Ok, long story short I ran into a large puddle last October (2005) and my insurance company had a local Nissan dealer install a replacement (junk yard) engine in my 99 Maxima. Since then I have had nothing but trouble with the car. Its a 5spd and when in gear...say 3rd or 4th for example and you let on and off the accelerator, the car shakes similar to when you are in to low a gear and do this. IE very ruff! On top of this the CEL is on and off and computer frequently returns EGR Errors.... NOW my clutch which is only 1 year and a few months old (installed just before the water damage) and has only 20k miles on it is going bad!!!! WTF is wrong with my Max???

QUESTIONS:
Can you drop an Infiniti Engine into a 99 maxima?
Are there any differences between the engines?
What do you think I should do?

Thank you in advance to anyone that can offer me help.

Greg Pic

 

I say you should walk away from it....

 

WHAT??

Let me see if I have this right.

Accident in 05 lead you to need a new engine.
Tranny/Clutch problems in all gears or specific gears?
Throwing EGR codes (let us know which ones specifically)
1 year old clutch going bad.

Do I have it right so far?

Why do you want to drop an Infiniti Motor into your car?
any 96-99 would fit, different years have different emissions equipment but it will work.

If nothig is wrong with your motor, no need to entertain the thoughts of a new motor. It Could be a problem with your clutch which causes the shaking.

At what speeds does this occur?
How is engagement?
who installed that clutch?
Was your flywheel resurfaced?

 

As far as the compatibility with the two engines, they are identical. All that is different is the badging on the engine cover and maybe one or two other places. As far as everything else, take it back and be very diplomatic with explaining each issue.

 

Let me see if I have this right.

Accident in 05 lead you to need a new engine.
HYDROLOCK FROM A VERY LARGE PUDDLE

Tranny/Clutch problems in all gears or specific gears?
SLIPPING BECOMING EVIDENT IN 4TH GEAR AT SLOW SPEED UNDER HARD ACCELERATION.

Throwing EGR codes (let us know which ones specifically)
SORRY DONT HAVE THAT INFO ON ME NOW BUT CAN GET IF IT WILL HELP

1 year old clutch going bad.
YES

Do I have it right so far?

Why do you want to drop an Infiniti Motor into your car?
THEY ALREADY DID IN NOVEMBER 2005 AND IT WAS AN INFINITI MOTOR
any 96-99 would fit, different years have different emissions equipment but it will work.

If nothig is wrong with your motor, no need to entertain the thoughts of a new motor. It Could be a problem with your clutch which causes the shaking.

At what speeds does this occur?
ANY SPEED WHENEVER YOU LET ON AND OFF THE ACCELERATOR EVEN DURING NORMAL DRINVING

How is engagement?
IT SEEMS FINE, BUT THERE HAS BEEN A WHINING/WURRING NOISE IN ALL GEAR EXCEPT 5TH

who installed that clutch?
CLUTCH WAS INSTALL BY MY FATHER WHO IS A RETIRED MECHANIC, EXTREMELY EXPERIENCED. JOB WENT WELL AND CLUTCH/CAR OPERATED NORMALLY UNTIL DEALER/INSURANCE COMPANY DID THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT

Was your flywheel resurfaced?
NOT THAT I KNOW OF

 

how are your axles?

 

Oh I would also like to add that there is a noise.... (similar to when a fan is barely rubbing something) coming from the engine compartment ONLY when the car is stopped in Neutral with the clutch out/disengaged. When you depress the clutch the noise stops.

Thought that maybe be a clue as well..

Is it possible the engine installer didnt align something, or adjust something???? Almost seems like the clutch is partially enganged when in neutral.

Also all of the problems started after the replacement engine was installed, nothing wrong after the clutch job.

Thanks again for help!

 

Both replaced recently, but after the problems started.

What you have in mind?

 

I see hydrolocked engine. That clears it up.

It sounds like your clutch is going back or transmission. If you are hearing the wurring noise, that sounds like excessive play with the input shaft. The shutter under hard acceleration would be the clutch slipping. I wonder if in your case you do have too much play with your input shaft and if its cause a leak which would get oil onto the clutch.

At a clutch change, is it an excellent idea to get the flywheel resurfaced. Most places should cahrge around ~$30-$50 to do it. It will give you a smooth flywheel that will grip better to the clutch. I'm sure your motor is fine but the problem lies with your tranny and/or clutch.

Since your Dad did the clutch job, if you guys can set aside time, drop the tranny and inspect the clutch.

What brand clutch went in?

 

never mind then, because i had a whining noise and it was comming from the passanger axle because it was cracked.

oh i have another idea! have you checked your tranny fluid, clutch fluid. Also are there any leaks. Since if your main seal went it might have oil on the flywheel.

 

If your EGR code is 0302:
go here: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=470051

and here: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....58751&t=496494

Read it all-look at all the pictures...