We have a 1992 Maxima GXE Auto-transmission. About a year ago the engine started making a fluttering sound. When you first turn on the car, or when you are at a traffic light, the RPM sometimes drop by about 300 RPM's and the engine makes a fluttering sound and the car shakes a little. Sometimes it will flutter on and off in a few second intervals, sometimes it will flutter for 15 seconds straight, sometmies it might flutter a handful of times in a given day.

Recently we noticed that when you accelerate, the car vibrates more than normal and you can hear a slight fluttering sound from the engine.

We took it to the mechanic last week, and their engine diagnostics test said there was no problems. The mechanic did not know what was causing it but did reccomend a few things. So we got an oil-change, changed the distributor cap, and cleaned the throttle. But the problem is still there. Now he is saying it could be the spark plugs and wires (which we havent changed in more than 3 or 4 years), the O2 sensor or a variety of other things. Anyone have any insight to what the problem is?

By the way, we were planning on buying some $1.99 spark plugs from auto zone and changing them ourselves, but we heard you need a torque wrench to do it? Is there any reliable way of doing it without that wrench?

Thanks for the help

 

I had a "fluttering" problem...actually, I like to call it sputtering.
Turns out I had a broken exhaust manifold stud on the front manifold.
I also had a large loss of power (not sure if you do or not).

You should be able to find out if its a broken stud because it will be missing - like mine. Make sure everything is cool, and check each one. A dental mirror can be a big help. If they are all there (front and back) then move on to other possibilities.

This is a common problem on this engine family, among other things.

If you discover this to be the problem, there are many of us that can help you through the replacement. I just hope for your sake that its the front manifold (if thats the problem). I did the procedure, but I am pretty handy, and have lots of tools.

 

Thanks for the reply.
I dont believe there is any loss of power. The engine is very powerful. We don't know much about cars so you will have to help me a bit.
I have no idea what a "broken exhaust manifold stud on the front manifold" is. Can you describe where this is or can you point me to a webpage that shows where this is?

Thanks

 

i don't think you need a torque wrench to do spark plugs. i tightened mine till they were hand tight and then a little more. if i were you i'd get my spark plugs from nissan since they aren't that expense (probably $2 a piece) and they come pre gapped. also, when my distrubutor cap was crakced combined with bad spark plug wires my engine also hesitated. so try replacing the spark plugs and if that doesn't help go onto the wires. goodluck