Common problems on the 240sx?

[s14master]

about to buy a 240sx and my mechanic wont be able to come with me to do the check, so im doing it myself. what things do i have to check for normal things and what are the most common problems on the 240sx. using the search button i found that common things are the timing chain and rust buildup on the rear end wheel and strut towers? let me know as i plan to buy it in 2 days thanks

[blackrms13]

rust is more for the cars that sees the snowy winters...

KA hated air pockets in the cooling system...thus easily overheat...

[Jimmy Up]

sd as in South Dakota or San Diego? San Diego shouldnt be very rusty, just oxidized from the sea salt...

[JohnJohn86]

the newest 240 is 11 yrs old now, anything can go wrong. Just make sure the chassis is straight and no rust, other stuff you can fix later.

[s14master]

any of u guys know what mechanics normally check for before buying a car? i wont have my mechanic with me.....dunno if a compression test is neccesary on ka24de

[J40sx]

its a small thing... reverse lights are always busted.
either it be a short or a blown fuse.
my reverse dont work, my brothers don't work,
not even my buddies work lol.

[Jaketenpointo]

its a small thing... reverse lights are always busted.
either it be a short or a blown fuse.
my reverse dont work, my brothers don't work,
not even my buddies work lol.

Yep, mine don't work either. Prepare for lots of broken/ worn out stuff...

[pink godzila]

-Check if there any major leak (ask the seller!!!)
-Check power steering line see if there any leak because old car has that problem
-Make SURE is straight classis
-Check the idl
-TEST drive it before you buy it !!!

[dynamicck]

This really depends on what you are buying.
Is it modified? Stock?
If it is stock... get a carfax. Check the vin and see how many accidents.

If you cant get a carfax, things to look for. Check the radiator support. Near the ends where it meets the fender, how's the fitment? Does it align perfectly? If it looks like it's tweaked, check the fender tubs. See if it looks crimped. See around the headlights, see if there's any crimple marks.
Check the body lines, see if they all match up and are straight. Are the gaps between doors, hood, bumper, fender?
Check the trunk, lift up the carpet. Look near the spare tire well, and check to see if it looks straight. If there was an accident, u can see if the floor looks crimpled, bondo, new sealant has been laid down. You can look under the rear bumper too (not on S13 cuz the gastank).

Simplest way to check for accident is checking the body lines. If the frame is fucked, you will see it when the body panels are not aligned properly.

Fuck the mechanical shit, just rebuild or swap a new motor. lol

[s14master]

thanks guys will do. ive already checked carfax and test driven the cars. just needed to learn about things under the hood. if theres any more info let me know

[DMaxUSA]

IACV maybe...I see alot more engines having this problem nowadays....

Also, bad window seals always annoys me on S14's. I know its not mechanical, but it can be a pain to repair

[JRas]

power-steering leaks are common, mainly because people use power-steering fluid when the FSM calls for ATF fluid.

ask when parts have been changed, spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, distributor rotor, fluids ( engine oil, tranny fluid, and differential gear oil. )

listen to it run, should sound smooth, timing chain rattles are common, but you can use it to talk the owner down.

get underneath the car check the crossmembers make sure they are straight and dent free, check out the suspension arms make sure everything look straight.

look in the trunk and battery tray for rust..

check for torn power-steering boots..

see what the exhaust is outputting color, a lot of smoke? what does it smell like?

you should post a thread under your area, and see if any experienced 240 owner is willing to check out the car with you.

ask the owner questions just to see if he knows what he's talking about... in general

check the car out.. take pictures, and post them up here..

[s14unimog]

I'm always really concerned about the chassis its self. Like most have said above, the bolt on stuff can be fixed later but chassis problems, or poorly repaired damage, can be a costly fix and a source of many headaches.

[seanc]

most common problems are stupid owners.

[Rapier46]

you don't even have a 240 and your name is s14 master?

[Otto347]

you don't even have a 240 and your name is s14 master?:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[soldiaboy]

you don't even have a 240 and your name is s14 master?
ROLF


check the window button.

[heavenboundkevin]

water pumps and thermostats usually need replacing. Not hard to do yourself. Make sure you drive it on the freeway or at least freeway speeds, making sure the clutch doesnt slip. Check if it drives straight. If it pulls to one side, could mean previous accident.

[sblack13]

most common problems are stupid owners.

haha thats sooo true.

[BustedS13]

There has been too much violence, too much pain.
None here are without sin.
But I have an honorable compromise.
Just walk away.
Give me the pump
the oil
the gasoline
and the whole compound, and I'll spare your lives.

[ESmorz]

It's Mr. Grape again.

[soldiaboy]

my pass door is awful squeaky. im gonna take off the door panel this weekend and check it out. what gives?

[BustedS13]

my pass door is awful squeaky. im gonna take off the door panel this weekend and check it out. what gives?

there's a tab that kind of locks the door in the open position. it gets dirty. spray it with white lithium grease. problem solved

[soldiaboy]

there's a tab that kind of locks the door in the open position. it gets dirty. spray it with white lithium grease. problem solved
cool thanks

[S14DB]

most common problems are stupid owners.
Yeah, like ones that drink to many OTC medications and forget that they asked the same question before under a different screen name. Over and over again...
you don't even have a 240 and your name is s14 master?

Troll's got to have a good name yo!