Just out of curiosity

[L1ama]

I was wondering, guys, what problems did you have with your car, I am just curious what breaks most often, and what to be prepared for, while driving a car really hard. I just need the most knowledge I can get before getting a car, so I can know what to expect, I plan to get an S13, and at times practice drifting, and im curious, what will usually break, if I maintain it good, use good oil, fill er up with coolant, and try to get new spark plugs, belts, fix timing if needed, then I will be a happy man after fixing it and going to practice drifting, what can go wrong then? please no flame tho, we are all a family

[Dousan_PG]

use the search mode
someone asks this question almost every week.

[L1ama]

well I can't find any threads that relate to this, if you guys can link me, withought flaming that would be nice

[ThatGuy]

As family, I'll tell you. Search around. This has been covered too many times to count.

Here's the best link we have on Zilvia.net. http://www.zilvia.net/f/search.php

Also check the Tech Forums to see what problems get asked about alot, i.e. Timing chain, emissions, swap questions, worn out suspension, etc., etc...

[breakindrifts]

Next time search but the first thing that always needs a fix is the upper timing chain guide needs to be removed. Sometimes the whole timing chain system needs to be replaced. Rear main seal leaks a lot, valvetrain is shitty leaky. Open diff sucks for drift. etc.

Just browse as many 240 forums as often as you can and you will learn the car.

[ManoNegra]

Any 10yrs plus car you buy will need some type of fixing. Specially if you're cheap like most Zilvians and get 'a good deal' on a car. Do general maintanance like you mentioned (fluids, belts, battery, filters) to get the car running reliably. Get an lsd and fix all the busted bushings in the suspension. And for gods sake get more power only when you have a decent, trouble free car.

[OdessaS13]

damn it, someone asked the same question
In case i recal everyone came to the conclusion that everything breaks
be prepared, kragen is your best friend

[Irukandji]

Originally Posted by OdessaS13

kragen is your best friend

Yikes... I try to stay away from there... too many generic universal parts that break too easily (i.e. slave cylinder, master cylinder, alternators yada yada). Either OEM or Mom n Pop stores are best.


Well to stay on topic,

Usually its good to replace the waterpump, thermostat, and distributor cap and distributor rotor. Of course there are a plethora of other problems as well, but fixing all those is a good start imho.

[trsilvias13]

what can break? pretty much anything in the car. practice at the track, less chances of hitting stuff

[KiDyNomiTe]

Originally Posted by trsilvias13

what can break? pretty much anything in the car. practice at the track, less chances of hitting stuff

There is a damn good chance of hitting stuff, and you will be doing it at higher speeds. Unless you are in a parking lot which sucks anyways...

[L1ama]

Thanks a lot guys, I will try to look into the small things that cause big problems later on, and try to replace them I guess. If anyone has time, and patience to teach me a few more things if they want, you can msg me on aim, I will be more than happy to receive as much info as posible.

[r-b-x]

check for rust on the strut tower. actually, check for rust everywhere.

[SochBAT]

For some retarded reason, mines attracted alot of boulders. In a battle of car vs. boulder, the boulder ALWAYS wins.

Although, i did split one in half.

[DJPimpFlex]

I've noticed the only thing that is really a problem with 240sx is the DOHC timing chain guide. Its not like DSM's that are prone to crankwall and such. The S chassis have very little in the way of common weaknesses. Leaking tail lights are somewhat comming, ratteling cat protector plate. Thats all I can think of as of right now.

[ESone3]

i have replaced everything!

I have a 2006 240sx now!

[aznpoopy]

-i've had about a ton of oil leaks, stupid old oil seals... ugh.
-heat shields love to rattle and piss me off as well.
-input shaft bearings and throw out bearings go bad. that comes up almost every week on the forum.
-timing chain guide. almost a given.
-just about everything is rotten suspension wise. bushings are all dead, shocks are blown, etc.
-rusty spoiler hatch on the s13s.
-clutch hydraulic issues. (stupid clutch vibration dampening box thingy)
-plus all other normal problems for any old car... water pump/thermostat, various sensors die and cause all sorts of havoc, grounding issues, alternator dies, starter dies, driveshaft ujoint dies etc. etc. etc.