Hi everyone!

First of all, welcome me to the forums! Me & my gf went to the police car auction today and bought a Maxima... got a pretty good deal - 92 maxima with 150000 miles for $400. Now... just as I expected, it doesn't run... the engine won't start. After I charged the battery, it would turn over, but wouldn't ignite.... I tried it for a very long time.. but nothing. Also, there is an oil leak under the engine.. seems to be dripping from the oil filter area, but it's raining like crazy right now, so I didn't bother to look further. Oil level seems to be ok, though. The gas tank is also full.

What should I look for? I am mechanically inclined.. but just thought that maybe someone here has some good tips.

Thanks in advance,

DMitriy

 

Order a FSM (factory service manual) ASAP and get a good DMM or volt meter. It will instruct you on which relays/circuits to test.

 

Do you know the best place to get FSM? How much does it usually run?

Thanks,
D

 

I have found them on EBay for around $50-$60.

 

Wow, $400 is cheap! VE or VG? 5 speed? What kind of condition is it in overall regarding paint, interior, etc.?

 

If the body is in good shape (i.e. need no money), then that's very good deal indeed! I sold my wrecked Galant with bent chassis and torn oil pan (possibly wrecked engine as well) for $1,100! So if all you need is a new (or rather, used but working) engine, you're still ahead.

 

That's SE auto. Well... body is in good shape. Interior is not in good shape.. but probably what you can expect at 150000 miles... it's ok. Engine is hmmm.... timing belt cover has a big crack in it. I just found it out. So, enginge seems dead. You can see timing belt through the crack on the bottom of the engine, and it seems to be turning. I don't know what could have caused the crack, but I would think it's something major and I would need a new engine. What do you guys think? Anyone wants to buy the car? $400 + 6% tax (I had to pay it) and it's yours if you pick it up. The color is black. I looked around... and someone offered me an engine for $475, and someone else is ready to install it for $500. The thing is.. that if new engine is bad, they will give me a new one, but I will have to pay for the re-installation out of my pocket.

 

92 SE's had the VE engine and they have timing chains , not belts so its not the timing belt. Dont know what though.