Hey so I bought an 02 maxima a month ago as my project car and needed some help. Its been sitting for a month and I noticed a tiny bit of oil leaking but that has stopped.

So today I finally got some time to looking at the car and as far as the oil leaking it looks like its only in the area where the oil pan is and no where else so that's good.

Any on to the next part. I'm going to replace the valve covers after reading around everyone says to replace them with the 04 valve covers which I found on ebay for about $50 each side with the seals but before I order it I was wondering if its ok to buy them from their. Here is the link below.

Link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAXIMA-VALVE-COVER-FRONT-AND-REAR-2004-2006-MODELS-OEM-/330917956417?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4d0c3f4b41
So know I am not sure if the timing chain is bad or if the tensioner has slipped and haven't fully checked that yet but should I replace it or should I wait drive the car and see if it burning oil If I find out it is just replace the engine? The car has about 180k miles I think. If I should replace it where should I buy the parts for that and how much should I expect to pay?

Next I want to change the flywheel and clutch. Again after reading around the best results came up with the Exedy 350z Clutch and Fidanza Flywheel. While I'm in their what else should I change I read something about a seal and also bearings? Also how much should I expect to pay for that clutch and flywheel I found a link on ebay but I'm not sure if that expensive or cheap? I will also be changing the clutch myself without a lift but before I do that I want to know if it is a practical thing to do?

Link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXEDY-Clutch-FIDANZA-Flywheel-ALTIMA-Maxima-3-5L-02-/140277245385?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20a92ce5c9&vxp=mtr
Lastly the Rotors, I need to replace them too but wasn't sure on what to get any help with that would be great. I want something better than OEM but also no super expensive.

Some other issues I have is the speedometer doesn't work I think its the speed sensor but I'm not sure any help with that would also be great.

Thanks again, I will also post pics of my progress.

Here are some pics of the car im going to be repainting the hood and bumper and replacing that ugly grill with the original maxima grill.

 

I feel like the valve covers with gaskets would be cheaper from an online dealership like nissanpartszone.com. I paid about 35 each side.

When replacing the flywheel may as well replace the rear main seal. About 40 from the dealer.

The oil pan leak could be from the front main seal which is right behind the crankshaft pulley, check that.

As far as rotors. Some people like upgrading to the 6th gen maxima front brakes. Direct swap with the calipers and the rotors are an inch larger than the stock 5.5 gen. At any rate, I am very happy with my centric rotors. They are great quality and I paid only about 40 per rotor.

Fidanza flywheel is usually around 400-450 and the clutch kit depends on quality. The oem stuff is at least 2-300 though.

 

I forgot to mention it is in the lower pan area where the oil cooler/filter not the main aluminum pan.

I just power washed that area Ill check in a few days once everything dries up and once it stops raining out .

Also the oil dipstick was missing I managed to get one but I'm not sure if it is the right one can anyone measure theirs out and take a picture for me so I can confirm I have the right one.

 

It is unlikely that the rear main seal is leaking. The front and rear seals rarely do unless the oil was overfilled.

What does leak however, is the half moon seals on the upper oil pan. To fix those, you have to take off the lower then upper oil pan (with transmission off of course).

Most people just don't fix this leak unless they do it themselves because it costs too much labor wise.

If you see oil dripping from where the transmission and engine meet, I would almost guarantee you it is the half moon seals rather than rear main.

 

check your valve cover. If your valve cover isnt leaking, why replace it? My stock 02 cover is fine, no leaks or anything. Its not a preventative maintenance item, just replace it IF it leaks.

 

Thanks guys anyway I narrowed down the leak to what I think is the oil cooler seal the valve covers look horrible and I already ordered them.

Also any recommendations on performance rotors and do they require performance calipers?

Also can anyone take a pic of their oil dip stick and measure it so I can make sure I have the right one.

 

Another question, I need to replace the serpentine belts any recommendations on those?

 

Belt wont make a huge differenance. Jut dont buy the cheap ones.

For your brakes... if you dont want to swap out your calipers, the best "economical" way is go for Brembo blank rotors and Hawk HPS pads. I am currently running that set up, although I am about to swap in the 6th gen front brakes. Also consider swapping in Stainless steel brake lines to firm up the feel. If you go with the hawk pads you have to make sure you seed the brakes in properlly or you will be here posting like many others about spending a bunch on brakes and not having them feel any better.

 

Thank you what are your thoughts on slotted and drilled rotors?

 

If you are hard on your car a lot or tracking your car, slotted drilled rotors are good. If you are just streeting your car with spirited driving, dont bother. They tend to squeal and eat your pads quickly. Unless you are pushing big HP or tracking your car, stick to a decent blank (like brembo)

 

Ok So here are some pictures of the work so far.

I replaced the oil pan because it was starting to rust out and It was leaking.

Sparkplug 5 was full of oil, I pulled out the coil and oil just got everywhere you'll see picture's of that and sparkplug 2 had like a few drops of oil so I have the new covers going to install them after I clean up all the bolts and get them repainted.

They guy that had the car before me didn't really take care of the car at all.

Anyway I'm progressing real well hopefully will have it running in a week!

 

The best way to change the power steering belt is to ignore the release mechanism. It sucks and judging by the underside of your car will be hell to get off.

Instead, cut the belt off.

Put the new belt on the ps pulley and as much as you can get on the crank pulley.

then with a ratchet turn the crank pulley while at the same time working the belt on.

You will save sooooo much time and aggravation.

 

Thanks for the tip I got a ratcheting wrench last night from my friend was going to try and take it off today and see if it works.

 

Power steering belt was replaced and it wasn't to bad to change only issue you is I hope I didn't tighten it to tight. Also painted some bolts for the valve covers.

 

Your oil cooler lines are corroded pretty bad, you might look into replacing those. I picked up a complete set fairly cheap from courtesyparts.com. Went through all of this in February and that lower cooler line was leaking by the bracket.

You also mentioned replacing the clutch and flywheel. I used JWT for both of mine and I couldn't be happier. From what I understand, the JWT flywheel is just a rebranded Fidanza.
-LALT2-NF000 Billet aluminum flywheel 15lbs, fits 02+ Maxima, $450.00
-LSER2-NC000 JWT performance clutch/disc For 2002-2006 Maxima, $299.00

 

Yup already ahead of you going to either sandblast and repaint the line or buy it new not sure yet.

And thanks for the clutch advice going to look into that after I make sure everything in the engine is ok.

 

you can also use an OEM 350z clutch disc which has pretty good feel, obviously good reliability, and is relatively cheap. Just make sure if you replace the flywheel with one that isnt dual mass (OEM) that you get a sprung clutch disc. Our OEM clutch disc is not sprung because of the dual mass flywheel

I dont know if spec makes their 3.5 lightweight flywheel still but when I got mine it was the lightest and cheapest FWD option.

 

Im doing a 2000 5th gen right now I got most of the codes figured out new coils plugs, filters oil changed and will change again in 500. I did Sensen struts all new mounts bearings ect, brakes, tires, valve cover gaskets front and rear. I got alot of cleaner when I did the egr tube and the intake manifold. Not everyone on here mentions just how nasty these cars are there. Its dang ugly and dirty I went to town and removed all the electronics on mine and rubber hoses ect and gaskets. I made them like new throttle body and all. Runs great now the EGR was completly blocked on mine had to soak for three days in cleaner. Im going to guess you are lucky on your year you may not have a tube. Consider yourself blessed if you dont have it. goes right behind throttle body. Nasty black carbon mess. I was curious once you get driving does your rear end sway bushing squeak. its not the struts I have read you lube it and will be curious to see how you deal with it.

 

Hey guys how tight should the power steering and alternator belts be? How do I make sure without having the right tools?

 

about half inch of deflection

 

What about the whole 90 degree turn thing I have been hearing about?

 

Ended up re-sandblasting and repainting everything cause it didn't turn out right. I also painted some other parts too. Ill hopefully have the car running this week.

 

More pictures just installed the water cooler with new o-rig old one was flat new one is nice and snug, and installed the painted oil cooler pipe.

 

Some more pictures replaced the left valve cover and spark plugs. Cleaned out all the transformers also found out that they have fuses in them so anyone that thinks theirs is bad should test the fuse first and see if replacing that would work. And yes those spark plugs look horrible people need to learn how to take care of their cars.

 

Hey guys so after removing the my IM and taking it all apart to sand blast it I decided instead of replacing the gaskets with oem gaskets I'm going to get the NWP spacers 5 piece kit.

My question is will it help in performance with the stock muffler?

Also I want to get a y-pipe and high flow cat just not sure what to get and where to get them?

As far as headers should those be replaced or will they not make much of a performance difference?

 

Come on man. All of these topics have extensive threads on them and are extremely easy to search. Your questions are way too broad.

 

Not to be an a** but I don't think they are wayyy to broad.

Will NWP spacers help in performance with the stock muffler?
(Basically look for a yes/no answer even though I'm pretty sure its a yes due to the temperature decrease.)

Y-pipe?
(From what I know their are two type CATTMAN and WARPSPEED everyone says spend the extra money get CATTMAN but I cant find them any where I also checked their site and WARPSPEED is if your on a budget but really I just wanted some peoples thoughts and what they have in use. As far as high flow cat's didn't look into them much so you can bash me about those but just haven't had the time to look into them)

Headers?
(I looked but maybe I'm not asking the right question on google and that's why nothing is coming up for me and basically I'm looking for on a budget type headers and their gains if any)

 

1. Yes~but a tune helps.

2. Your choice. OBX, Cattman, or warpspeed.
If your looking for gains for cheap(er)~go OBX
If you want Cattman, you have to call him.

3. Long tube headers see great gains, shorties too, but not compared to lt.

**all these answers are everywhere on the 'org.
:search:

 

That's all I needed was a start now time to do some more research in the areas you mentioned.

Thanks!

 

My job is done here.

 

Hey guys I'm looking for the gaskets of the Valve timing control solenoids. I cant seem to find it any where I called Dave B they don't do this stuff any more? Any help would be great worst case I can reuse the old gasket but would like to see if I can get new ones.

Edit: Spoke to soon I found them

p/n 23797-ZA000 (for anyone looking)

 

Hey does anyone have any experience with this scan tool? They have it on newegg for 10.79 free ship.

Mini Bluetooth V1.5 ELM327 OBD-II Auto Diagnostic Scanner Tool

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9SIA2C50S13265

 

Hey guys I'm going to flush my system out and was wondering if this fluid was ok to use?

Prestone Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (1 Gallon)
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...037%7CL3*16110

My NWP spacers came in today so I'm hoping to get the car running this weekend!

 

Some more pictures.

 

 

So the car is up and running finnaly! Anyway Im going to order a clutch and flywheel and also wanted to know what else should i change while im in thier.

I was going to order:

06804A Stage 1 Exedy Clutch $421.63
143951 Fidanza Flywheel $493.54

Are those prices resonable I was going to order them from http://www.importrp.com and order Hawk HPS pads and blank brembo

 

So the car is up and running and man what an upgrade is it from my 95 maxima. Anyway I'm trouble shooting the SRS Airbag system and I get one long six short flashes which indicates front crash zone sensor.

I was wondering where I would get this sensor for a reasonable price?

 

If you're looking for OEM parts, nissanpartszone.com, as someone mentioned before, or courtesyparts.com. If aftermarket, rockauto.com offers lots of parts, and the prices are very good.

 

You are making some great progress. I like the pictures too.

 

That is the one front and centre of the car by the rad. It is exposed to all the elements and is prone to failure at this point in its life. Check any scrap yards in your area. This isn't cheap brand new. I was lucky and found one at a wreckers for $10.