CJLax

Long time guys need your help. 2002 Maxima SE automatic 177,000 miles used to run great now it idles rough with smoke on start up. Code P0021 which is low oil indicator. Also I was told I need VTC soleniod and Dealer tells me the VTC sprockets are broken. Wants to charge $6,000 to replace motor. I know that I religously changed the oil used Mobile One from the start. I don't trust the dealership however I'm stuck now and not sure to get rid of her or install another motor in her? The car is in great shape and I don't have the cash for a new or used car now. If anyone knows a reputable Nissan guy in or around Freehold NJ you can steer me to I'd forever be in your debt. Car still runs but don't want to use it till I fully diagnose it. Thanks looking forward to all your recomendations.

HotMaxx02

iTrader: (1)

engine rebuild from a reputable mechanic will be much cheaper (not more than $2000)

Or buy a used engine from anywhere but the dealer. Should cost less than $3k

SoulEater

iTrader: (7)

check nycmaxima.org somebody can do it for your less than $2000 that's including engine with less than 50000 miles

VQP0WER

$6000? HAHAH, you can by another Maxima for that amount.

Snypa

iTrader: (35)

I sometimes have to wonder what the dealer is smoking.would they themselves even pay that ****...

SmokinMax02

You can pick a good, used Engine on car-parts.com anywhere from $600-1,000 and have a reputable mechanic install for around $1,000-1,500.

Here's the link, search of year & part already provided...

http://car-part.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi

Good luck!

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

FWIW, that script uses POST for data transfer, so you can't link to a specific search.

Scottwax

iTrader: (8)

Low mileage used engine. You ought to be out the door for $2000 or so with everything. You might even want to consider getting the transmission with it too. Probably end up being cheaper in the long run. Suck to replace the engine and 6 months later you need a transmission. Might get a better price (compared to buying them seperately) getting them together.

CJLax

Thanks guys for all your input. I left the car for my son as a project car. It has to many goodies on it to get rid of or donate so off to the back yard till the funds get better. This car was a great daily driver and look forward to working on it with my son and get her going again. My first new car lots of sentimental value. You guys are the best thanks for all your advise. By the way guys why are these stealerships so f$%^ed. If they were a little more honest they would get so much more business, I really don't understand there business sense. I know they have to make a profit but don't rip people at every opportunity they get.

KRRZ350

iTrader: (29)

That's cool then, yeah definitly DO NOT just [practically] scrap it or give it away, shlt if that was the case I would by it up. If you ever change your mind or anything with doing it with you and your son feel free to hit me up, I can get you an engine + installed at my shop for under $2k

CJLax

I would take you up on that offer real soon. Where are you located? I'm in Freehold NJ let me know. Thanks

Blitzfist

iTrader: (2)

seems like its possible that the engine does not need replacing and the stealer was trying to take advantage of you. why not get a second opinion on this and see what a few other people say. It might be worth your while. Its rare to see a maxima motor just go like that before 200k

odecom5

yours doesn't happen to have the digital a/c control unit where the bose tape deck is in the bottom of the dash? if so, i would be interested in buying it

odecom5

also, this is a completely different car, but my mom recently had to take her car into the shop and they said it would need the engine replaced to the tune of $5000. hard to believe that it would just suddenly quit like it did, so she decided to have someone else look at it.

one 300 dollar tune-up later, and the car was back on the road

So my recommendation would be, get another opinion if possible

davemac

177K is pretty good service. I hate to defend dealer but they are between rock and hard place. They are not set up to source and install a used engine - and if their diagnosis is correct that is probably your best solution. They aren't willing to risk replacing VTC parts on a 177K engine and have you blame them if many other problems ensue - likely with an older engine.
Get a second opinion - it is worth a diagnostic fee. If same opinion by 2nd independent shop then risk some parts or source and install a used engine yourself. I agree it would be great experience with your son - or ask your independent shop to install a used engine. Either way and you'll have a car ready for another 177K.

CJLax

Hey guys well it's time. Just got a replacement motor and looking for assistance in finding a Indy shop in Freehold NJ 07728 area. No luck with mechanic's in this area. All they do is try to rip you off as much as possible. Need advice
187k have motor what will I need as far as parts?
Engine mounts
All gaskets needed?
Trans runs fine should I rebuild?
water pump

these parts replaced trying to chase down problem. bad rings not worth fixing I've been told.
New parts:
cats
02 sensors
radiator
exhaust cat back
Maf
spark plugs
throttle by wire sensor
New tires all around.
Or do I part out this vehicle and call it quits. In that case:
Motor with 60K
all the above new parts and all parts in my sig plus all original parts in a box in adic.
As usual all your suggestions welcome. Still best forum around.
Thanks all
CJLax

Child_uv_KoRn

iTrader: (7)

And the cats kill another maxima.

We should get in on the class action lawsuits with the altima people.

CJLax

Haven't been in here in a long while is there something I missed? Is this a common issue with ring failure in a 2002 SE Maxima?

Child_uv_KoRn

iTrader: (7)

The cats clog and fall apart. You'll have lots of back pressure and suck some debris from the precat up and trash the cylinder walls.

Mine spun a bearing at 75k miles b/c it blew all the oil out. Now that the cars are getting higher miles from age these problems are really cropping up.

Basically, you gotta gut the cats or get headers if you don't want to kill the engine with the POS stock exhaust.

Looks like it's all nissans http://www.b15sentra.net/forums/show...t=70812&page=3 Even sentras can't escape haha

jr schultz

So buying headers is actually a way to save money in the long run?...Good to know!

Rods03Max619

iTrader: (5)

For real on that!!

Grand_hustle17

iTrader: (22)

car-part.com you can get a used engine with low mileage for probebly $600-800 frieghted to the shop of you choice and from there its labor... all good mang, i went that route and end up spending $1700 parts and labor for a engine and transmission

BlackMacks

iTrader: (3)

Dammit! lol, that figures.

I had my cats ready to gut when I was dropping my engine in, I KNEW I shoulda gone with my gut and gutted all those cats, woulda been sooooooooo easy to do at that time, now I gotta add that to my "to-do" list before they take out my low mileage engine.

frikkinnissanfrikkityfrikkinnissan