Just got a 1984 Sentra- Need help

toygeek · Apr 22nd, 2003, 01:31 PM

Hi everyone! I'm a half decent mechanic when it comes to most things, and I bought a 1984 Sentra for my wife, and have a few questions.

The motor blew in it in 1990, and was replaced with an import motor from Japan. Its a slightly newer model, and the throttle linkage is different. It is working but I want to swap in the correct stuff. What year should I look for?

Also the ignition is acting funny sometimes. What are symptoms of a bad optical sensor in the dist? How 'bout symptoms of a bad ignition module? It was BARELY running, and we took the distributor cap/rotor off, put it back on, and viola it ran good. Drove it home w/ no problems.

Last but not least, is it possible to swap in power steering into this little car? My wife really needs it bad! She has a disease that makes her muscles really hurt bad, and I'm afraid this car is going to be too much for her w/o power steering.

Thanks much!

Myetball · Apr 22nd, 2003, 03:01 PM

Well, the carb version of the E16 was used up to '87 Sentra, '86 for the Pulsar.

For the ignition, have you done a tuneup? Cap, rotor, plugs, wires, filters. I'd start there since the ignition systems on these things are pretty reliable.

I'd bet you could swap a power rack and slap on a pump, pulley, and hoses. There may be a difference in the actual steering column but you should be able to get a B11 column at a junkyard cheap. I've seen the B11 racks on Ebay for like $75. The pump, pulleys, and hoses can be found at a junkyard. May want to buy a reman pump though.

toygeek · Apr 22nd, 2003, 03:08 PM

Thanks for your reply! The only questionable part of the ignition system was the rotor, the end of it looked pretty pitted. However if that were the problem, it wouldn't run at all I don't think.

I got a killer deal on the car, with brand new brakes, clutch, rear main seal, cv axles, used (but in better shape than the old) 5spd, but the interior is pretty rough.

Thanks for the tips on the power steering. I was thinking pretty much the same thing, swap in a power rack and pinion, and then bolt up a pump

Myetball · Apr 22nd, 2003, 05:25 PM

Checked my parts list, for the power conversion you would need to replace the lower steering shaft, the one that connects to the rack & pinion unit. All the other parts are the same, the power rack will take your existing inner/outer tie rods and the upper steering shaft does not need to be changed.

BTW, I have a Nissan Factory Service Manual for the '84 Sentra if you are interested. PM me if you want to work a deal.

toygeek · Apr 22nd, 2003, 05:40 PM

I just called a bone yard and they quoted me $200 for everything, is that a good deal?

I'll PM you about the manual.

Myetball · Apr 22nd, 2003, 05:53 PM

Yes and no. It's not a bad price on all the parts but you should get reman stuff if possible, no telling how long the rack/pinion and pump have been sitting in the yard.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2411272583

This auction ended without a buyer but I bet if you contact the guy he'll sell it to you for $75 + $35 shipping, hell offer him $90 shipped and he'll probably take it. I know I've seen this same item for auction many times over the last few months. At least this way you get a rebuilt unit and not a junker.

Then all you need is pump with mounts, hoses, and the lower steering shaft.

Ouch...I just priced a reman pump from a parts store...$135 + $10 core.

Myetball · Apr 22nd, 2003, 06:09 PM

If your front springs are getting worn, here's another auction that ended without a buyer. $9.99 + s/h for new front coil springs...yes they are front, I emailed the guy and asked. I need rears so didn't pick these up.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2411549709

Here's some inexpensive struts to go with them.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=2411790581

Let's not forget shocks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2411760313

recycled_toddler · Mar 4th, 2004, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toygeek

I just called a bone yard and they quoted me $200 for everything, is that a good deal?

OUCH!!! Come on up to Everett and I'll take you to Pull-A-Part. They have Sentras and what you're looking for. You could probably leave with everything for $35-40...no lie! I virtually live there!