Hello,
I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima, It is Consuming Oil and the Engine is Rattling more than before. My car is also giving lower MPG than it's supposed to.

Any reason why all this?

1-I like my car, it's still fast and strong but, Is it worth fixing?

2-What exactly needs to be fix?

3-What specific parts are really needed?

P.S. : My car has new valve covers, new filters, new spark plugs, 3 new rear coils, Well maintained, etc...

Thank you

 

Drive it till the engine dies. Put a new engine in and keep driving it.

A good portion of the early VQ35's burned oil. Mine burned oil since I purchase it with 109k.

About 3k before the engine gave out in mine I started losing mpg's and consuming more oil than "normal". It went from a quart every 800 miles to every 400 miles.

Mine made it to 207k. I think it's worth fixing if it's been a good car otherwise. But that's just me.

 

Ok, but is there a way to repair these problems with changing the engine?

 

These are extremely common problem's for the VQ engine. Just browsing through this forum will give you a ton of information and most importantly, correct information.

I also have a 02 with 156k burning tons of oil, original owner was my father in-law who bought it new. He's very meticulous with his maintenance as well. The problems that develop with these motors is not from lack of maintenance so you've done nothing wrong.

But Qman is right, keep the oil topped off and drive it. You can install a catch can to help filter some oil passing through the pcv system, but it will still burn oil. When it unfortunately is time to deal with it, you can take your chances on a used motor. Which will probably have the same issues, or rebuild.

I have tons of parts for when that day comes and am researching a reputable VQ rebuilder in my area. Love my MAX and it will live on.

 

And how does that oil catcher work?

 

Search oil catch can. It pretty much collects oil that would otherwise be put back in your engine via intake manifold to be re-burned. Can help with mpg and keeping your internal engine parts cleaner. But is something that will need to be emptied often depending on the capacity of the can you install.

 

Thanks. But I also want to find out if I necessarily have to change the timing chain to stop the rattling or what is needed?

 

Not deleting precats is a lack of maintenance when it's a known issue. It's stupid, but has to be done.

 

Removing Outer Timing Chain Cover on a 1997 Nissan Maxima GXE: Nissan Timing Chain Noise Problem: Nissan timming chain part 2.wmv:

 

What are the precats?

And how is this done, What is needed?

 

Thank you, I have that info from some research I've done, but is it necessary to change the timing chain?

 

no it would be a waste of money to change the chains unless they're shot which i've never heard of on these maxima's, plus it'll cost a bit more to install them usually

just do the guides & tensioners

 

/\/\/\ this!

 

Ok, good.

Do I change the water pump also?

 

If you want, oem only if you do...

 

Just to chime in here but oil consumption and lower gas mileage could be bad/worn piston rings or bad cylinder walls. Basically you would need to rebuild the motor if that is the case. If the rattle is in the chain and you want to help extend the life of the motor, the tensioner/guides is a good thing to do. It may actually help get better gas mileage as the chain will lose some of its "freeplay" that it has because of the extra slop.

 

Thanks

 

Guys,

-What brand of Guides and Tensioners it's best to buy?

-Where is best and cheapest to buy these parts?

Thank you.

 

Only the VQ35.

My VQ30 has 252k on it and is 20 years old and doesn't consume any oil.

 

Waiting on your input for the parts

 

http://www.courtesyparts.com/maxima-...03-c-1956.html

http://www.partstrain.com/