Am I correct in assuming that you need to adjust the valves at some time? Does that mean the lifters are not hydraulic? What does a valve adjustment cost?

 

I was told that the valves will do that themselves by the dealership

 

The lifters are not hydraulic. In fact, the 4Gen Maxima engine has no lifters!

Nissan does not include valve clearance adjustment with any scheduled maintenance. It should be done if and when the valves become noisy. On most cars this service will never be needed.

Adjusting valve clearance not as simple as turning an adjustment screw. Each cam lobe bears directly against a disk-shaped steel shim of precisely machined dimensions. Changing valve clearance is done by removing the shim and substituting another with a different thickness. This service procedure requires special tools. The shims are made in thicknesses ranging from 2.32mm to 2.95mm. They can be purchased from the dealer. I'm not aware of any other source for these shims.

See Chilton (page 1-30) or Haynes (page 2B-5).

 

Thanks for the info. All Maxima engines are identical, correct? Besides intake & exhaust, what is the difference between Maxima & I30 engines.

Thanks again,

 

AFAIK Maxima and Infiniti I30 engines are identical.

 

Hmm, not quite. Dealers are so funny like that.