1991 Nissan 200SX from UK and Ireland - Comments

Engine is making a BAD ticking/knocking noise. Happens only when I try and maintain a constant speed. Only above 2000 rpm.

Have been told by Norris Designs over the phone, i.e. they haven't heard it, that it is the big end bearings, although I went to a Nissan dealer for a diagnosis, they said it sounds 'top endy', but without a full strip they can't say for certain.

Have been to a knowledgable friend who says that big end problems make the most noise under acceleration and when revving the throttle. However my noise doesn't appear under acceleration, I can accelerate all the way to 100mph without hearing noise and with plenty of power just like before the noise appeared. When I back off completely i.e. foot off the accelerator, the noise isn't there, it only happens when I try and maintain a constant speed with the engine above 2000 rpm, so I have been driving around at no faster than 35-40 mph which is about 2000 rpm in fifth.

Norris Designs said that if it is the big end, then it is cheaper if I replace the engine than rebuild it.

I figure if it is big end, then I need new engine so any damage I cause by using the car doesn't matter.

Anyone got any thoughts?

Anyone got much personal experience with working on them that might know what it is?

Anyone know of a 200SX club in UK? I know of Swedish and Australian clubs and also of 240SX US club, no help.

Sorry to use carsurvey like this but I am desperate.

I've had two 200SX's, both '89s. In both cases, at around 70k miles I started to hear a rattling noise which sounded like an noisy exhaust problem which resonated at 3000rpm. It got progressively worse on my first one (got rid of the second one quickly!) and eventually the oil light came on. Engine was out on the table and a very sick big end was presented to me. The mechanic told me this happens to an awful lot of the 1.8 engines and said the 3000rpm rattle is the sign. I was disgusted, as I'd treated it with kid gloves (3000 mile fully synthetic oil changes).

From what you've described, it doesn't sound like the big end (though I'm no expert). If it is, then yes, you'd be better of putting a new engine is as I faced the same issue. Big end is expensive, although you might be able to get the damaged one reground and fitted with oversize bearings if the damage wasn't too bad...

Cars, eh! Can't live with them, can't live without them.

Paul.

And I just found you a 200sx website: www.nissan200sx.co.uk

Paul.

Big end problems usually produce no noise under acceleration at low revs, but will start to clatter at mid to high revs. If the noise seems to stop or lessen as you put your foot down, then its probably big ends. Main bearing noises are much harder to describe as they vary with engine design, but generally don't have the same rhythmic quality as big end problems. Just don't let anyone talk you into spending lots of money until you're sure the problem isn't some peripheral fault. I once heard a Fiat X1/9 engine that sounded like the big ends had gone, and I would have put money on it. Turned out to be the alty belt separating at its join and clipping a mounting! Beware...

I had a problem with my 200sx. The noise went away when I accelerated hard, went away when I came off the power, but that range in between putting on power and taking it off, ie maintaining the same speed, gave rise to a 'metallic' resonabce sound. This only happened above 2500 rpm.

The engine was a 'gold category recon' from Nissan, under warranty (for 2000 quid!!!) so I was worried as to its origin. I took it back to Nissan and convinced them that the noise WAS present. It turned out to be the heat shield of the exhaust. (on the down pipe) near the gearbox. It was about 2 turns of a screw driver to fix. It was free, under warranty, but it should cost peanuts.

See if you can get a mate to hold the revs at 3000 rpm, or whenever the noise becomes apparent, and get your head down, behind the front wheel, and see if it is coming from 'behind the engine' region.

Since then, no serious problems, but a hell of a lot of fun.

I have a tappety click coming from engine and have been told that it could be big end trouble... norris say the big end noise is often confused with a tappet sound, also my car stutters at 4000rpm under acceleration, but pulls again under mild and contained acceleration,how do I cure this and has anyone got any thoughts on this?

Mate I've had the same problem with mine, everyone told me it was the top end, but after spending a grand on a new turbo I decided it best to check the oil press and it had none the best one of them motors will do is 100k a poor quality or worn turbo causes a massive loss in oil press which in turn kills the bottom end I'm going to pick my engine up tomorow, but it hasent been cheap. to have the bottom re ground new shells new rings one new piston (they crack allot) and a new oil pump that only nissan could supply cost 450quid at e and j hammond in deeside then I got a blueprint head set from unipart for £100 and then youd have to get ya turbo re-coned and the upgrade oil feed. but the best thing to do is admit defeet and pull it out and whip the sump off (takes about 6to8 hours this whipping process) and don't buy a second hand engine coz they've all been there to and how many 200's do you know that are being stripped for spares with only 30k on the clock...