I should be picking up an '92 240SX this evening. What problem parts should I focus on replacing?

 

uh...you didnt really specify whats wrong with it, so we dont know what order we should tell you.

Give us an order of what's wrong with it, or you can just fix it to your prefrence...

 

I was originally look for common parts that have been known to cause issues. In addition, I test drove the car this evening. First, There is a small crack on the radiator. Consequently, When it pressurizes. You can imagine the result. The crack is located left of the top hose on the ?plastic top. If, I remember correctly the stock radiator is made by Calsonic. Question is...Is there a way to repair the crack for now? Until, I locate a new radiator. Second, It makes a rattling/grinding sound at about 2800rpm before/around the next shift. My immediate diagnoses is something to do with the clutch. Is this correct? The clutch has good feel and no problems with shifting. If, Someone can narrow it down for me it would be much appreciated.

 

You can't really fix the plastic tanks on the stock radiator. Some aftermarket radiators (stock replacement, not Koyo, etc) have metal tanks, which are well worth it. If you're really desperate, you might try some epoxy. Remember though that the radiator fluid is around 14 psi, and roughly 200 F. That's going to have to be some serious epoxy.

I had a similar rattle, which turned out to be the heat shield on the exhaust B-pipe. One of the heat shield mounting tabs broke off, and that corner was rattling away.

As for other parts to replace, my clean, low mileage 93 coupe needed 4 tires, all brake pads, TC bushings, tie rods, a decent set of seats, a working antenna, AC compressor, and a new driveshaft. It still needs 2 new wheels, rear rotors, AC recharge, and a pair of working speakers. Things that I over did it on, but still needed were a new shift boot, Nismo knob, and S14 seatbelts. I'd say that mine is fairly representative of most 240sx's out there.

 

Well, After doing some research in regards to the radiator. I found one at discountradiators.com for $119.00 w/ free shipping. Or I can try to patch the plastic for now. The main thing that worries me is the sound at roughly 2800rpm. Pilot bearing, throw out bearing, or slave cylinder? If, It's transmission related. It's going to sway me from buying the car.

 

I say do following unless its been done in the recent history of the car.

-Fuel filter
-Air filter
-Oil filter and Change
-Tranny fluid
-Diff fluid
-Injection service ( I put it here, since I would do it if i was you)
-All lights checked/bulbs checked. Headlights, running lights, turn signals etc. etc.
-All Belts
-All hoses
-Leakage under the chassis for Fuel and Oil.
-Spark Plugs
-Spark Plug Wires
-VALVECOVER GASKET....( Chances are its blown somewhere )
-Tires (If ok on tread, a rotation would help depending on when was last time that was performed)
-Brakes
-Coolant flush and fill
-Top off and check condition of other fluids like Brake Fluid, Clutch Fluid if Manaul.
-Even windshield washer fluid VERY IMPORTANT
-Wiper Blades

That is all i can think of

RINKU

 

Ya man, I haven't bothered to plug the hole in the tank yet. The light has been on for a good two months.

Reason i did it by the way is becuase i got a new hatch without a wiper...so why have a squirter thingamagiger? So, I took it off

 

ive got a stock plastic S13 radiator thats in good shape. $45 and its yours.

 

i used JB steel on my radiator ..i had a hole the size of a penny on the top of mine....ive had it steeled for about 4months or so..no problems...check for unusal noises..i have one that turned out to be my rotor rubbing my wheel because i rear bolt on the brake housing is missing...

jason

 

Everyone else has pretty much hit on the high points . After owning 2 s-13's the only other item I would mention is the rear hatch and the spoiler; if its a hb. The spoiler sucks and is rotten and will leak. I would remove and seal the bolt holes, lest you soon have a fish tank in the spare well.