I just got in from the local garage and the mechanic told me my problems were due to a vacuum leak due to o rings and or the intake manifold gasket. Codes came up regarding the knock sensor, maf sensor. He said he did a smoke test and smoke was all over the place. That's why he's focused on the manifold O rings and gasket.
I have searched the HOW TO's but found nothing on how to go about it. One link that looked promising was dead.
Any info to find a good thread or how difficult this job might be will be helpful. He did say the job would be about $1,000.00. It may be new car time. I can't dump that kind of money into this 2k se.
Thanks

 

Man, $1000 for an Intake manifold gasket. I gotta get a job with that mechanic. lol. It's not that hard to do with basic tools.

 

$1,000. is to replace gasket, O rings and the knock and maf sensors. The maf is new this past Fall.
How do I do this job? Details and pics are helpful.
Thanks

 

the gasket is probably 50 bucks, the labour is about 2 hours, while the manifold is off you can replace the knock sensor, probably another 80 bucks tops. IF the maf is new leave it alone.

check threads for replacing spark plugs it will show you how to remove the upper manifold. LOOK for an online field service manual as well (FSM) frr your car.

 

I wish you lived in florida, give me half that and i'd change all of the above + change your oil + wash your car.

 

The work needed here is a piece of cake for many of you. Not so for me. I am about at the end and will probably give this up.
Do I need a breaker bar for the knock sensor? Is it expensive? Does it have other uses?
If someone knows a link with good step by step instructions and pics that would be great.
I have changed the rear spark plugs and did not have to remove the manifold.
What is the difference with the manifold gasket and rings if any.
I just don't want to go down without a fight. This car should easily give me another 40-60,000 miles.
In the meantime my search within max.org continues to do this job.
Real help will be appreciated.
Hey Essential 1! Got a brother in NY?
Thanks

 

come to staten island ill do it for you

 

Anyone in Westchester, Putnam or Fairfield?

 

Get a 2nd opinion before you do anything..

 

http://nycmaximas.org/

Make an account there. Find your new mechanic there.

 

Did anyone recently see the replacement done by greghome.com. He does it on a 2002 and there are some differences. But it all looks pretty similar. The weather here is raw and nasty so I'm not getting under the hood right away to check.
Is a gasket scraper just plastic so as not to mar the area where the gasket seats/seals?
What's up with the "throttle assembly?" Does this just come off via a bracket and what needs cleaning on it? Brake cleaner ok here?
Thanks

 

The procedure for the 2002+ maxima is the same basic concept. The main difference is that you have more brackets/connections/clips/lines/etc. to remove before the manifold comes off.

You wont need a gasket scraper to get the old gasket of the intake manifold. Where the Upper intake manifold meets the lower, it is not flat. The gasket fits into a recessed grove. The gasket itself is not gonna be sticky but it will probably break apart and get stuck in the groove when you try to pull it out. Just use something with a fine point to get in there and "dig" it out.

The throttle body has 4 bolts holding it to the manifold. I believe they are 12mm bolts if i'm not mistaken. You dont need to disconnect any of the coolant lines. Just move the throttle body to the side. Use a carb/throttle body cleaner. It comes in the same style can as brake cleaner would.

 

I wouldnt pay $1,000 to get that done bro. Just do it your self its really not that hard. Its all just bolts theres nothing about it that cant be done with basic hand tools. I you really dont want to do it like someone sed above get a person from NYCmaximas.org to do it and it will be half that price probably even cheaper.

 

No offense, if you're built on money go ahead and pay. Nothingjustifies work like that for $1000.00 in what you wrote. There is plenty of information on here on how to do EVERYTHING you need to do. You can do it yourself for far less. Read, research, and knock it out. However if you don't feel comfortable with a wrench, Have him do it.
Edit: And find another mechanic.

 

No I am not built on money and that's a primary reason for being here now. I do want to attempt this repair. Being a novice I want to do it correctly. So any info, ie do's and don'ts will be most appreciated.
I am now going to search for the knock sensor location.

 

I've got a mechanic who dropped an engine in my 02 Max for less that the $1k price you were quoted. He even came to my home in Danbury, CT though he does not travel to NY. Drop me a line and I'll check see if he's interested in doing the work. NYBRONXCT@SBCGLOBAL.NET