If VTC failure is such a prevalent problem for the 3rd generation VE motors, why were they not recalled by Nissan? Is there anyone out there with a '92-'94 SE who has had no problems with their VTCs? Just wishful thinking on my part I guess... Also, for anyone who has grounded their VTCs, how severe/noticable is the power loss?

 

If a problem isn't safety, or emissons related, forget it on an old car.

 

94 isn't that old. but it isnt safety so screw it

 

Mike,

I haven't had a problem with my VTC (but then again, I haven't had my Max for too long, and I just bought a rebuilt motor 2 months ago). But I'm knocking on wood, just in case!!

 

The reason that our cars,92-94SE, did not have a recall on the VTC is because in the beginning it did not happen as often and these cars were of a somewhat limited production. Nissan claims that the VTC's are a wear item and are going to need replacing just as if it were a timing belt. No belt, we got the so called maintainence free chain. It won't keep you from driving but that clacking could drive you madd. I had mine rebuilt with the updated spring kit for $700 out the door. That was with new upper manifold gasket and valve cover gaskets. I was also curious as to those with the grounded solenoids, were there any serious or noticable side effects?

 

Nissan not going to replace anything. Just look at the fuel rail and injector leakage they had a several years back. Nissan was changing out all the fuel related items no matter mileage and who owns them. I've had my 93VE since 96 and just below 30K. Now it's 01 and over 97K on the odometer and no VTC problems. (every time I keep saying that I cant stop thinking I'm only jinxing myself) Then again since my first oil change at 30K I've always used Mobil 1 oil and I try to give that the reason why I haven't had any problems yet. Since most VTC failures are due to lack of lubricant in the VTC passages

 

that's a load of BS that the Nissan is telling you. If the VTCs were a "wear" item, kindly ask them where in the Nissan service manual does it list the replacement interval for them. It doesn't. Just a very bad design not only in the vtc assembly but also in the lubrication leading to them. Plain as that.

 

I was so pissed off about it one day I actually went and looked at a recall page on the web. Nissan posted a TSB (technical service bulliten) about the VTC's. For those of you unfamiliar with this it's basically a "yeah there's something wrong with your car, yeah we screwed up, yeah it should be fixed, but NO we ain't gonna pay for it." Gotta love those TSB's. T.S.B. = Technical Service Bullsh!t