Questions and Answers

Dusty Nissan Distributor Q. Dear Vince, I have a problem with my Nissan 240SX, 2.4 engine, automatic transmission, 85,700, fuel injection, P/S, A/C, Cruise Control, no ABS. Well, the problem is when I'm not stepping on the accelerator, the engine starts going up and down above and below the idling speed. When the car is idle the tachometer should be pointing to 700, or 500 when on "Drive".

But when the problem happens the car keeps shaking and a couple of times it died out when I turned the steering wheel all the way. I have new valve covers replaced. One thing that seemed to solve the problem is when opening the distributor and cleaning the distributor cap. So I bought a new distributor cap, and the car seemed to work fine for 3 or 4 months, but then the same problem happened again.

I opened up the distributor and there was black dust on the cap, I cleaned it and the car worked fine. So what does this suggest about where the real problem is?? The mechanic put the car on a computer scan, but it detected no errors. He suggested to change the EGR. Should I go ahead and change it or what do you suggest?

I appreciate your response,
John

A. I think you have a bad distributor. There are two bearings inside the distributor that the shaft rotates in. When these bearings wear out, the shaft starts to flop around and causes the rotor to wear the contacts in the cap and rotor and grind away at each other.

What you can do is take the rotor off and move the shaft side to side. If there is any play at all, you will need to replace the distributor.

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