Decision time

Campbell · Mar 8th, 2003, 06:08 AM

Well my daughter came home with her 87 Sentra 5sp 1.6 carb with 165k. I had an earlier post about the 5th gear popping out - it now doesn't work at all, and BlownB310 had a good suggestion on only changing the 5th gear parts..

I have located another tranny with only 70k on it, I am wondering if I should swap out the whole tranny or just do the gear swap? what do you guys think? Also, when the car is under load it misses, feels like hard little misses and once the rpms get up it smooths out, doesn't do it when driving normal. Do you think it is electrical or carb related?

Thanks for your help, she loves this car.

nastynissan · Mar 8th, 2003, 09:21 AM

Dont know about the missing....But as far as the tranny goes...if youve found one with only 70k and it within your price range....Swap the whole thing. If you open one up your into another world altogether. And if youve not worked on tranny internals before you definetly dont want to start with a front drive. Plus you can do the tranny swap in a couple of hours with the right tools and equipment.

Myetball · Mar 8th, 2003, 09:59 AM

Well said. Swap the whole thing.

As for the missing, sounds electrical. Could be alot of things but do a visual on your plugs, cap/rotor first. And check for any loose/damaged connections on distributor/coil.

Good luck.

SuperSentra4203 · Mar 8th, 2003, 03:59 PM

As for the miss, check the plugs/wires. The reason it smooths out when the rpms rise is because the more rpm/load, the greater the spark, and it's enough to burn the air/fuel if the plugs are fouled or the wires are going bad.

Campbell · Mar 8th, 2003, 07:43 PM

Guys, I just finished changing the plugs, wires, cap and rotor. The plugs were worn and the gap had grown to .055! the wires appeared fried and the cap and rotor had significant wear and scoring!! I am going to change the oil in the morning and give it a test drive - I think this may fix the miss, I will let you know. thanks

SuperSentra4203 · Mar 9th, 2003, 06:29 PM

Change that oil and give her a test run, ya know, see if she passes your right foot exam

Something tells me your going to be giving another women the "change plugs, wires, cap.rotor" lecture.

Campbell · Mar 9th, 2003, 08:50 PM

Well what are Dad's good for anyway! ha. The car actually runs great, all the missing is gone - it is very smooth and has a lot more power. I was very surprised at how much better it ran, I am very pleased with that. She went back to Columbus (I am in Cleveland) and I told her to forget she has 5th gear for now, I will get the other tranny and swap it out another weekend. Thanks for your advice, it was right on! I will let you know how the tranny swap goes when I do it. later

SuperSentra4203 · Mar 10th, 2003, 07:31 AM

My sister learned the hard way about changing/checking oil and plugs/wires. BOOOOMMM. Oh yeah, how was the weazther up there this morning, he he.

Campbell · Mar 10th, 2003, 05:23 PM

Hey Guys, it turns out the tranny I have a line on was out of a 85 Pulsar 1.6, will it work okay in a 87 Sentra (5 sp) thanks

Myetball · Mar 10th, 2003, 05:57 PM

Yeah, it will fit, they are both E16 engines. Check this out:
http://www.autobook.co.kr/data_links...ngine_spec.htm

Only difference is you have an E16i (throttle body injection) and the pulsar has E16s (feedback carburetor).

Hey, while you are at it you should have the flywheel turned, and change the clutch/throwout bearing. May as well take a look at replacing those driveshafts while you got it all apart. Also see if the backup/neutral safety switches are leaking tranny lube.

Heck, since you have to disconnect the strut, give the ball joints a look, probably ready to be replaced...tie rod ends too. Shit...don't forget to check the front brakes.

SuperSentra4203 · Mar 11th, 2003, 07:56 AM

Hell, while your at it, rebuild the whole damn car

Myetball · Mar 13th, 2003, 06:57 PM

http://www.nissanforums.com/showthre...threadid=10857

More ideas on stuff to fix.