Should be getting my S13 Friday!

[ianae86]

Alright, so i've been trolling around here for a while but only recently signed up since the outcome of my trade looks promising. I'm trading my '93 Honda Del Sol for my friend's '91 240sx plus cash. The Sol is in great shape, runs like a top but his definitely needs some work. It has a little over 200,000 miles but still pulls strong. Just had a new clutch installed with slave/master cylinders. The water pump was changed not too long ago by the owner before him. New battery and some other basic stuff. There are some concerns to me though and this is where maybe you can help me out 1. The coolant overflow container is busted open. Not much coolant inside obviously which leads me to believe the thermostat must be removed? Any idea on the cost of a container from nissan? And I've been reading about changing the thermo...never done it before but doesn't sound too hard.2. The shifter is sloppy. Has alot of play in it. I read about the bushing on the bottom of the lever that can be replaced. Any idea on cost of this from Nissan? Pretty easy job as well? 3. The valve cover gasket leaks a little. Obviously not too big a job but I see alot of horror stories of over-tightening. I dont' have a torque wrench. Should I invest in one or if I just don't go crazy with my "muscles"(6' tall, 150lbs :P) should I be all right?Thanks for letting me rant and rave. Here's a couple pictures of the car...and my Del Sol. Excuse the crappy pics, was just playing around with my fisheye.

[redline140]

no idea on the prices sorry man but the thermo is a pretty easy job just removing some minor parts to gain acess as for the valve cover dont go crazy just tighten it sensably not to tight not to loose

[ianae86]

Hey thanks for the reply : I'm just worried that the guy removed the thermo for a reason. Like I'm gonna find an overheated mess when i re-install it. I might actually just get it taken to a shop for a look over once I get some basic stuff done myself. If nothing else it'll give me peace of mind. Its gonna feel great to get back into a RWD.

[ianae86]

Another question:The previous owner also ran a 3" full exhaust with no catalytic converter on it. Its obviously loud as sin, haha, but I also get a backfire almost everytime I let off the gas. Its that a symptom of no cat, or something entirely different?

[180fan]

1. The overflow tank is expensive from the dealer. You can see it vary from dealer to dealer though. I've seen some as low as ~50. I think you're better off getting the aluminum overflow tank by circuit sports.2. You pull up the shifter and check out the bushing at the bottom of the actual shifter. It's a couple bucks from the dealer. Very easy install. 3. A torque wrench is always a solid investment if you plan on doing the work yourself on the car. The valve cover has a very low torque (iirc 10-15 ft-lbs a little low for most torque wrenches of more reasonable range for use on a car), just do a hand tighten and stop when you see the RTV ooze out from under the moon plugs a decent amount. 4. Well backfire on the exhaust could also be from other stuff too. Depends on what else was done. 5. I'm gonna guess the previous owner may have pulled the thermo because of an overheating issue. That can be from improper bleeding when changing the coolant. It happens alot on the 40, you might be unpleasantly surprised...

[ianae86]

Thanks for the quick and thorough reply I think my plan of action is going to be 1.Replace shifter bushing2. Valve Cover GasketFrom there I'll see how funds are doing. I'd like to do a full tune up (plugs/wires/cap/rotor/air filter). 3. Then probably the stupidly expensive fluid reservoir :thumbdown: From there I'll probably take it to a shop and have them inspect/replace the thermo and flush the cooling system. That way if it starts overheating, it'll at least be at a place that can work on the problem instead of driving an overheating car across town. The car should arrive tonight. I'll take some pics and post them when it does. Thanks again everybody. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship :P