todamax

iTrader: (6)

I've grounded my VTC's but now the idle really is poor. It doesn't die, but it gets close. It jumps in the ~200 range up and down. If I disconnect the ground it idles perfect.

Ideas? I'm thinking about getting them fixed, but it may be a couple of months.

«§»Craig B«§»

iTrader: (5)

I think your sig is wrong, 93GXE = VG30E engine = no VTCs
92-94SE = VE30DE with VTC

anyway, there is something on the grounding page saying if unstable idle occurs, the VTCs may not be bad or something like that

if it's messing with your idle too much, unground them; my idle is normal with it grounded but I know my VTCs are pretty dead

todamax

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for the reply Craig.

Actuall my sig is correct. I haven't updated it, because I now own a 92 SE Auto with 60K on it. Yup, 60K and fricken VTC knock.

I'm not sure that it's not the VTC's... when they are grounded, the noise is _GONE_ not there nada. The engine purrs. When they are not grounded, there is bad clatter that decreases until finally its gone at idle - as the engine warms up. It come and goes during driving.

I had it checked at the Nissan dealer before I bought it and they were amazed at the car. It didn't make any clatter noise while it was there. With a short description of the noise the service writer and 3 mechanics all simultaneously said VTC's. I drove it 1300 miles home, and it got worse as I went.

I’m taking it to my mechanic soon. But… he has never replaced/diagnosed VTC’s before...

todamax

iTrader: (6)

I see what your talking about... I wonder if its the solenoids??? I will look into this tomorrow.

todamax

iTrader: (6)

Suddenly I'm confused.

The Hanes diagrams says if improper idle occurs, the solenoids may not be bad.

Improper idle occurs on my car.

Does that mean the solenoids are good and the sprockets are bad?

Mizeree_X

iTrader: (9)

Generally the sprockets are the parts that go bad -- they are the expensive ones.

AC439

I grounded my VTC about a year ago. The noise is completely gone. Only problem is the rpm dip to 200-300 for half a second right after the engine has started. Afterwards, it will stay at about 700-800 rpm. I think this is because the ignition timing is not optimized after grounding the VTC. The effect is exaggerated especially during the first two seconds when engine starts. As long as the ticking noise is gone, I'm happy.

todamax

iTrader: (6)

Mine will bounce between 600 and 900. Even after the engine is warm.

dmontzsta

iTrader: (8)

Mine does the same thing, the noise is gone, but weird idle. Also when you first start it the tick is there for a second it starts pretty crazy.

sublunary

iTrader: (2)

i just got my '92 se about four months ago and i had a problem with my idle. after driving for awhile i would shift into neutral and the the car stalled out. this happened five or six times but hasen't happened since i did a general tuneup. new fuel filter and spark plugs helped but i still get the dip to 200 or 300 rpms and i hear what i assume is the ticking that everyone relates to the VTCs. i was going to ground and see what happens but it sounds like it might make things worse.

scott92282

iTrader: (2)

Why don't you just go to Nissan and have them do a diagnostic for like $35. I'm sure they can tell what the problem is. If there is anything wrong with the VTC's...just get it fixed. That way you don't have to worry about idle problems and you don't have to ghetto rig it.

todamax

iTrader: (6)

dude, your like so brilliant!!! [/sarcasm]

Yeah, I'm going to. Next week. I'll post back the results. I've also decided against replacement (unless they are broken). The rebuild done right should take care of the problem for like 30K. Thats all I need. If it doesn't last that long, the money I save will pay for the labor the next time. I'll only be out like ~$70.

scott92282

iTrader: (2)

i was just pointing out what you hadn't seemed to think of yet...some don't see the obvious.

i got mine replaced because i am not planning on getting rid of the car any time soon since it now has 98k.

if you are still looking for info regarding the VTCs, you might want to search. there are a few websites that are listed in other threads that were helpful to me.