ca18det problems

[sr20meplease]

what are common problems you guys have run into when getting your motors....i mean problems with the motors.

[Nathan]

The brit's over on http://www.sxoc.com seem to have some problems with the connecting rod bearings or "big ends" so called because they are the big end of the con rods. Other than that and the usual maintenance stuff there arent too many problem area's with the CA's...are you contemplating maybe CA18meplease?

[sr20meplease]

yes very much so...lets say this i had the money in my hand for my sr20 when i found this site...then i held off...some lady hit my 240 and killed it(rip 91 240sx) now i am just looking around...i mean when you guys get your motors? i'm seeing some bad stories on here and i was wondering how everyones luck with thier motors was

[chezina]

It mainly depends on what the previous owner did to the engine or not (oil changes etc.) from my expierience.And mine did a great job !

In general i have to say that most of the thrashed CA's over here(Germany) also have the "BIG end" problem.

[Nathan]

To me, I seem to hear less horror stories about trashed clips from CA's than SR's...but it could just be coincidence, I'm not sure. There have been several people who have gotten CA clips from Venus-Auto on here and have been happy...but there are lots of people who have problems with them for SR clips. At least thats what I've noticed, anyone else have any input on my observance?

[slw240sx]

just read any of my threads!!!!LOL im writing a new one as i type this !!!

[Nathan]

Hopefully your the exception to the rule though

[slw240sx]

if you buuy a motor wether a sr or a ca , plan on rebuilding it ..... i know mines goin to be rebuilt here in the near future!!!jon

[xyster]

I've been doing some research, and I'm 99% sure I'm gonna go CA instead of SR...but my friend and I have one concern: A lot of our honda buddies seem to have problems with stretched timing belts. Is that a problem with the CA? What's the recommended service interval? 60-90k? Is it reasonably simple to change? Thanks

[chezina]

60k says the FSM, and it's not that hard to change the belt, it can easily be done in 1-2hours (when u know what to do).

[boost_boy]

Quote »A lot of our honda buddies seem to have problems with stretched timing belts. Is that a problem with the CA?[/quote] Those honda guys have stretched belt problems because their timing belt is multi-functional meaning it not only keeps the cam gears in time with the bottom end, but it turns the water pump as well and that's alot to ask a rubber belt. I haven't trshed a CA16 or CA18 belt yet, possibly because I change them every chance I get bored and need something constructive to do. I mean for $17 why not!

[xyster]

alright, thanks a lot

[zion]

how is the reliability of this engine as a daily driver? Given the mods up to about 300hp. This is Xyster's friend.

[Nathan]

Give me a year and I'll tell ya...I think it should be pretty good as long as everything is in good condition and up to the task...although Iwouldnt want to drive it daily with that much hp without some bottom end work for peace of mind and a good metal headgasket.

[zion]

Yeah, I havent decided whether or not I want to rebuild the lower end first before i do anything else. Since I will have the motor out in the first place it seems like the right thing to do. what kind of internals do you think you can get for about 1000.00?

[Nathan]

hmmm, JE pistons...call them up, they allready have them in the system, you could probably keep your stock rods or shotpeen them if you want (they are allready quite sturdy), get a metal headgasket for sure...1.2mm is the stock size, I went with a 1.6mm tomei just for the slight drop in compression/less chance of detonation at high boost. You should probably do the simple stuff like con rod bearings, in fact, I'd do all the bearings you can... Also, while you are doing work you should replace all your belts and hoses for some extra peace of mind

[zion]

Cool, Thanks alot. This has pointed me in the right direction. will keep yall posted on mine and Xyster's projects. as soon as we get them. lol

[Nathan]

Glad I could help, there are some other people around here that know more than me that could help on this subject too

[Junia]

IMHO about the reliability of the CA engine, I think it is the shiznit. I think the CA,FJ,RB(the older ones out of the R31)and the KA out of the late 80's early 90's are the best engines that nissan had. I've had a chance to drive a CA with 400+ HP and it was very easy to drive. I've NEVER come across a silvia or a 180sx in the junkyard with a blown engine.

[slw240sx]

neither have i since there doesnt seem to be any of them here in the states, there fore i gues they are teh best engines!!!

[boost_boy]

Quote »I've NEVER come across a silvia or a 180sx in the junkyard with a blown engine.[/quote] I think he's referring to an experience he's had while stationed in Japan (I could be wrong). Seeing that he's from Jacksonville, N.C. and since it's a military city (Mainly marine corps and navy) gives a high probability that he's in the military and have been to Okinawa or somewhere in the vicinity (Could be wrong again). But I hope no one thinks their going to find a 180sx or sylvia in the junkyard here in the states:( .

[Junia]

you're kinda right. Except for I'm from Okinawa and I just happen to be stationed in Jacksonville right now. Had to throw that in there 'cause didn't want people to think that I'm "from there". Sorry but I can't stand the damn place. I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I could find a 180sx in the junkyard here.