If any one ever does this to their Maxima and after has a check engine light, its the knock sensor. So just clear the code from the computer or reset the whole ecu. But the good news is the my copmpression is good in the whole engine the norm was about 190 with the least pressure was at 185 on the 5th cylinder.

 

I just recently did a compression test on my vehicle too. I have a 95 SE w/ 140,000 on it. My compression readings started at around 150 per cylinder (first rotation) then jumped to 190 (by the 2nd rotation). Did you see similar results? I also tested the manifold vacuum and that was perfectly in spec. Seems like my internals are running fine; just gotta fix my starting problem. BTW, did the KS trip the CEL? Mine never does.

 

yeah it did the ks was the problem for the CEL. I believe at first crank it jumped to about 140 or so and then by the 4th crank the normal pressure was there.

 

Did the exhaust sputter at idle? because my ks is bad according to the cel. And my friend with his honda civic si w/ vortech charger his exhaust sputters at idle like mine and when he did a compression test his number 3 cylinder was only at 90 while all the rest were at 180. That makes me nervous with my car. i have a 95 se with 125,000 miles. any suggestions?

 

well with a cylinder not having too much compression like that could mean that he burned out his head gasket or piston ring. But if your KS is throwing a cel it does not mean that the engine will run weird or the echause will "sputter"
As in sputter you mean the echause putts and the car sounds like its going to die.. thats usally a timing, the big guys do that to their detroit iron wiht more aggrasive cams

 

How would i cure the sputtering then?

 

Check your plugs and "read" them. If they all appear fine post more symptoms. Also, since you probably haven't replaced your KS, do you have any other codes present w/ you CEL?

 

Yeah the cel came on for the O2 at the cat. I do think the plugs do need to be changed though.

 

If you've got an error w/ the rear O2 sensor that could mean a couple of things. Maybe just the sensor or its harness is bad, or maybe something else is wrong w/ the engine or emissions systems. This link may help http://www.car-sound.com/page2.htm I don't know what else to say but good luck.