So I've had my new/old baby for about two months now, I have fixed the window motor, fixed the trunk latch that wouldnt open, replaced my leaky master cylinder for my clutch, got an oil change, got my cv axle replaced. Now what should I do? What seems to be something that should be done immediately? I've also been wanting to start some mods but those can wait if need be. Any suggestions?

 

when was the last time the timing belt was changed?

 

actually I have no idea, is there a way to tell if its starting to go out?

 

He's F'ing with you; if you have a VE, you have no timing belt. If it's not missing and your pleased with the way it rides, start modding man.... Include pics pls.

 

I would run it at the track, power shift it, keep it on the rev-limiter, and do more burnouts to expose any weaknesses it may have.

 

Its a 91 SE, so I think it does have a timing belt. I have driven it really hard recently to see if anything feels weird. Is a tune up something really hard to do? can anyone share a link on a step by step?

 

Then he's right. If you have a VG, the first thing you should do is a timing belt; if it breaks on you you're gonna have bent valves, and you don't want that $850+ expense.

 

Change the timing belt ASAP. There is no guaranteed way of knowing if the timing belt actually needs to be changed until you have all the needed parts disassembled...and at that point, might as well change it out.

 

 

i havent done plugs on a 3rd gen yet, but on most FWD V6 you have to remove the intake to get the rear plugs and thats sometimes a headache

if you have no record of when the timing belt was done, its worth doing the timing belt/water pump/thermostat soon. 3rd gen VG30E are interference engines, if the belt breaks you'll have bent valves and need a new engine

 

Wow well looks like I know what I'm doing next, definitely wanna avoid a busted engine

 

its not always forsure bent valves, but most likely 99% of the time so. ive seen i think 3 interference engines have the timing belt break but there was no damage

 

And I'm guessing thats a job that's reserved for the true experienced people?

 

as long as you know how a engine works and know your way around a engine, doing a timing belt yourself isnt too bad. otherwise it can be a headache

 

During the time you owned the 3rd gen, you never changed the spark plugs? On the VG, you don't need to take out the inktake to change the spark plugs.

For the timing belt, if you got some experience and the right tools it can take a few hours. But it could take the weekend for the inexperienced that want to take their time and not mess anything up. If you feel like you're up for it, there is a timing belt change tutorial thread somewhere around this forum. And don't forget to read the FSM (factory service manual) as it also has instructions on the timing belt change.

And also, while you're doing the timing belt, might as well change the water pump if you don't know how long it's been there.

 

I successfully changed my timing belt, and I am not experienced whatsoever. Follow the tutorial http://www.caraudiohelp.com/nissan_m...e_tutorial.htm

You can also read some of the experiences I had doing the change:

http://forums.maxima.org/3rd-generat...questions.html

 

Sweet thanks for the help fellas! Always know I can find help on this forum

 

Timing belt/tensioner, waterpump, all fluids(trans,radiator,PWS, brake), check motor mounts, check suspension. I do drain/fill on all used vehicles within first month of purchase, usually 3-4 drain/fills will get most of the old/dirty fluid out w/1-2 week intervals between each drain/fill(Valvoline Max ATF). I usually do the radiator coolant at the same time while she's in the air and I use the same coolant that Nissan uses. I use oem brake fluid and PWS fluid.

 

for you guys doing the timing belt...always change out that tensioner spring stud.
the design is total krap but if that stud breaks it will lose all tension on the belt.
also on these critical part try and use OEM parts.

 

i bought it at around 380k and it blew up at 429k, guy did plugs and wires not too long before i bought it so they were good

 

check suspension bushings.......old rubber falls apart all the time - ESPECIALLY if it was from a dry climate state. Just saying