Thread: How to: request....

Guys-

Can someone pleeeaaassseee provide a How To for performing a tune-up? I'm trying to develop some mechanical skills here, and though I've watched a few spark plug and wire changes, I've never done one myself and dont know what tools are needed for the job. Furthermore, it seems that several people replace other misc. items during their tune-ups but this seems to differ from person to person. What are the best plugs/wires to use, etc?

I figured since someone posted a How To for a job as basic as an oil change, I shouldn't feel too bad requesting a tune-up How-To. Thanks guys!!! I'm trying to do as much of my own maintenance as possible, so any input here is a plus!

Personally I would just go out and get a Chilton manual. I don't think you'll have much luck requesting your own personal write-up, and everything you need is in those manuals. NGK's are acclaimed to be the best plugs for our SR20's.

I didnt think that this would be thought of as my own "personal write-up." I think plenty of people on here that dont normally do all of their own maintenance could benefit from such a write-up. I realize its asking a lot in terms of time, though. Whatever, I'll go Chilton's then.

Jharris: I know it might be helpful for the whole forum community if we had "how to" with even easy jobs but for you personally I would get a buddy that has some experience. You can spend 20-30 minutes with him while you guys perform a "tune up" and will understand things better then reading a Chiltons by yourself for hours in my opinion.

A Chiltons/FSM is a must have though. Have you searched over at se-r.net at all? Like Rabid said, I would stick with the stock plugs and wires. No need to spend money on fancy things that wont really help you. Keep it simple for starting out.

jharris,

I would go to Wal-Mart or any hardware store and pickup a ratchet/wrench set, you will need it. Make sure it's metric

It would be nice to have such tutorials, but things like changing spark plugs are so easy that it seems a bit pointless to make a writeup for it, hehe. I've seen some generic tutorials on the web though.

I try to do write ups for the mods that I do, but there is only so much that I can do/take

I was honestly the same way last year, I felt sketchy about even changing my oil! But after I started working with it, exploring it I became more comfortable with the car/engine. Start out with messing around with easy things, and carefully work your way up.

Also, if you can post what you have in mind, we might be able to take some pictures and help you out

I would have a Haynes, Chiltons and FSM on you at all times if you can afford it. I would check ebay for a used FSM and buy the Haynes and Chiltons online. Use [url]www.froogle.com[/url] to find the best price for these items online.

In terms of tuneup, I would say that a thorough tune up would be:

Spark Plugs (NGK coppers are fine and cheap)
Plug Wires
Distributor cap
Distributor rotor
Fuel Filter
Oil Filter (oil change)


If you want to gain super-car-working-on-confidence at a low price, and do you car a lot of good in the mean time, I suggest waiting on spending money on power adders and spend money in these areas:

Energy suspension bushing kit
Energy suspension engine mount kit
Replace ball joints and tie rods
Get an alignment!!! - do your own alignment in your driveway before you drive to the shop - only need a couple strings!
DIY brake rebuild
replace all cracked/leaking PS hoses + use Redline Power Steering Fluid
remove transmission switches and re-teflon tape them + replace fluid with Redline MT90
switch to synthetic oil! 5w30 or 10w30 depending on if it's hot or cold where you live, mobile 1 fully synthetic is easy to get but there are other alternatives that are better. Mobile 1 is fine, though.


Free/very cheap stuff you can do that will give you something to work on when you don't have money to spend on parts:

17-19* distributor advance mod + 91 octane / just setting your timing in general
reground your MAF
swiss cheese airbox mod / ebay intake (ebay intake helps clean up the engine bay a lot!)
get your battery and alternator tested at autozone (better safe than sorry, they can do it while you ogle the aerosol RTV)
if your starter starts to get a little slow, get some brushes from napa ($30 at most)
SE-R foglight mod (foglights on with high beams and headlights off)



If you do these things, you will be confident enough to do anything but pull your transmission and engine apart. If you want to be confident in that, buy a blown SR20 locally ($150 at most i bet) and rebulid it in your garage. Tools to tear it down including torque wrench and engine stand < $150 if you shop right.

I wish I did my NX/Sentra this way. This is how I'm doing my 240sx. It's slow, but I feel it's the right way. GOOD LUCK MAN the B13 chassis KICKS ASS to learn on!!

Thanks Vadim and Taiden. Right now I'm on a strict budget, and even though I have a reputable, respectable mechanic I can call, I think it's time I start doing more on my own. I'm saving a few bucks to buy some tools and I guess, a Hanynes or Chiltons as well. There are so many small things that I need to do to my car that don't effect drivability (ie why the F--- my trunk is leaking), and then there is the need for a tune-up, belts, tires...

A few months ago I contemplated getting another car, but I've grown to really enjoy the SR20 (especially surprised by its responsiveness in 5th). Yet, as with every Sentra, the handling sucks and this is my 3rd Sentra. My old B13 E-coupe I had a friend help me install Hypercos and AGXs. I still remember a little about how we did it. Didnt seem too hard. But its anything engine related that scares me (besides oil changes). I hate to admit my intimidation with something as seemingly small as a tune-up but its true.

Anyway, thanks for the info. I feel a little more confident, I just have to buy tools and parts.

NP mate, glad to help a fellow SE-Ler

Btw here are some tutorials for what Taiden mentioned

How To on Ignition Timing

How To on the Fogs light mod

Here's a thread on FSMs that might help:
http://www.sr20-forum.com/showthread.php?t=2991&highlight=factory+service+manual
I use my fsm (hardcopy) as a reference for torquing pressures and bolt torquing sequences, etc, but use the Haynes for most other things because it has a lot more details in the steps for a novice like me to follow. I also have the Chilton, but the Haynes is much better in my opinion.
Make sure you get good tools the first time. I got a huge set at Pep Boys for like $20 on sale, and it sucked. Half the sockets broke and there were only about 2 teeth on the ratchet so I had to twist it half way around just to catch on the next notch. Since then I've been getting Husky stuff at Home Depot, which is not as good as others, but is pretty good so far for the price. I got a stubby dual-drive ratchet with adjustable head that makes life so much easier. Oh, and get PB Blaster and zip ties.

Very nice write up. This should be sticky some where. I think this would help a lot of serious people who are looking to improve their car but do not know where to start.