Having problems with my 91 Nissan 240SX - KA24

[JacSmyth]

I have looked around a lot on this site and maybe I am just overlooking some topics, but I just got this 91 Nissan 240SX it has the KA24, with a 4 speed A/T so I think it is the KA24E. I am really just looking for some suggestions on what I should start with, I haven't had a lot of time to look at the car yet so I don't know if it is the E or DE engine. I need to have it back to my place so that I can work on it.

The previous owners said it had a blown head gasket, but when I checked for common symptoms I didn't find any of the obvious ones. There was no oil or air bubbles leaking through to the radiator, I didn't find any oil around the head either.

When I took it for a test drive before I bought the car, it had no power when taking off but once I got up to speed it had no problem, I am thinking it has something to do with fuel pressure, either the fuel pump or the leaking fuel line coming from the fuel filter.

I am also hearing a knocking sound coming from the head at the front of the engine. I think it could be either a bad valve or the upper chain guides. I haven't had much time to look at the car so I haven't really done any tests on it.

If anyone can help me with these problems, I would appreciate it a lot!!!

[S13_RB25]

Well first off of its a 91, it should be a kade! Also if it was a leaking fuel line wont you smell gas all time then? But start by checking the plugs, rotor, cap and the little things!

[JacSmyth]

When I was checking the engine, I saw a massive leak which is the other reason why I haven't drivin it to my place yet, but when I go to pick it up I was just going to replace that fuel line any ways, but it only leaks when it is running.

[S13_RB25]

Well then id advise you to get it towed and then replace the line before driving it! Then do the regular maintenance!

[JacSmyth]

I will do that, thank you

[S13_RB25]

Np, keep us updated!

[JacSmyth]

I will

[JacSmyth]

Ok, so I have discovered that 1st gear is not working in 240SX, there is no compression problem and I replaced the fuel lines, I am looking at either rebuilding my 4 speed auto or swaping it out for a 5 speed manual. Which one would be easier and/or cheaper?

[S13_RB25]

I would say do 5spd! You'll shave some weight and it'll be more fun to drive lol.

[JacSmyth]

Ok, so I have found that my 240sx has no power up to 2500 rpm's, after 2500 rpm's I have the power I should be getting. I think it is cylinder #2, I am going to replace all the plugs and wires. Is there any other suggestions on what it could be?

[S13_RB25]

Well first off check the timing, just in case, and if you can do a compression test!

[JacSmyth]

Ok thank you

[JacSmyth]

Ok, so it has been a little while since I have posted. Well I got my 240 running better then it was, I replaced the spark plugs and wires. I am going to replace the distributer cap tomorrow and retime the car. It should be pretty close to its stock 188 whp after that.

I am still having an issue with the lower RPMs though, its running perfect at higher RPMs but at the lower RPMs it is still a little rich, I am going to run some seafoam through the engine and see if that cleans up the pump and injectors.

I am also trying to get my horn working, I know, what in the world do I need a horn for? I am just trying to get it back to its stock condition. Then upgrade the proformance.

[JacSmyth]

Ight, so I replaced the plugs, wires and the distributor cap. The car runs great, but I can't stand the A/T. I am trying to find a manual for my 240, does anyone know a good place to get one?

[S13_RB25]

The best place is the classifieds and CL! Good luck!

[JacSmyth]

Thanks bro!

[ZRay251]

So, did you ever figure out the problem with not having power in low end? I just bought a 92 S13 and from 1k-2.5k I have power, but from 2.5k-4k it's like it gets sluggish and loses power, and then after that it shoots back off again. I'm thinking fuel lines and filter need to be replaced.

[JacSmyth]

Well weather its the correct thing to do or not, I replaced my distributer cap, spark plug &the wires. Originally I could not get the wires out, but I had the cheaper wires in. I started having the same problem again, replaced the wires and the plugs again but I got the plugs from AutoZone this time and I have been driving my car from Pensacola and I am now in El paso,TX now and its running great.

I would check to see if your pump is pumping correctly, replace your fuel line from the filter to the engine, should be the fuel pressure regulator if I remember correctly. Replace that line with a clear line and check if you are lagging or have any air bubbles.

I hope that helps if you haven't already figured it out.