Just purchased a 1990 SE with 184,000 miles, in great condition. Bought it at a used car lot, but there was a note from the previous owner detailing what she'd done to the car over the years, maintenance wise (she owned it since 39k miles).

She mentioned a timing belt change at like 96,000 miles, but that was it. I had thought Maximas always needed the change at like 60,000 miles, but while I was in my local Goodyear shop (who has done all my repairs for years), the owner and I were looking at a timing belt change chart, and for the 1990 SE (3.0L engine, right?) it seemed to indicate changing it every 105,000 miles.

Does that sound right to you guys? Is there an informational chart on the internet somewhere for this, too? Is that the right engine for this car and year (I know I can look under the hood...forgot to do it before coming in this morning to work)?

Why the big difference in this engine, if so, and the ones where the change is at 60,000 recommended?

One more question for you guys: what is the problem when you hit the gas (from stop) and there's a slight hesitation before you feel it kick in and go?

Thanks a ton!

Randy

 

Go ahead and change the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, and drive belts now. That way, you now have a frame of reference for your engine.

Now, for future timing belt changes, stick to the Nissan recommened change interval (60k). Regardless of what other intervals you may see, if you stick to Nissan's, you cannot go wrong, and you will not have any issues in that area.

Now, as for the hesitation, I think some of the other Maxima Intelligent people here could better answer that issue.