Hey, I just recently obtained an S13 with a KA24E engine, and some of the problems it is facing are the following:
engine start issue: sometimes the car doesn’t start, and the person who sold it to me said it could be either: a) require an engine flush. b) battery. But now I think it could also be anything else like the spark plug, etc.
there seems to be a rattle at the back of the car sometimes, which the seller told me it might be a driveshaft issue.
the clutch doesn’t return properly. It lags when it is returning (doesn’t stick onto my feet). The seller says it could be an issue of not bleeding the clutch wire properly, or it could be this “plastic thing” that is worn out. However, my other friend told me that it is a big issue that should be taken into a shop and be looked at and fixed asap.
Those are the three main issues I see on my car at the moment. As of right now I would like to fix the car to the point where I don’t have to worry about the car dying on my at any minute. Which of those three should I take a look at first? Also, my budget (for this summer) is no more than $1,000, because I also have to save up money for school. Where do you guys advice me to look/fix first?
The truth is that it might not be worth fixing depending on what is wrong with your car. Since your budget is $1000.00 look into what it will take to get your car running good and if it’s going to be over $500.00 don’t fix it bacause for $1000.00 you can buy a KA24DE just get a few guys to help you instal it, it’s an easy installation. Good luck!
just buy a ka24de thats out of an s14 or something. something with low kms and something with a good clutch. it will be under your budget, and will most likely fix most of your problems
Your going to have to get your hands dirty on this one.
Remove the motor + wiring, swap in a KA24DE with all the essential parts, while the motor is out, check the clutch lines. You may want to either replace or fix.
If its a bigger issue, remove the entire clutch pedal assembly, fix or replace.
Put everything back together and your done. As for the rattling in the rear, it could be sevral things including rusted exhaust hangers.
Take your time and do it right, there is a HUGE list of DIY’s (Do it yourself) in the FAQ thread.
However, most of your money will go towards tools (jack + stands, rachets, a hammer, sockets blah blah) aswell as the motor.
find a friend with a 240, borrow battery, see if thats the issue, i had the same problem and it turned out to be my battery. other possibilites could include the starter itself. try the battery method first, its cheaper.
you need to be a little more specific about this rattle’s exact location. not much i can say, i think i have the same problem but mine sounds like its coming from my tranny
Bleed the slave cylinder, its located right under the passenger side of the car, id take a picture and show you but i dont have one on hand. Google for a picture. check your fluid as well it, could be low or you could have air in the lines.
Use the FAQs/DIY section to see what other possibilities it could be, im just suggesting those off the top of my head. Good luck man.
First thing’s first, thanks for all those advices and suggestions.
find a friend with a 240, borrow battery, see if thats the issue, i had the same problem and it turned out to be my battery. other possibilites could include the starter itself. try the battery method first, its cheaper.
another thing I did forget to mention earlier is that sometimes when the engine starts up it has a very unstable idle and will cut of after awhile. Also, it has especially unstable when going uphill, it’s like I cannot maintain an average idle and I have to pumping the gas pedal to keep the rev up, otherwise it feels like it will die on me.
as for those who are suggesting me to go and purchase a KA24DE engine…because I want to eventually swap to an SR20DET I think it will be a waste of money to swap to a KA24DE. Currently I want to be able to run on my current engine as long as possible until I have enough money to swap to an SR20DET. I am currently trying to spend money on the essentials to keep the car running just long enough for me to do a swap. Until then, I want to minimize my cost as much as possible.
Dude, that sounds more like an electrical problem.
It seems like your altenator is toast, since there isint enough power to keep the engine running at idle. If the car still runs/starts up, (do this test at night or in a dark area), turn on the headlights and rev the engine to see if the lights brighten significantly on the dash/headlights. If so, then im leaning towards the alt. because thats exactly what happened to me. You may also need a new starter, but from the descrption you gave, I’d put my money on a new alt.
You can get one for like 30$ used, throw that sucker on, start her up, and do another test.
Anytime you buy a car…do a full tune-up. Spark plugs, wires, battery, engine/tranny/diff oil, and anything else that needs replacing
Rattles can range from the exhaust hitting the bottom of ur car, to the bearings in the rear, the differential, or even uneven tire mounting…check all of those. Im no expert, but from my experience with cars, those are worth looking at for starters
3)Listen to your friend…that is a big issue that should be looked at ASAP, regardless of the cause of the problem.
FINAL: You need more of a budget than 1000 bucks IMO. Even as a DD, cars are the next biggest expense to a house so with that in mind, you must be absolutely sure you can afford it cause like everyone says b4 you get ur license “cars are a luxury, not a necessity”. find a job, work some more, and be ready to pay to fix all those problems cause in the end old cars need more maintenenace than new cars and more maintenance = more money, so GL and congrats on the new car.