-----Original Message-----
From: zdoc@yosemite.net
Sent: Saturday, February 20, 1999 12:01 AM
To: Ralph Welch
Subject: Re: Transmission problems

Ralph writes:

Hello Doc,

I have a 1990 300zx coupe NA 5-SPEED and had my clutch replaced in 1997 by a foreign car specialist shop, and now I'm starting to experience problems in 1st and 2nd gear. When I'm at a complete stand still and accelerate, I have to let up on the clutch very slowly or it will stall and almost cut off as if the clutch is too tight, like I'm dragging on the flywheel(this was told to me by two individuals), but once I start to accelerate and I shift to 2nd gear, instead of a smooth continuation of speed, it would grab and slow down and I would have to depress the accelerator down almost to the floor before speed would catch up. And now its starting to do the same thing when I shift to 3rd. I've also heard that 300zx are sometimes geared too high. Is this true?

I have 148,000 miles on my very cherished Z. Also my reverse lights are not working. Sometimes the would blink on for just a few seconds as if there was a short or if the connection was not true. Is there some type of connection with two wires that attaches to the transmission housing. The bulbs are in good working order.

Sorry for the long questions.

Thanks In Advance
Ralph

Windy Z club

Doc replies:

Hi Ralph,

Doc here, it sounds like you are experiencing clutch problems again from your description. Does the transmission make any sounds that are abnormal? Listen at idle in neutral for anything that is not a normal sound.

How is the gear lube? Have you ever changed it? There is a magnet on the drain plug to collect metal pieces that could migrate in the gear lube and is an indicator of anything that is starting to come apart, like a bearing shield.

The third thing that is you describe is the characteristic problem with the reverse light switch. Many times they just get tired and stick from wear, so I would order a new one from your local Nissan Dealership Parts Department. The connector is a special one so it is not available from an after market source that I am aware of at this time.

Since you are having some questions about the clutch I would like to have you review the repair order to see if the clutch parts were Nissan ones or something else. Many times especially in your location it may not be a convenient to wait and get the factory parts so another brand can be substituted for getting the job out of the shop. From your description is is possible that there is something that came apart from the center of the clutch hub and could be wedged in the pressure plate fingers. This would be a good probability since your description of having to feather it when engaging, like something dragging.

I hope that this sheds some light on the subject for you..........So how is the Weather in St. Louis?

ZDOC OUT........ in Yosemite

 

Ralph wrties again:

I have a 1990 300ZX NA coupe and have 157,000 miles and will have a remanufactured engine installed, can you tell me what will or will not be added with the new engine. O2 sensors, fuel dampners, plug wires, etc,.

What if anything should be changed while engine is out.

Any help would be appreciated. Please reply to both email addresses.

Ralph

 

Doc replies again:

Hi Ralph,

Doc here, you need to discuss the replacement engine job with the shop doing the switch and then determine what you also want replaced. With the clutch out (if it is a stick) pay for a new clutch and then you should not have to pay for more labor since it is removed with the engine job. The same thing
goes with the timing belt and water pump.

The O2 sensors are in the manifolds and are easy to replace with the engine out. Of course the spark plugs (NGK) only and the spark plug wires should be replaced if they are original.

By the way, looking at the older e-mails I wondered if you had the reverse light switch replaced yet too?
Another thing that you need to do is at least have the radiator checked, or replaced, since it will keep your ZX cool in the summer and protect your engine investment.

I hope that this helps you and others...............

ZDOC OUT

Ralph replies:

Doc,

I had the transmisson and differential fluids changed and that helped solve the problem of the temporary stall when shifting to the next gear.

Thanks a whole lot
Ralph

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