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Z31 Turbo Tech Tips
Tech tip: Rules for Z31 Turbos
by: Chuck Strong of the Z Club of Texas
One thing that I have noticed is that all types of cars have their quirks. For a new car,
this can be a headache, but is not as big a problem with a car that has been around awhile,
because most of the problems are known, along with the solution. Here are a few common
problems (and solutions), and some procedures that every turbo owner should know.
So far, every Z31 I have worked on has needed a cylinder head temp sensor. When they go
out, the car will run rich. It is fairly easy to replace, but be sure to replace the harness
along with the sensor. Without one, the metal backing of the timing belt cover must be bent
a little. The sensor is located on the front of the driver's side head. The harness connects
above the middle spark plug on the passenger side. Follow it down and behind the timing cover
to where it connects to the sensor. No fluids will spill when the sensor is replaced.
Another useful piece of information is about spark plugs. They do need to be changed fairly
often (around 35k miles), and I only use NGK. The hardest part about changing the plugs is
removing the boots from the plugs. Nissan plug wires are designed to be easily removed without
damaging the wires. Aftermarket wires are not and can add hours of wasted time trying to
remove them without pulling the wires out of the boots.
Many people believe that turbo cars do not last as long as non-turbo cars, but that is just not
true. There are a few things that do have to be done differently, though. First, whenever a
turbo car is run hard, or has been in the boost for a while, it must be allowed to cool before
it is turned off. A turbo is cooled by the engine oil, and when a car is turned off, the engine
will actually heat up more before it cools down. This is known as heat soak. Since the turbo
will generate huge amounts of heat under boost, letting the car run for a while, even at idle
will cool it down. This is why turbo timers were invented. They jest keep the car running for
a few minutes after you turn it off. Not doing this will cause your turbo to die at an early
age.
Another item is the oil filter. Since turbos are so sensitive to oiling, the oil filter should
be filled prior to installation. This can seem odd, since the oil filters are installed sideways.
Here is how you do it. Fill the oil filter to the top, and then let it soak down. Rotate the
filter so the filter elements are soaked with oil. Just enough oil should be added so that when
the oil filter is sideways, none spills out. This will allow the turbo to receive oil as quickly
as possible.
Following these two rules, I have seen many turbo cars last over 200k miles on the original engine
and turbo. I also like to use heavier oils: 20W-50 in the summer and 10W-30 in the winter.
Change your oil regularly at 3k miles (or early if the car is raced often) and it will last a
long, long time.
© 2007 Triad Z Club
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