Lost Super Newb

[duda]

Hello forum,

I only know a little about fixing cars, mostly parts changing knowledge really. I was given a 1993 D21 KA24E and it has some problems as you would imagine. I feel lost already and have no idea where to begin. Here are the major problems I see:

-It is very slow to start. It has a brand new battery and the starter tested out fine. There are some jerry rigged ignition switch deals in the front so that might be part of the problem. It will start without jumping it maybe half the time. It feels as if the starter is not getting enough juice or is not strong enough to start the truck.

- It does not overheat but it runs hot. The needle gets almost to the danger zone then either holds or backs off a little. The previous owner says it has run hot for a long time and is normal.

-Once it gets warmed up, there is a terrible surging idle issue. From 1500 to 2000 RPM's.

-It feels like something is loose underneath but when I go to check everything looks secure to me. If I hit a bump, something begins to rattle on something that sounds like it could be the fly wheel. I have to hit another bump for it to stop.

I just replaced spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor and nothing has changed. Still smells rich, still surges from 1500-2000 RPM at idle, still get a little black smoke out of the tail pipe. My neighbor said I should take the throttle body off and clean it but I have no idea how to do that. Any advice on where to turn next?

Again, my knowledge is very modest. I appreciate any advice on where to start. I will not rebuild this to show quality or anything, just a little work truck. Oh yea, its got over 348,000 original miles on it. Thanx again.

[AZhitman]

Welcome aboard!

You've come to the right place, and the little Nissan Hardbody is a GREAT first ride to learn on!

I'm about to rack out for the evening, but hold tight and I'm sure some of the other D21 pros will chime in. In the meantime, here's a little gift for you to bookmark for future reference: www.nissanservicemanual.com (follow the links to find yours).

Again, welcome home buddy.

[JB'sTitanXD]

348k miles..WOW

[BRubble]

You need to make up your mind if you want a dependable work truck or not.

With your mechanical experience, IMO, it would be cheaper to take it to a Nissan Knowledgeable Mechanic to give you an estimate on what you need and/or want to get fixed and fixed right.

If the Truck was given to you , then you saved money right there, Maybe; Depending on the mechanical condition of the Engine & Transmission.

What ever work you get done,, you want it to be done Right to last,, and not Bandaded to only last for a short while.

If you don't want to spend the money to get the work done right,, then Sell or Trade for a Truck that will be dependable.

Nissan is the Best to take it to,, but they cost more. If you can find an independent Nissan Mechanic that is honest and does good work,, then that is another good option, that "Might", cost you less.

You need to listen to a professional to decide how much money you want to put into this truck, @ this Mileage, to be Pound Smart,, and Not Penny Dumb.

Good Luck

[pchast]

Start with checking the timing. It can cause most of those issues.

[AZhitman]

A dealer isn't going to touch a '93 Hardbody. Nor should they. Most of their techs weren't born when that truck was built.

Besides, an oil change and a timing adjustment at a dealer would exceed the value of the truck. Let's be realistic.

pchast is right - Let's get a timing light on her and see where she's at. Cleaning the throttle body can wait - did you pull the FSM yet?

[BRubble]

A dealer isn't going to touch a '93 Hardbody. Nor should they. Most of their techs weren't born when that truck was built.

Besides, an oil change and a timing adjustment at a dealer would exceed the value of the truck. Let's be realistic.

Not True: ^^^

I had a '93 Hardbody, and a Dealer installed a wornout Water Pump for me in 2012. They charged me 200 $'s, Part's and Labor.

The Nissan Tech that installed the Water Pump, had a Hardbody that was older than my '93.

I stated that Nissan would be more expensive, but they'll be useing Nissan Part's, if they can get them.

There may be some, or maybe many dealer service department's that won't service a '93 Hardbody, but it sure won't hurt to check though. I had a '93 Hardbody for 20 year's, and I did most of the Service Work myself, but never had a problem with a Nissan Service Department.

And as far as the Truck Value; It depend's on it's Condition. In 2013, when I sold my '93 Hardbody, it's appraised value according to KBB, was between $4500-$5000 Dollar's. First person to look @ it bought it,, and I got 4K dollar's for it. Probably could have gotten more,, but Insurance was coming due.

Nissan Truck's, if taken good care of, will fetch good money, when time to Sell or trade, in my Experience.