I bought the car when it had 115K miles on it and now at 135K im getting worried that the spark plugs might have never been changed. Before buying all 6 and tearing up the engine to change them I want to find out if they already have been changed. So how do you get to the 3 that are easy to check? IS there a how to thread ? I found this write up

http://forums.maxima.org/newthread.p...newthread&f=48

but that is for the 3 plugs that are hard to reach.

 

The only way you can really find out is to tear the whole thing and check them. Basically the same as changing them. Or talk to past owners. On a side note I am about to change mine and want to use Bosch. Anyone have any experience using these?

 

Bosch is a good company from what I understand but im not sure how they will work with 3.5 maxima. Im just going to stick with oem replacement NGK PLFR5A-11. Also don't forget to get Intake gasket part number is 14032-8J10. Im just going to let the mechanic do all of this.

 

Thanks yea got that gasket already, just need the plugs and I am researching it to death. Would like to use Bosch but just want to make sure the heat range and everything else jives.

 

http://www.greghome.com/Greg%27s%20G...eplacement.htm

Same engine, same procedure. And no don't use Bosch they are known to under perform in the Max. Search... there are numerous threads on this.

 

I have decided to go with the shop manual reco and use the NGK PLFR5A-11s. Going to do the PCV valve as well. Not much else I can see, no fuel filter, I have the K&N air filter, no igintion wires. Am I missing anything?

 

Fuel filter is in the gas tank, here's a little insight:http://www.shiftice.com/fuel_filter.html
Download the factory service manual here:http://www.boredmder.com/FSM/Nissan/Maxima/2005/

Good reading.

 

Yea I know I just never thought it was that easy to do. Thought you had to drop the tank. This is one of the things I am not happy about with my Max. No such thing as a lifetime fuel filter!

 

Ready to go! I decided not to do the fuel filter, Nissan doesn't make one and I am not going to see if the 03' fits. Unless it becomes an issue I will leave it. Going to do the plugs tomorrow.

 

Got anything like this for an 08??

Nice HOW TO though. Seems like you took your time on these topics.

 

I do not believe the filter from an 03 will fit. I have a 03 as well as an 05. I did the 03's filter, and looked at the 05's, I do not think it is possible. I could be wrong though.

 

Yep did a lot of research too and it seems Nissan didn't want you to do the filter after 03' No biggie

 

i see a few advertising in town for like 70 bucks to change sparks plugs. Is that around the ball park or is that too cheap? too expensive? It sounds a little low. Anyways, just wondering how much ball park it would cost to change them for those who already changed their at a shop. Need to do mine.

 

Something is very wrong with that, the parts alone are 100 bucks. The plugs are 11 bucks each and you should replace the gasket. Not to mention it's very labor intensive. I did mine this morning and I decided to just get the plugs and PCV done and throw it back together tomorrow. I took my time but your looking at 2 to 3 hours best case if you really know what you are doing. Here is some pics.


oh BTW the link to the 03' Max is different to the 6th Gen, it's a good thing to start to follow but the 05' has other stuff you have to contend with while taking every thing apart. If you know what your doing it's easy but be warned. Getting your hand behind the collector is a lot tougher on the 05' than 03' Much less room.

 

What do u think of the Pulstar Plugs http://www.pulstar.com/ they claim over ten hp on a 350z,same motor should be the same gains as us rite?

 

I debated trying to go to a different plug, looked into Bosch and a few others but the stock performance is fine for me. I usually don't really ask for my Max to really flex some horse unless I am on an Interstate passing a semi somewhere in TX. Otherwise it's on cruise doing 85MPH. I went with the OEM NGKs.

 

UPDATE

Installed collector with new gaskets, tourqued everything correctly and began to assemble the vacuum lines and electrical stuff but it is hot as ***** and I called it a night. Tomorrow will finish and fire up! Will advise. Got to tell you if you take your time this is rather easy. You can save yourself a ton!

 

UPDATE

Just fired her up and she is puurrrrrriing! Checked all gaskets for leaks and all is well. Car runs so much smoother and I am good for another 100K! If you have any skill you can do this and save 400 bucks. I suggest you do it.

 

That sparkplug removal procedure is awesome.

 

Where did you find out how much you have to torque the bolts?

 

I have the shop manual on CD. It is so awesome for do it yourselfers.

 

where did you get the shop manual from