Hey guys, I am new to this forum.
I bought an 02 Maxima a few months ago, vq30de middle east specs (cefiro in other countries).
Just recently I bought a replacement engine (old one had a blown head gakset and warped head) and swapped it, after that was done I realized the engine I installed had one small difference.. It is missing the second bigger thermostat, so the coolant circuit goes directly into the block instead of passing through the middle of the intake.
Another thing, it rarely goes over the quarter of the temp gauge, except when sitting for a long time it will go to the middle and back down when driving at high speeds.
I think I messed up and bought the wrong engine.
Can you guys confirm if I just installed an older vq30de from before 99 (with 30 less hp :'/ ) or if it just a variant of the proper vq30de ? The scrap guy told me the engine I bought came out of an 02

 

Pictures of old and new would help.

 

Link to a video I took
https://we.tl/t-jgRLDsDhEG

I hope this helps understanding the issue

This diagram attached shows how the flange was on my old engine, with the big thermostat on top and the rubber pipe going under the intake manifold

 

I'm well aware of the differences between the various years of the engines. Here in the USA they are basically interchangeable, save for emissions equipment for certain states. The 2nd thermostat regulates engine temps more efficiently. Not a big deal overall.

Did you swap any parts from the original engine on to the replacement?

Can you check the temps with an infrared thermometer or OBD scan tool? Is it possible you need to bleed air from the cooling system?

 

Thank you for answering I appreciate it.
I did not swap any parts except for the ac compressor, spark plugs and coils. I pulled the old engine and trans all together and dropped that one in. All the sensors and wiring were the exact same except for that thermostat.
I will bleed my coolant system tonight just to be sure.
I replaced the coolant temp sensor to be sure it gave the right information, so it is actually running a little cold.

I actually do not have any issue with the current engine, it is running perectly, I was just worried that I installed the less powerful version of the engine.

 

In case my question was not clear here it is:
Did I install a less powerful and older version of my engine, or is it the correct one?

 

Check the serial # on the new(er) engine.

Then do a general search re: that serial #.

 

Great, I'll do that

 

This is what I found : VQ30 4582960

 

This what I got vq30 4582960

 

Maybe a B at the end