Servicing info

[Alan]

Hello all,

Two weeks into S14 ownership, and I'm well happy. Now I'm trying to get some info on the beastie. Is it true there's no cambelt? I can't see one on there... So does the chain (?) need any maintenance?
Just changed the oil and filter (Halfords 5W40 full synthetic), and soon to flush the cooling system. Is there anything else I should be doing? Are the valve clearances hydraulic or shims?
My air-con doesn't seem too great - is there anything I can do about this? The dealer I bought it from had it recharged, and there are fresh seals on the pipes under the bonnet, and a recharging sticker. Doesn't really seem to be cooling much in this hot weather we've been having.
Thanks in advance for any help.

Oh - it's a '94 'M' with 110k miles. There's a stainless race exhaust, K&N filter, boost upgrade all fitted.

Al

[David_S14]

Originally posted by Alan:
Hello all,
Is it true there's no cambelt? I can't see one on there... So does the chain (?) need any maintenance?

Yep its true no cambelt. The only problem I've heard with the chain in that the tensioner can wear (rattle mainly at startup)

Just changed the oil and filter (Halfords 5W40 full synthetic)

It's best to use a genuine Nissan oil filter when changing the oil ( I change mine every 3000 miles or so).

Is there anything else I should be doing?

You could download the Nissan service manual http://www.silvia.hl.com.au/techinfo.asp
and also have a read through the rest of the forum.

My air-con doesn't seem too great

My aircon improved when I got it recharged (six years old) and I cleaned the crud out of the heat exchanger.

Is the boost upgrade bleed valve, actuator or controller ?


------------------
David Cater
1995 S14
K&N,Mongoose,HKS pump,Blitz FATT-S
RLTC (being fitted on the 15th).
http://www.animfactory.com/animations/school/books/book_page_flip_md_wht.gif
Gather round and I'll continue
the next exciting installment.
Dan's Sig..Chapter 9..."Never mind the length feel the width"

[Alan]

That's great mate, thanks for that. I'd been trying to download the manual, but the links I had were all dead. Getright is sucking them down right now as I type!

Not sure what type of boost upgrade it is - I only know there's a receipt for one in the paperwork. How can I tell what's been fitted? What are the implications of the different types?

I've had a closer look at the a/c, and there seems to be a ticking/rattling noise when I switch it on. Could the compressor be on the way out?

Got to say thanks a million to yourself and all the guys on here. It's a really great resource - funny too...

Al

[David_S14]

The cheap (and nasty) way to increase the boost is by a bleed valve. This allows some of the signal pressure to be bled off and so keeps the wastegate closed longer hence more boost. The downsides are reliability (it may not hold the dialed in pressure over a wide rev range and boost spikes (car boosts over what it's set to before it settles back to the desired figure). http://web.norrisdesigns.com/product_detail.asp?ccode=18&id=2&cid=90
A better way is to replace the actuator itself with an adjustable one. This method allows you to set a boost pressure and it should be much more stable in use. http://web.norrisdesigns.com/product_detail.asp?ccode=18&id=2&cid=56
The best way is to get a boost controller http://web.norrisdesigns.com/product_detail.asp?ccode=18&id=2&cid=109
I like the Blitz ones http://www.blitz-uk.co.uk/boost.htm

The A/C should kick on and off when in use. Set it to full cold and turn the fan on full. The compressor should then have to work hard to get the temp down. You should hear an audible "clunk" when it kick in and and out the engine revs automatically vary to suit. It should then switch off after a couple of minutes and then on/off at it maintains temp.
Are you sure it's coming on (they have an electronic controlled clutch that only spins the compressor itself when the A/C is on)?
I got a quote for a replacement compressor a couple of month back when I thought mine was on it's last legs. Nissan wanted ~£800 http://300zx.co.uk/200sx/ubb/eek.gif
Best quote was from a breakers http://www.intapart.co.uk which was £150.
You can also just replace the clutch/solenoid if you need to.

Hope this helps


------------------
David Cater
1995 S14
K&N,Mongoose,HKS pump,Blitz FATT-S
RLTC (being fitted on the 15th).
http://www.animfactory.com/animations/school/books/book_page_flip_md_wht.gif
Gather round and I'll continue
the next exciting installment.
Dan's Sig..Chapter 9..."Never mind the length feel the width"