I was checking into my VIAS today and found a good amount of oil residue in the cup. I investigated further removing the intake plunum (what a b!tch) and found a lot of oil inside the plenum. Obviously there was oil on the VIAS power valve. See pictures below...





Is this normal for a 2k with 125,000 miles on it? Also what should I use to clean the plenum and power valve? They are both made of plastic and I don't want to use a solvent that will eat away at it, any suggestions?

Should I consider removing my intake manifold to check and clean as well? The plenum was the b!tch to remove, the manifold does not look that difficult.

 

Both my Maximas look that way.

 

might want to consider a catch can to capture some of that oil blow by. Not sure what to use to clean it... mabye some sea foam... You've probably taken apart the hard part, may as well take it as far down as your comfortable with. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

Irish's catch can FTW!

 

Oil catch can is your best friend...

Seafoam is also your best friend....FTMFW

 

Does not help that you are a 2000 with an EGR also, between the blowby and EGR you will get a ton of "gunk" built up in your intake. When I took mine off last, I cleaned it all out and it was gross.

 

well i have yet to look in that disgusting pit.

 

Do cali spec 1999-2000 maxes have EGR? Cuz Supposedly 2001 don't have EGRs even tho they VQ30s

 

I believe you're correct

 

Well...I ended up using brake cleaner (all I had last night) and got it by hand with a rag as best I could. I ended up not taking the valve covers off, I already made the project a bigger issue than I had anticipated.

It was weird as I was cleaning it I felt a good amount of silt/soot. Could it be my K&N filter is not doing the job? I am going to order an Apexi filter just in case and slap that on there.

And the real b!tch...I dropped by VIAS spring down in my engine bay somewhere and I cannot find it!!! You can't order just the spring from Nissan so now I have to either find the old spring, or get a substitute. Does anyone know some specs on the spring by chance to where I can get a substitute?

DAMN....

 

Ok...does anyone have any picture of their VIAS spring? I need to check it and compare it to something at the hardware store. Or does anyone have any specs for it at all?

 

IMO, the oil helps to lubricate the power valve inside the runners cut into the intake chambers.

Although mine doesn't look anywhere as close as that because I don't have EGR

 

Cali spec 2000's have EGR's, they dont have them in the 01's.