1998 nissan frontier 4cyl 4wd questions!

[ChaosTheory]

I have had this work truck for awhile and have never been able to figure out what's wrong with it.

When engaging 1st gear the car vibrates and shakes as I get to the engagement point and this forces me to give more gas to be able to take off smoothly. I'm basically having to ride the clutch in order to move smoothly. I also have issues with power. Going up a hill I can't go above 40mph. This may be because it's a 4cyl? I'm not sure how though because my 4cyl mazda goes up no problem. I also have an issue engaging reverse sometimes and have to double clutch to put it in a gear. Every time it get the car serviced they tell me it's normal but I know something's wrong. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[ChaosTheory]

Anyone ?

[Keith M]

I own a 98 2wd. The chatter when releasing the clutch is more than likely a bad pressure plate. The original clutch in mine lasted 160k, the aftermarket ones you buy at Napa or wherever don't seem to hold up well.
They are low on power but there are a couple things you can look at.
The tb tends to get gummed up. Remove and clean and replace the gasket. Also check the small vacuum lines around the tb; mine were cracked and not in good shape. Remove the heat shield on the exhaust manifold and look for cracks. This is another common problem with the ka motors in trucks. My egr failed at 200k as well.

[ChaosTheory]

I own a 98 2wd. The chatter when releasing the clutch is more than likely a bad pressure plate. The original clutch in mine lasted 160k, the aftermarket ones you buy at Napa or wherever don't seem to hold up well.
They are low on power but there are a couple things you can look at.
The tb tends to get gummed up. Remove and clean and replace the gasket. Also check the small vacuum lines around the tb; mine were cracked and not in good shape. Remove the heat shield on the exhaust manifold and look for cracks. This is another common problem with the ka motors in trucks. My egr failed at 200k as well.

Thanks for the advice. I do have a cracked exhaust manifold, I also have a valve cover leak. I don't think the clutch was ever replaced and it's at over 160k. I have a cel for evap solenoid that sits behind the rear wheel.

[Keith M]

Sounds like yours just need a little maintenance. I bought mine brand new 11/97 and now have 242k on it. I've replaced wear items such as the clutch, water pump, brakes and recently the fan clutch, other than that it's been trouble free. Still gets around 27mpg as well.