I own a 93 Max SE and recently found out that the VTC (Valve Timing Control) Sprockets needed to be replaced. The dealership and one other place near me are both telling me that it will be $2000 for the job. ($500 each for 2 VTC sprockets and $1000 labor)

Does this sound consistent with anything you all have heard or had to have done? Any information is welcomed.

Thanks.

 

im sure if you go to a mechanic besides dealership,it would cost $12-1400,save yourself $$$$

 

I had gotten a quote of around $2500 from one dealership, which I am told was a way high price, and I got another that I think was between $1100 and $1300 from another Nissan dealership. I had called a few private garages but I didn't find anyone who had done the repair before and I wasn't crazy about someone learning on my car. I have since decided to live with the problem.

here is some helpful info

http://web2.iadfw.net/scutchen/max_faq/vtc/vtc.htm
http://web2.iadfw.net/scutchen/max_faq/vtc/vtc2.htm
http://www.geocities.com/bracecraig/maxima/vtc/vtc.html
http://www.geocities.com/bracecraig/...vcs-bible.html

 

I also have a 93' SE with the same problem but instead of fixing it i just grounded them so now i dont hear the noise and there are no after effect or power loss. but i would just ground them if i were you!!

 

That's what the third link I posted talks about, the grounding option

http://www.geocities.com/bracecraig/maxima/vtc/vtc.html

 

What is the purpose of the VTC if it can be grounded. I am weary on grounding something that was installed for SOME reason. There must be some effect that appears after grounding or disabling the VTC. I am not clear on that fact yet.

 

I'm sure glad I have a VG

 

Good question! Too bad I don't know the answer to it. My friends VE has a really bad ticking problem (110K miles). I also want to know the drawbacks of grounding the VTC. Anybody?

 

There's lots of info on the web about this and I think in the Maxima.org faq too.

I believe the VTC is the variable timing control, which is supposed to change timing dependent on rpm to give a broader power band.

-V

 

The VTC turns on just after 3000 rpm and gives the engine its second torque peak at 4000 (according to the FSM). When your driving at a high acceleration you should notice the car pull alot more at around 4000. Dissabling them will eliminate the second torque peak.

If you have the ticking problem you should first try running an engine oil flush (this will help clean the oil gallies leading up to the VTC sprokets). Also you MUST use a high quality oil filter (one with an anti-drain back valve in it) I use AC Delco Duraguard gold (mobile 1 is also a good choice). They are worth the couple extra dollars. The better filter will keep oil pressure up to the lifters and oil gallies so when you start up it wont take so long for the lifters to pump up and also oil wont bake on in the upper oil gallies.

 

Funny, my FSM for my 92 says the opposite. I have it on my lap right now and it says the VTC is ON when: (except at idle)
engine temp below 110 C
engine speed BELOW 4600rpm
engine load is high
selector lever (auto I guess) is other than in N or P

And it's OFF in conditions other than above.

It says ON advances the valve timing and increases valve overlap, which increases low-end torque, and OFF condition is opposite, which increases high-end. Both theoretically correct. It even gives a simple torque curve chart showing the 2 curves with it ON and OFF.

So really it looks like the VTC is on whenever the car is driven hard below 4600 rpm. Weird huh? Does this mean when we ground them they're being left "ON"? Most people report loss of top end, but not low end, so this would be logical.

BTW, I think frequent oil changes (5W30 - it's thinner) are the key to keeping VTCs healthy.

 

I change my oil between 3000 and 3500 miles and I use Mobile One 5w-30 Synthetic Oil. I use the orange Fram filters, I have used this type of filter on all of the cars I have owned and never noticed a problem, could these Fram filter be an issue of maintainence for the VTC?