = hosed engine = end of car's life. ;_

Bottom line: Watch out for rattling/tapping sounds.

Cars with OE rear spoilers seem to have rust problems beneath the spoiler. If it's got a spoiler, examine the trunk area carefully.

240SX transmissions seem pretty tough, but it seems like they tend to develop some 2nd and/or 3rd gear synchro problems. My '93 can be a bit rough going in to 2nd gear in cold weather (I live in PA).

That's all I can think of right now. The 240SX is a pretty tough car.

No idea about the Integra thing. The 240SX has a strong, tourquey (mmmm....tourquey) lower end and a weaker high end. I'd imagine the Integra is the exact opposite. Someone else may be able to shed some light on the performance differences between them.

Edit: 240SX is RWD, don't think the Integra is.

Post by **C-Kwik** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

the KA24DE does not have the same chain guide issues as the KA24E. And the fix for the DE is simpler. Remove the valve cover and remove the upper guide. It's not needed. Nissan has a TSB for this.

The KA24E has issues with the lower guides being made entirely of plastic when they were put together in the factory. They have a knack for breaking apart. The new replacement guides use a metal backing to remedy the problem.

Post by **RG5384** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

C-kwick, can you please explain that in laiman's (not 240SX's) terms? I"m sure if i get one of these i'll learn the differant motor numbers real well, but for now i'm clueless. Whats a good model year to go after? newer the better?thanks,Ryan

Post by **BadMojo** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

C-Kwik wrote:the KA24DE does not have the same chain guide issues as the KA24E. And the fix for the DE is simpler. Remove the valve cover and remove the upper guide. It's not needed. Nissan has a TSB for this.

You wouldn't happen to have that TSB handy, would you? I've been trying to get my hands on that thing for a few days now, with no luck. I'd hate to have to subscribe to Alldata for a year for one TSB.

I thought there were two upper guides. If so, are they both to be removed per the TSB?

I've been having some timing chain problems lately. I have a feeling that my problem is a bad upper tensioner, but not 100% sure. Still waiting on my FSM from Nissan, and unable to find the TSB I need.

Anyway, sorry for the thread hijack, RG5384.

Post by **corn322** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

now that I think about it... my dad got a '98 integra after he sold his 300zx (turbo was about to blow, would cost like $3k to fix). FWD, 140hp, 116(?) lb-ft, don't know how much it weighs, but it redlines at 8k rpm

240 would win

Post by **Meantime** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

There are two upper guides and both are recommended to be removed on the KA24DE. One is located between the top two cams and can be accessed just by removing the valve cover. The other one is located near the distributor on the driver's side and you will have to remove the front cover to get at it.

I can hear both of mine rattling at idle, it's quite annoying. I need to remove both of them as soon as I get some free time.

EDIT: the lower-end Integra (non-Vtec) would get beat against a 240. I know, had a friend who owned one...and I owned him.

Post by **240_Keyy** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

my KA24E had 197k miles on it when I swapped it out of the car and it still ran like a champ...

I even autocrossed the fook out of it and it didn't care

Post by **Meantime** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

Double edit: sorry, I meant you have to remove the sprocket cover, not the front cover. About 4 hours difference work time!

Funny thing is, I ran up 147k on my old KA24E before I sold the car, and never had a single issue with the timing chain. And I beat that poor thing like a mule on the Oregon Trail. I mean, I absolutely flogged it at every stop light (18 years old and full of vinegar).

Post by **C-Kwik** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

BadMojo wrote:You wouldn't happen to have that TSB handy, would you? I've been trying to get my hands on that thing for a few days now, with no luck. I'd hate to have to subscribe to Alldata for a year for one TSB.

I thought there were two upper guides. If so, are they both to be removed per the TSB?

I've been having some timing chain problems lately. I have a feeling that my problem is a bad upper tensioner, but not 100% sure. Still waiting on my FSM from Nissan, and unable to find the TSB I need.

Anyway, sorry for the thread hijack, RG5384.

I don't, but it's the only chain guide(s) between the cam sprockets. Once you open the valve cover, it should be very straightforward from what I hear.

Post by **cow** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

corn322 wrote:now that I think about it... my dad got a '98 integra after he sold his 300zx (turbo was about to blow, would cost like $3k to fix). FWD, 140hp, 116(?) lb-ft, don't know how much it weighs, but it redlines at 8k rpm

240 would win

Well.. the LS/GS/RS has 140 hp, but it redlines at 6800. The GS-R has 170 hp and redlines at 8 grand. Which one did your dad have? :\

Also, a non VTEC Integra can run about a 16.1.. so it could beat a 240 i think. eh. who cares. they're both slow. :P

Post by **nnkfws333** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

My 92 S13 has 191,000 miles and its still running. Never changed the timing chain but you do hear the injectors ticking as sometimes the valves. Only problem is burning oil. Oh yhea did I mention I ran 15.5 at 171,xxx miles.

Post by **kami240sx** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

You can try searching for the site for a mileage thread. I've heard people going 250,000+ miles on their car and it supposedly runs like new. One saying that stuck to my head was that they said as long as you give it an oil change, it'll run strong and its a very forgiving car.

you can go to http://www.240sx.org and look in their FAQ's or search around but real quickka24de is

ka series(?) engine. or i guess engine model24 for 2.4 litresd dual overhead came is fuel injected

I've heard that the only integras a 240 would need to worry about are the GSR's

Post by **red240ne** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

BadMojo wrote:You wouldn't happen to have that TSB handy, would you? I've been trying to get my hands on that thing for a few days now, with no luck.

Just type in "Technical Service Bulletins" on google and you will get results. That's what I always use. There is a site that is all text and has TSB's for every make and model in the US

Post by **Turb0wned** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 2:32 pm

the 240 is very relaible i have 136k on mine and its still running perfect just make sure to change your oil when needed

240SX's reliable??

240SX's reliable??

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