1984 4x4 pickup failing spark from either coil

[SamL]

Doing a VIN (JN6FD06S1DW003724) check (listed in Braven Metals parts inventory) its shows 1.9L L4 motor.

 

Hmm...17 character VIN and 1.9L

[Thomas Perkins]

2 hours ago, datzenmike said:

Never heard of 5 connections. Was it a Mileage option truck? 

 

It would have had a Z20 engine, course it would look just like a Z24. The mileage option vehicle has a high compression engine so needs a knock sensor and a form of ignition retard to reduce pinging. Ignition module may have 5 terminals, I don't know. Only came with 5 speed so if automatic it isn't.

They have 5 connections for sale online but they are from where.China.Also at junk yards they have been modified so you really dont know what is what.

[Thomas Perkins]

The 1.9L I4 (inline-four) engine refers primarily to two distinct, highly regarded powerplants: the legendary Volkswagen 1.9 TDI diesel known for extreme longevity (300k+ miles), and the Saturn 1.9L gasoline engine used in S-Series cars (1991–2002). These engines are known for efficiency, with the VW diesel commonly used in Golf/Jetta models.

[Thomas Perkins]

So you may be in a vw bug.Kewl.Saturns are kewl too.

[Thomas Perkins]

The Saturn 1.9 engine.

[Thomas Perkins]

I.9 vw diesel  engine.

[Thomas Perkins]

Nissan 720 VIN decoder.This site will tell you your engine size and year..Just went there on mine.That is all they tell you and they wont money to do more.

Edited May 3 by Thomas Perkins

[datzenmike]

 

If the second letter on the MODEL line was an F that would be the Z20(s) engine, and that was only on the mileage Option truck.

[Thomas Perkins]

Just went to Nissan psrsdela.com and they tell you if it is a5x4 or 2wd and how many doors. 

[Thomas Perkins]

Mike.Mine had the paper one on my door and it is gone.I think the metal plates were from Japan made Nissans and paper one's made in Tennessee  like mine.

[Thomas Perkins]

Paper vs. Metal: Yes, some Nissan 720s used a paper or foil-like sticker/decal for their identification plates, specifically on the door jamb.Metal Data Plate: Trucks also feature a stamped metal data plate located on the passenger side inner fender in the engine bay.

[Thomas Perkins]

2. The Metal Chassis Stamp (On the Frame)Because the paper tags often degraded or were lost, Nissan always permanently stamped the VIN into the chassis.Location: Passenger-side frame rail.Specific Spot: Look on the very top of the frame rail, just forward of the engine mount. Use a wire brush if it is covered by dirt or rust.3. The Dashboard Tag

[Thomas Perkins]

Mine has wore off.

[Thomas Perkins]

Here is mine.All the writing is gone.Even has the king lube sticker from the year it was made in 85.It had all the ink on it when I got it in 94.All gone now.Just like Auto Zone's receipts.The ink on them disappears.Best now to take pictures of them.Oriellys is bad out erasing there computers and telling you your warranty is no good cause they have no record on it.They tried it on me but I had the receipt. I even have a lifetime warranty on my Rancho 5000 shocks I bought from them over 20 years ago.

Edited May 3 by Thomas Perkins

[Thomas Perkins]

How do I tell if my car was made in Japan or the USA?

Here's a quick way to start: just read the VIN (vehicle identification number), which is the car's serial number. Cars assembled in the U.S. start with a 1, 4 or 5. Cars assembled in Japan have VINs beginning with a J. Canadian-assembled cars begin with a 2.

 

[Thomas Perkins]

For example, a 1985 Nissan 720 might have a manufacturing date sticker from late 1984.Mine was made in 84 but is a full breed 85.Not a mutt.

Edited May 3 by Thomas Perkins

[Blue720]

I was gone all weekend, but I'm headed back out there today. I'll get some more info on the VIN. I sourced a module from a questionable source, but he claims it will work with my rig. It has 5 terminals, but he said to hook up the I, B, E and it should work. Wing and a prayer. Will report back this evening

[SamL]

The particular 720 is a 1983 2wd model. There was no 4wd shifter on the floor. I striped it of its dash, door and back panels. Its currently installed on my 1984. I also took the Alpine radio which has a smaller footprint to fill the empty space. The 83 is about 3/8" smaller footprint than the 84.

 

The truck is a Z or L engine of some kind likely a Z. Didn't pay much attention under the hood but I would have struck me if it had a different valve cover. The distributor had 10 wire inputs (8 plugs + 2 ignition.)

[Blue720]

Failed. The one I was provided is a bigger part, won't even bolt in. Went to a parts store out there and they came up with the same thing, but it's clearly not the right one. All of his x-refs weren't even close. 

 

My sticker in the door jam says JN6ND06Y

manufactured 3/84

 

[Blue720]

On 5/2/2026 at 10:50 AM, SamL said:

Where in WA are you? I think Braven Metals near Granite Falls will have one. They have two 83's in their yard with engines and trans last I checked.

I'm in Mukilteo, so Granite Falls isn't too far. Never heard of them, but maybe they can help. I took the one off the truck so I have it with me now.

[datzenmike]

8 minutes ago, Blue720 said:

Failed. The one I was provided is a bigger part, won't even bolt in. Went to a parts store out there and they came up with the same thing, but it's clearly not the right one. All of his x-refs weren't even close. 

 

My sticker in the door jam says JN6ND06Y

manufactured 3/84

 

 

10th VIN digit would be an E for '84 model year

[Blue720]

5 minutes ago, datzenmike said:

 

10th VIN digit would be an E for '84 model year

not sure where the rest of the VIN is. The sticker only shows those 8 digits. Took a picture of it, but don't know how to post it

[datzenmike]

Isn't the VIN on top of dash, driver's side close to the glass??? 

[Blue720]

33 minutes ago, datzenmike said:

Isn't the VIN on top of dash, driver's side close to the glass??? 

I didn't see it there, so I looked in the door jam and found a sticker. I should have grabbed the registration, but I didn't

[SamL]

5 hours ago, Blue720 said:

I'm in Mukilteo, so Granite Falls isn't too far. Never heard of them, but maybe they can help. I took the one off the truck so I have it with me now.

Quite the coincidence. I'm in Mukilteo also. Braven Metals is on Machias Road just before Granite Falls. They're much cheaper than P-n-P and not many 'pickers' (those that take parts to sell.) Office is next to the wheel and tire store. There are two 83's; a yellow 2wd regular cab and a blue 4wd king cab flatbed. Cost a dollar to enter. Helps to make a list of tools to bring. Grab a wheel barrow at the entrance if needed.

 

The yellow has been there longer so more parts are missing but the engine is still there. I tried getting the ignition unit out of this one but didn't have the tools.  I wish I took a picture of it.

 

The blue is missing the typical interior pieces, gauge cluster, door panels, etc. The engine is mostly untouched except the battery cables. I tried to get the carb off but failed again. Want to go away from a manual choke to an electric one.

 

 

The fun row is 34. Furthest from the entrance. That's where they keep the classic older cars. If you want to make money as a picker, that's the row to scavenge.