Many of you already know this, but I used to drive a 1992 Nissan 240sx Fastback SE. My family purchased this car with 114,000 miles on it in 1999. It was my baby. I loved the manual transmission, the great handling, the decent speed, but most of all it was FUN to drive.
Over the years I put a lot of effort into the car. When it had a problem I would get it fixed. Clutch, battery, headlights, oil changes, wipers, sunroof, radio, mass airflow sensor, brakes, tie rods, I even had it painted. Needless to say I liked it.
However, one Wednesday in May I was driving home on 540 when the car died. I had it towed to a mechanic. He referred me to a specialist so I had it towed there. Coincidentally, the specialist was named Doug too. He opened things up and told me the timing chain guide had broken and lodged itself in the chain between the camshaft and crankshaft. At 3,000 RPMs something has to give, the camshaft cracked. Come to find out the guide, a small piece of metal in the shape of an ‘L,’ was actually a part Nissan recommend to be removed because it wasn’t necessary. DANG! The 240 needed a new motor, but this was more money than I was willing to spend so I sadly decided to sell it. After nearly 11 years and 91,000 miles we have parted ways 🙁
It was purchased by a family who lives near my parents. They intend to install a new motor and allow their 16 year old son to drive it. Interestingly enough, has has actually seen me all over town driving the 240. I hope they can resurrect it.