NYCe MaXiMa

iTrader: (9)

I just bought a 97 SE 5 speed with 115k miles.. I do not know how it was taken care of before me, it drives very well and works smooth, but the air filter was dirty like it hasn't been changed in like 50k miles.

I want to know what are ALL of the precautionary things I can do to lessen the risk of future problems..

I know I should change all the fluids at least, should I switch to a different kind of fluid because of the high miles btw????


Someone please list anything you can think of that I should do...


here is what i have planned already:

- new NGK spark plugs
- new fuel filter
- manual transmission fluid flush
- radiator flush


what else?
bleeding the clutch?
brake fluid and power steering fluid? do those even need to be changed?


what else?

list everything people!

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Definately bleed or flush out both the clutch and your brakes. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and needs to be changed every few years.

You might want to let Nissan do the Power Steering Flush, they do recommend it.

What about the PCV valve, and that dirty air filter????

You should also clean your throttle body. www.motorvate.ca has a great write up on how to.

karguy

Here is a list of things I have done to my 97.

1. Installed NGK Laser Platinum plugs (OEM).
2. Installed 2 stage AMSOIL 2 stage air filter.
3. Flushed engine and installed AMSOIL 0W-30 Synthetic Oil and
AMSOIL SDF Oil Filter.
4. Flushed auto tranny and installed AMSOIL Synthetic ATF.
5. Flushed power steering pump and installed AMSOIL ATF.
6. Flushed radiator and engine, installed 50% mixture of Peak
extended life antifreeze and 6 ounces of RED LINE Water Wetter.
7. Replaced PCV Valve.
8. Replaced fuel filter.
9. Cleaned Throttle Body.
10. Cleaned Battery terminals and installed anti corrosion washers.
11. Rotated tires (myself) and checked pads and rotors. Hand
torqued lug nuts to 80 foot pounds. My plan is to install
Brembo Rotors, Raybestos Quiet Stop pads, Goodridge Stainless
Steel Brake lines and synthetic brake fluid (probably Motul).
12. Checked operation of AC System using Manifold Gauges and AC
Thermometer. Temperature differential between ambient air and
air in center vent was 55 degrees. 40 degrees is considered
good!
13. Checked all belts.
14. Checked out alternator and battery.
15. Thinking about cleaning IAC Valve.

4drsc

Just bought a used 5speed '97 myself so I'm going down the same road. The last post listed about everything that I have or will do. One thing to check is if your car qualifies for the alternator recall. Mine did and thanks to the list I asked and got a new alternator installed for free.

Good luck

Jim

95seMax

iTrader: (11)

Brendan

Get your whole engine powerwashed proffesionally, make sure they do it right so no connections come loose. Every 4000 miles or so put some engine and fuel injector cleaner in your tank. Check headlight wire harnesses.

karguy

I agree, I use Chevron 20 ounce bottle of Fuel System Cleaner every 3,000 miles and with every oil change. I am thinking of trying out B&G 44K in the future. I use Simple Green to clean my motor at home. It is non toxic and bio degradable, when I rinse the engine off I wash the soap off the drive and into the grass. Doesn't hurt anything. I only use a high pressure light stream to rinse engine off. Enough Simple Green to wash engine off 3 times is $4.00 at Auto stores and Walmart. Has a nice clean smell to it.

95seMax

iTrader: (11)

i want to clean my engine but am afraid i will mess something up, so the most i have done is spray some greese remover on a rag and clean the dust that i can see,

are there any side effects if you dont clean your engine, whats the benefits from doing so, besides that clean and refreshing look that u get

karguy

The only thing I would cover is if you have an exposed air filter like on a pop charger. I spray Simple Green right out of the bottle on a cold engine, firewall, fender wells, battery, fuse boxes, radiator and the entire engine. I let it sit about 5 minutes then rinse it off using a high pressure light spray. I then start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes. If everything seems okay (no missing, etc.). I then go for a 10 minute ride at 50 to 60 mph. The only down side to a dirty engine is when you work on it! The upside is the increased mpg because of the removal of all that heavy dirt and it looks a lot better too. The trick is to not over do it when you rinse the engine off. Simple Green has a nice scent so that is a bonus. I used to use Gunk, now that stuff stunk.

NYCe MaXiMa

iTrader: (9)

thanks for all of the feedback guys
Keep it coming if there is something not yet mentioned.

I'm planning on doing EVERYTHING I can, money is not an issue since hopefully I'll save $ in the long run by preventing something from breaking prematurely.

I finally get some days off from work after sunday, after I rest I will get to work on the car

more suggestions are welcome

ny96max

would having an old fuel filter and or PCV valve affect the way the motor runs/idles??

Ant

Brendan

If its old enough, of course.

ny96max

i know that!

mine have around 50k on them. I know for like $25 i can just buy both and see what happens.

I was just curious.

Ant

NYCe MaXiMa

iTrader: (9)

I figured you'd be the last person to not change something like the fuel filter on time!

It does make a difference..
well, it DID
i just changed mine saturday.. idle is more smooth and it pulls better.. gave me a good 1-2 mpg more too

but, that might have also been the spark plugs or the air filter i put in as well lol..

I need to get a PCV valve now and flush the needed fluids..





what kind of clutch fluid is best?
i need to bleed it....
where can i get it and how much do i need?

MaxJag

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