SWIFTMAXAZ

Hey,

I just got some new NGK laser platinum spark plugs... yay, but damn!! 12 bucks a piece.

Anyways, I got the haynes manual and it does not talk about the 2002 maxima. The pictures and most of the info is for the 95-99 and no help. I tried searching here and all the writups are for other years or something.

I need some help please.... How do I get the rear plugs out? It's covered by the TB or IM (not sure what it's called). Do I have to take that off? That would suck...

Spare me... I'm such a newb... no experience with the maxima (just got it couple months ago)

Thanks in advance... I'll be waiting here as I'm sitting outside now with the hood up and trying to find out how to do the rear plugs.

DOHCtorJT

iTrader: (3)

Yeah the intake manifold needs to come off. Here's a how-to:

http://home.nc.rr.com/acbradley/2002a.htm

wngan9447

iTrader: (4)

yup... 5.5 gens plugs are a little tougher to get to than the VQ30s. Good luck with the install.

SWIFTMAXAZ

ddddaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmnnnnnnn That sucks really bad. What were they thinking? No wonder it's 100k mile spark plugs...

Well... here I go... I hope that one piece under the IM does not give me trouble like mentioned in the writeup.

BTW... Thank you DOHCtorJT for the link, greatly appreciated.

CoolMax

iTrader: (7)

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....79#post2918979

SWIFTMAXAZ

Well... it all went ok. I still can't believe you have to do all that to change spark plugs, but... the bright side is the result. It feels much more responsive, and the idle is a little better too. The HP does feel a little more optimized as well. Overall, it was fun getting to know muh maxi.

That writeup is pretty good. It helped me a lot. Thanks again for the link and info. That GL helped too wngan9447, thanks

Edit:
Done @ 76k miles.
Cost: $78 w/tax
Labor Cost: 3 Beers
Result: Happy!

Mizike

iTrader: (7)

That write up is awsome! Perfect instructions. Did you find any oil in any of your plugs? paricularly in the bank closest to drivers seat, if standing in front of car and looking at engine, the back right?

2002 Maxima SE

iTrader: (3)

Better one here:

http://www.greghome.com/Greg%27s%20G...eplacement.htm

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

I can take my IM off in no more than 5 mins., change the plugs in 15, have the IM back on in another 5.

Practice makes perfect.

coinage

iTrader: (10)

I had this problem a few days ago when i did my plugs, any ideas?

SWIFTMAXAZ

Here's my old spark plugs. Inside was clean (happy about that), but as you can see, they wore out differently. The front end ones especially wore more than the rest. May not be any reason for this pic, but hey... no biggie.




What exactly is the point of that?

RLW001

iTrader: (11)

$12 ouch, I got mine at PartsAmerica/Advance Autoparts for $9.88 ea.

SWIFTMAXAZ

Ya... ouch. That's what I had to pay. Prolly could have ordered them, but I just went to BAP, they had them in stock. Never heard of PartsAmerica...

LA02MAX

iTrader: (3)

me too now

I got Copper plugs for $6.00 total

SWIFTMAXAZ

That sure is a good price... DON'T RUB IT IN!! lol

I know I could have saved moolah going that route, but I felt I should stick with the Super Dooper Laser Platinum plugs... I heard they give it wings and add 1,000 HP! And... only have to do it once.

TonyMaxNismo

lol....I thought adding graphics make a car fly.

DFRI

I found oil in the same one also. Haven't had it fixed yet. Curious to know if anyone responds as to what part needs replacing.

shawnbr

The plugs in my 2k2 had no oil.

platinum03SE

ok this is going to sound stupid by a guy at my work today has a 02 maxima and he says the reason the cars eat oil is because of the REAR spark plug hole gaskets are defective? oil leaks and burns? thats what he said and i dont believe him so i just wanted to throw that out there.

LA02MAX

iTrader: (3)

um no. Even if an entire quart of oil managed to squeeze through, it would be all over the valve cover and dripping down your engine. It wouldn't burn on top of the spark plugs....It's the piston rings that are defective.

Mizike

iTrader: (7)

I took it into the dealership since Im covered under my extended warranty. They replaced the upper and lower IM gaskets. I dont know if it still leaks, as I would have to take the IM back off. I had no idea it was leaking before, and still have no idea if replacing the gaskets did the trick. I do a lot of the maintance myself and have never noticed any dripping oil anywhere on my engine. However, I do have a decent relationship with my Nissan mechanic and he said it should be good to go. Should he have replaced a piston ring instead?