should I replace the air filter on my 88 Maxima automatic? Also, how often should it have a tune up (plugs, wires, etc...)?

My Maxima has recently started giving me trouble with restarting when the motor is hot. When cold, it cranks right up. When hot, it acts like it doesn't want to start. If I gas it full pedal when starting, it will start, but it stumbles, tries to die, and smells like it's burning a lot of gas and blows black smoke out the tail pipe. 20 seconds or so later, it runs, idles, and drives just fine. Anyone have this problem?

 

If you are questioning if you should give it a tune up, then you just answered your own question of whether you should or shouldnt. A person shouldnt question a tune up. Just do it. Best plugs to go with are NGK's. I have v-powers in my car and they are not expensive. I have OEM wires and my dist. cap came from advanced auto parts if you have one around where you live. A Haynes manual could help you with some of your issues you are indicating in your post.

 

Replace air filter probably every other oil change, tune ups once a year or every 15-30k miles....whatever comes first.

S

 

I also have a hot start problem...check your ecu for codes then go from there....right now I am throwing several codes, I am interesed what other people are thowing. Post here once you read your ecu please.

 

I guess what I was questioning is how often do I need to do a complete tune up. The last time I had it done was two years ago. What I want to know is, do I need to replace the plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor button, etc... with every tune up, or should I just change the plugs? Is 2 years a reasonable time between tune ups?

 

If I can figure out how to read the ECU myself, I will. I have tried to read through the instructions as to how you read it but when they start talking about switching between the different modes, I get lost. I can probably do it if I just take the time to learn how...

 

Thanks Sarin...