Questions and Answers

Nissan Frontier Diesel Is Very Sluggish Q. Hi Vince, I'm Jun from Philippines. I own a 2001 Nissan Frontier 4x4 diesel.It has 120,000 kilometers (74,564 miles) and manual transmission. I just had a tune-up as in adjustment of valve clearance, new change oil, new fuel and oil filters, newly cleaned nozzle tips. The thing is when I drive it, it only reached 140 kph (80 mph) JUST LIKE BEFORE I HAD MY TUNE UP!!!

So what do you think I must do to improve the speed? Do you think it has something to do with the CLUTCH LINING? Is it possible to increase the speed without sacrificing fuel economy?

Thanks...

A. Nissan diesels are not known for their get up and go and their lightning fast speed, But it should do a little better than 80 mph. I'm assuming when they did the tune-up, they adjusted the injection timing. Injection timing is as important to a diesel engine as ignition timing is to a gas engine.

It is possible the clutch is worn out. If the clutch is not making a firm connection between the transmission and the flywheel, it will slip and not reach the maximum speed the engine is capable of. So I would have it checked and adjusted, if there is provision for adjustment.