My 1995 Maxima died on the freeway the other day after I started to lose RPMs. I noticed that the temperature gauge was normal but the engine had some white smoke come out. The car would not restart, but just cranked slowly.

I drained the oil when I got the car towed back home but there was no water in the oil. I was wondering if anyone has had this happen before. The mechanic wanted $140 for a diagnostic but I am not made of money. Is this a problem I can repair myself? Any insight would be extremely helpful.

 

Pull the plugs and see if they are wet. Could be a HG leak. It could be that the leak is just allowing coolant into the heads but not in the oil.
VE head for ref: You can see the oil gallies and the coolant gallies. It just depends on where the HG fails.

 

Would the head gasket be a very difficult repair? Because I was quoted for $2000 for the repair if I had someone fix it. Thanks.

 

Well you could buy another used low miler VQ30 for $400 and pay someone to do a swap for alot less than $2000.

But yes, it's difficult. Especially if you have to ask if it's difficult.

 

Thanks for all your information. This car was passed down to me and I don't know much about heavy engine work. I really appreciate and am grateful for your help.