Most likely an idiot of a question... But due to the fact that i've got no mechanical background what so ever, i'll ask it. I haven't been driving the Z for the past few days, another family member has been using it to get to and from work. I've been alerted to an issue today that instead of the usual beast-like sound that it makes, it's making a kind of chugging sound? (I know it's hard to explain and interpret.) It seems to have lost some acceleration too. It's chugging away up until around 80k's and i've found that once I really put my foot down that it seems to overcome the "chugging" and sound like it usually does. I've done a quick search on google and the things that i've seen could be: exhaust, air valves, timing belt or allignment? I've done the best I possibly could in explaining the "chugging" sound. Hopefully someone will be able to understand what I mean by this? If it's to any relevance, it's an NA Auto... Cheers, Jamie
Needs more steam! Sorry, It could be any number of things. one thing that comes to mind is the overdrive cutting in and out. Try and recreate the issue and turn off the OD switch and see if it stops. Also just throughly go over all electrics in the engine bay. coils packs, TPS, Airflow meter, injectors and everything in between. Have a look at the tech section for details
I had similar symptoms when my coolant temperature sensor was malfunctioning, causing the engine to randomly flood as the ECU thought it was colder than it was.
Thanks for that fella's. I've turned the overdrive off, started her up and noticed no difference. I'll check the electricals and take her for a spin soon and let you know how it goes. Already got it booked into the mechanics on Tuesday. Let's hope it's nothing too major. Anti, how much did that set you back? If you don't mind me asking that is. Cheers, Jamie
Coolant temp sensors are only about $40-50 from nissan. Takes about 60 seconds to change when car is cold too.
Ahh sweet. I guess it's just a matter of taking it to the mechanics and seeing what they say on Tuesday. Not much I can do now but hope that it isn't anything major...
It sounds like something simple like a connector, don't stress and don't let your mechanic scare you. Get him to look at it, get a quote and a list, post it on here and we'll let you know if hes taking you for a ride.
Zed specialist... For this type of stuff you're much better getting a zed specialist to look over your zed. Most mechanics look at a zed, have no idea where to start and will charge you a shit load. Ask some of the NSW guys where they take their zeds for mechanical work. Thats what I would do. Of course, if your mechanic already is familiar with zeds, than thats even better.
Adam, that's exactly what I was going to do. I know for a fact that i'll be told if he's overcharging on this forum. Jedi, i'd love to get a zed specialist to check it out. Most of the Nsw members seem to be in Sydney though... Where as i'm further up on the Central Coast and there'd be no way that I could get it checked out down in Sydney.
Alright. Turns out it was the sparkies. He said that only one was gone but recommended that we replace all of them. Which I've decided to do to save any future visits. He also mentioned that I required a new coil pack. All bullshit aside, it's gunna cost me $400
Jamie, which area are you from? you can get a brand new coil pack for less then $100, a good condition second hand one can be found very cheap cheap <$20 if you look around make sure you put in the proper platinum tip NA spark plugs. (PFR6G-11) note that* if the spark plugs were in bad condition, it will attribute back to the coil plug connectors and/or PTU, the series one PTU's die, its not a matter of if, but of when. on the left is a series 1 mitsubishi ptu(death cometh), on the right is the series 2 hitachi.(vely nice I like) If a coil pack or the ptu needs to be changed, it's very simply to do, and your money will be better spent, getting more reliable parts, then spending the same amount of cash at a mech for 1 little simple thing.
Nemz, i'm up on the central coast. Around the gosford area. When it comes down to it, I don't know shit about mechanics and all i'm after is a smooth running car. If I was able to fix it myself I would have. He said that the coil pack would cost $200 and it'd have to be shipped up from melbourne. Wether that price was accurate or not i'm not sure. Thanks for the advice mate, I appreciate it. Though at this stage there isn't much I can do as i've told him to proceed with the work...
You should invest in a set of tools mate. $100 for a set of crescent ones from bunnings or somewhere. Comes in a plastic grey case that everything clips into. Stores perfectly behind the seat of your z too It is a VERY simple procedure to change spark plugs and coil packs. Spark plugs = $80 for a set of decent NGK ones. Coil Pack = New from a member on here for about $65 i think. Otherwise you can get them second hand for about $10 or $20. Set of O-rings for balance tube = $2 tops? Unplug coil pack connectors - hands take off balance tube - 5 bolts/nuts. Undo 6 coil pack brackets - 2 bolts per bracket. Pull off coil pack = hands Pull out spark plugs = 1/2" drive ratchet with 2 extensions and spark plug socket. Then do in reverse. Only thing to be careful off is cross threading your bolts/nuts. So just be gentle when getting the thread to initially grab on them. Use your hands wherever you can. Very easy and only cost you about $200 which includes an entire set of tools which you get to keep! Food for thought. Cheers, Adam
Hi Jamie I am up the coast at Summerland Point only 1/2hr away bring it to my place on The weekend and I will do it for you and show you 1 hour max. If you own a Zed then you need to get your hands dirty saves a shit load of money. Bring new spark plugs I have a spare na zed engine sitting here so I have 6 coil packs you can choose from. Mate your call us Zeds guys are here to help. Dave
Thanks heaps for the offer, Dave. Unfortunately it's too late for me to do anything about it now. I needed the Z fixed reasonably fast and i've already gotten it fixed Once again, I appreciate the offer and will keep it in mind for future reference. Cheers, Jamie
Pretty easily. I took it into the mechanics, he then called me after he had done the diagnostics(If I get a copy when I pick it up today i'll post it here). He informed me that one of the spark plugs were gone but recommended that I replace the others to avoid any future problems with them. He also informed me that i'd require a new coil pack... Long story short I just decided to cop it and fork out the $400 If there's anything else your after just ask
Suprise suprise, they've ordered the wrong coil pack?... The part wont be there until Monday so i'll inform you all of how it's gone then. Cheers, Jamie
