Whats up everybody, Im new to these forums, and I am glad I found this site, because I own a 91 Maxima (not sure which model, had no emblems when I bought it) that I've had and have a lot of problems with.

The reason I'm starting this thread is because something is really wrong with my engine (its a VG30E), and I was wondering if anyone has any ideas what might be wrong. One my dad took my car and he said it shut off on him so he checked the oil and he claims that no oil showed up on the dipstick. Im not so sure of that because I have never noticed any oil leak and the oil light never came on. Anyways my dad put in 3 qt of oil and drove the car for about 10 minutes when he says the engine began to make a fairly loud knocking noise and then shut off. He started it again after about 4 or 5 tries and then drove another 2 or 3 miles, with the engine still making the noise and the car shut off again but didn't start up at all this time.

About 5 hours later I went to the car and ran some engine flush through it then changed the oil and filter. Then I drove home and for the first few miles a heard nothing from the engine. but after a few miles I stared hearing the knock but it didn't shut off. From that point on what happens now is I can drive the car for about 15 minutes before It starts making any noise. What happens is I hear 2 different noises, the first one I hear when I press the gas, its like a rapid light knock. almost sounds like a go-cart when you give it gas. The second noise that starts after that I hear whether or not I press the gas, this noise sounds just like a diesel engine. At first It will go away if I put the car in neutral, but if I continue to drive I'll start to hear it even in neutral. And if I continue to drive more the car shuts off and won't start again until the engine cools. Whats even weirder is my temperature gauge shows completely cold for a good 10 minutes of driving then progressively gets to warm, it doesn't jump from cool to warm like it would normally. The noise start about 5 minutes after the engine is at normal temp. I've drove the car about every other day for about a month and a half now and the same cycle happens every time and it hasn't gotten any worse.(I don't usually drive to the point that it shuts off though)

If anyone knows what could be wrong please post, Im fearing that I may need another new engine (this one was the second engine in the car) but I'm hoping it might be a specific part even just a new heads wouldn't be so bad.

 

If indeed there was no oil when youre dad drove your Max, you MAY have spun a bearing. When the car is cold, the oil is thicker and may be preventing the knock that you are hearing. Once it warms up, the oil thins and it starts to knock again. As far as the shutting off goes, it is probably the knock sensor and computer trying to save the motor. I know hearing this sucks, but I hope it helps.

 

you need a new engine

 

[QUOTE=Smeagol]Whats up everybody, Im new to these forums, and I am glad I found this site, because I own a 91 Maxima (not sure which model, had no emblems when I bought it) that I've had and have a lot of problems with.


Do you have an Oil Leak after filling with OIL. If you do, DONT DRIVE THE CAR OR WILL KILL ENGINE. IF no Oil Leak, then Engine is Burning OIL (Worn Piston Rings). Need a New Engine. Also Chech the Oil Pump is operational (Remove Oil Filler Cap above Valve and verify Oil Flow)
Good Luck

 

Does the Car Leaks Oik after your Dad Refilled with Oil? If it is, dont drive the car or Engine will be ruined. Repair the source of Oil Leak (Oil Pan Gasket[Plug are most common) and hope Engine Dammage is minimal. Otherwise its time for new engine. If no Oil Leaks, Is the Engine Burning OIL (Worn Piston Rings) then you are in for Engine Repair (or Replacement- Better Alternative). Make sure Oil Pump is operating properly. Remove Oil Filler Cap over valves to verify Oil Flow to Valves.
Good Luck.

 

Bury it someplace nice and go find a VE!

 

90

 

If i read between the lines, it sure sound like this car is overheating!!! Possably no coolent, stuck thermostat, plugged radd, or bad water pump. car gets hot, starts pinging, starts knocking, shuts off..........starts again when cooler....... next time it shuts down, check engine temp, smell it, feel it, if it is very HOT, you will know............seems to burn a little oil, check often, keep full, no harm done to engine yet as it sounds fine when cool.....

 

If your car was running without oil to the point where it shut off, I would take it somewhere to get the engine checked because that is suicide to the engine