Uphill Struggle

[Slipstream]

Lately my 240sx is having the hardest time making it uphills. Even slight inclines. I can't figure out what the problem is. New fuel pump, fuel filter and it still seems like I have to stomp on it to get it going. Any ideas?

[Veriest1]

Weclome to NICO!

This could be a ton of different things. Are you sure it's only when you're going up hill? My initial thought was that your clutch is slipping. So are you sure it's not struggling every time you accelerate of ask a little more than normal out of the engine?

Have you noticed any excess oil or coolant on the sides of your block? You could have blown the headgasket. Either way a compression test won't hurt anything.

[bruinbear714]

Do you have an auto? If it's not downshifting when you're going up a hill, your TPS may be bad.

[Slipstream]

Yeah, it's an automatic. The transmission is starting to not grab. I need to get it fixed. I'd like to swap it to a M/T, but money is tight. I only drive 2 miles to work, so it doesn't bother me too much, but school is about 35 minutes away. The other week third gear went totally out for a day, then was fine. But I'm not losing any oil or coolant. Revs fine most of the time. I think I just need a total swap. Have 167K on current engine.

[OldmanPurdy]

Might want to check the AT fluid, when it get low or really old it can cause the transmission to shift sluggish (or not at all) and you would have problems going uphill. My parents Tarus had a leak in the transmission fluid pan and when you drive down the highway it would be fine, but as soon as you went up any incline the thing would start slipping or somthng. Could be a quick fix till you get the swap done

[Slipstream]

I had it flushed thoroughly about 12k ago. It was black as can be. It is still at full level and I added some Lucas to it. I went to get it flushed again and the place I took it said it would be a waste of money. I'm about ready to take it to a field and shoot it.

[Kenrik]

I say save your cash and get a M/T.. if you look around you can always find good deals! I got a brand new A/C compressor for my 89 240 off ebay for only $35... the guy had a car with only 5k miles on it and he was striping it down for drifing... I prefer to keep that lil bit of weight and have AC!! lol thing is he also was selling a M/T from the car for only $150... I looked at it but I already have a manual so there was no point in my buying it even though it was like new... (the guy was local)

[Slipstream]

My friend keeps telling me to swap it to a M/T. I probably should. Embarrasing thing is that I never drove a M/T before. I guess a clutch is easier to replace than another automatic transmission.

[Kenrik]

it will take you a little while to get used to a manual (it took me about an hour) but once you do you never forget!

[OldmanPurdy]

Well if its not low on fluid then its probally not worth trying to fix, like the others said get a m/t swap it'll be alot more fun to drive, and learning how to drive it isn't too hard just go to an empty parking lot and go at it. As long as you have a vauge idea how it works you'll figure it out. Took me about 1.5 hrs to be able to do it (though it takes a few weeks to get good)

[Slipstream]

What parts do I need for the swap besides manual transmission, pedals, and shifter? SHould I use a stock shifter or go straight for a short shifter?

[OldmanPurdy]

I believe you are also going to need a clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder (this will be attached to the transmission but it should be replaced anyways) And possibly a MT driveshaft, not sure about that one, someone who has done the swap could give you all the little details. The short shifter is a good idea, B&M makes a good one but I've heard they rattle at high RPM's.