It is killing me not knowing whats wrong w/ my Maxima. Any help would be much appreciated. 92 SE 5 sp. When i go to take off in first gear it bucks really hard unless i rev it up to at least 4k causing me to peel out just about every time. Sux. Also, engine ticks really loud when iddling and driving. Lifters? Worth fixing? Please help me get my SE running smooth again.

Thanks

 

Problem one sounds like your timing or your transmission.

The ticking is your VTC's. Go to Craig B's website in the faq's to find out how to ground them.

I don't own the VE engine so don't hold me by my word on these

 

first off your "ticking sound" is the VTC (variable timing cam sprokets) the inner spring weakens over time and makes them tick. and yes its expensive for nissan to fix. about 1200-2000 depending on location and dealer. if you do it yourself, it can be done however i suggest having nissan rebuild the units as they know what they are doing. then you can put them in your car saving you money. warning intake, valve covers, timing chain covers and about a zillion connections have to be undone and redone, there is a writeup on this and i can guide you thru it, i have a pdf of the motor and every stinkin nut and where it goes. i only nkow all this because i just replaced mine and went thru hell doing it if your a novice at mechanics please give the car to nissan, if you can do a 5speed clutch change you should be able to do this also. remember timing will have to be reset and there are colored gold and silver links in the chain to help you neway i have the write up from start to finish, bottom line its not gonna hurt your car ( the knocking) its just annoying.
as far as the bucking first double check your timing 15 degrees btdc(if you dont know what that means dont do the vtc change) is the stock timing. then just check your basic fuel filter, air filter for clogging, then check and make sure all cylinders are firing, (with engine running pull each ciol pack if the motorrpm drops its working if no change then you have a dead cylinder)

 

Well that helps guys thanx for the imput. Ill check all my filters tommorow. Thats what im hoping for instead of the one cylinder not firing. That would suck *****. Anyway thanx for the quick response.