As my name accurately states I am no mechanic but have turned a few wrenches over the years. Never on a Nissan though. I bought the 91 Maxima from my daughter when she blew the timing belt thinking it would be an easy fix.
I replaced the belt, tensioner, water pump, thermostat and cam and crank seals then ran the compression test on. 1-6 read as follows. 0, 145, 170, 170, 170, 145. So, I read into those numbers that her piston probably broke on #1 and # 2 and 6 had some damage. I bought a replacement used engine from a reputable shop here in WA and they tested it to 180 x 6 for compression with no leak down. Totaled car from the rear. This has turned into a project! I am 52 and a bit of a workaholic but currently stuck at home a lot undergoing radiation and chemo for stage 3c colon cancer. Also on oxycontin and Oxycodone to manage some of the pain these little darlings are gifting me with!! I find being in the garage is great therapy! My question to the board is what should I do to this replacement motor before I plug it in? I will put the new stuff off the one in the car on of course...the WP, thermostat, timing belt, tensioner etc...but what should I do besides? Flush it out? Fuel injectors? New gaskets anywhere? Etc......sorry for the vague question but I'm just throwing a line in the water here hoping for some help. Thanks!!!!

 

I also bought new plugs, cap and rotor by the way....

 

It seems that you are on the right track my friend. Replace the knock and 02 sensor just in case. Sorry to hear about your suffering. Go to your closest Whole Foods or Farmer's Market and get yourself some Milk Thistle (can be capsules) which will cleanse your liver. Whenever you do chemo, your basically carpet-bombing your body in the hopes that you'll catch the culprit. The first thing to suffer is always the liver. Nothing on this planet does a better job at repairing the liver than this. Also, look for Sour Sop or Moringa. Its been proven to be 1300x's more potent than chemo. It is your body, however. Who knew, that $15.00 worth of natural herbs could erradicate cancerous cells?

 

for a VG...here's what you should do...
timing belt
timing belt tensioner
timing belt tensioner pulley
timing belt tensioner spring
timing belt tensioner stud for spring
exhaust manifold studs and gasket

the injectors and other stuff you can handle relatively easy while the motor is in the car.

good luck...take care.

 

the O2 sensor is in the y-pipe...i wouldn't even worry about that until the motor is in.

 

Appreciate the feedback guys! I did get the tensioner pulley replaced but not the spring and stud. Do those need replaced as long as I'm in here? Might as well if there's any history of failure!

 

Is there a how to on pulling this? Hahaha. Too easy probably. Reading the Chilton has some parts coming off I don't know exactly what they are but.....pretty cut and dried what has to come free.

 

Also wouldn't hurt to change the crank seals and rear main seal aswell.

 

You can get the fsm (factory service manual) from someone here on the org.
Good luck with your project and welcome to the org. There's some pretty helpful 3rd gen owners here im sure can help you out along the way

 

Thanks guys! Love boards like this. Got the engine ready to pull except radiator and air conditioner. Went a lot faster than I thought. I really like the wiring harness. Unique plugs for each connection makes this child's play. :-). Mahalo guys.

 

Don't forgot the driveshaft on he passenger side along with the PS pump which all attached to the rear of the block...

 

oh and add water pump on to the list.

 

all disconnected EXCEPT the driveshaft. Had my brother in law disconnect all the bottom stuff because I am a bit weak. Getting under there is tough for me. Missed the driveshaft. I ended up getting under there and seeing that motor mount attached to the block has to come off because the shaft mount is trapped. We pulled the driveshaft out of the tranny end about an inch. Looks like a seal came out as well. What do I do about that?!?! Damn. Can I just push it back in and try to reset the seal?!?