I'm attempting to perform a tune up on my 96 Max SE with 114k miles, for the first time & would like some direction on what I NEED to do. All of my servicing to date has always been performed by Nissan dealerships, so I am a novice at this.

I'm planning to put NGK plugs in (last changed by the dealership at 60k miles). What are the pro's and cons of platinum vs copper? Where do you find copper? I didn't see them on the NGK website.

I'm not sure if the PVC valve has ever been changed, but I thougt I'd check it. When or in what circumstances should it be replaced?

Considering replacing the fuel filter as well. What brand is best?

What else do I need to consider replacing as part of a tune-up?

All help is appreciated!!

 

Copper is cheaper, but Platinum plugs last longer. I think the cost/lifetime ratio of coppers is better though, so get them if you don't mind changing your plugs more often.

You should be able to get NGK plugs at most auto parts stores, or your friendly Nissan dealer.

I think PVC valve is part of the 60k and 120k tuneups, so you should probably change it.

Fuel filter, most people say go with Nissan OEM, preferably a 300ZX fuel filter because it lasts twice as long.

 

Are the 300zx fuel filters oversized? Does this make them harder to install/remove?

 

I would use the NGK platinum plugs, it should be what the car came with stock. Also, get the stock replacement fuel filter, you may find some newly recovered gas mileage. You can also clean out your throttle body, there may be a lot of dirt and nasty build up inside there.

 

Thanks for all of the help, but I have a quick follow-up question:

- What's the process for cleaning up the throttle body?

 

Search for the complete process... it basically requires you to remove the intake so you have access to the throttle body... then you need a can of throttle body cleaner (get it at autozone or pepboys for $2). The throttle body, over time, collects carbon on the butterfly plate and the surrounded enclosure... u just wanna get rid of that stuff. Check out one of the websites too... i think it's motorvate. Good luck.

 

Try browsing these two sites..

www.motorvate.ca

www.maximadriver.com

That should help a lot.

have fun.

 

About the PCV valve, its really easy to diagnose. Remove the valve, shake it in your hand. If it rattles, its ok. If it sticks, time to replace. The part is so cheap you might as well replace it when you remove it anyways.

 

All of these tune-up items mentioned are reasonably cheap. And if you like futtzin around in the garage, easy to do.

Annually, regardless of miles...
(and since this stuff is cheap, you can change these more often if wanted...)

Use an OEM fuel filter, don't know about the Z fuel filter business.

If you want to go copper plugs - then they are cheap and another annual item.
Certainly there are copper equivalents to the plats. The Champion Premium Golds and AC Rapidfires have had great reviews, as do the NGKs.

PCV valves; are dirt cheap, change annually, any brand at the autoparts store, Purolater is commenly seen.

Air filter; if your'e not doing the CAI or K&N, then a Purolater brand panel filter.

TBI cleaner; make sure it is safe and suitable for TBs, don't use just any old brand of carb spray - make sure that it says that it's safe for use with TBs. Follow the directions on the can or the mentioned websites.

Oil filters; OEM Nissan are great filters, others have their opinions.

Oil; like filters - opinions abound, but Mob-1 is good stuff. If dynojuice, the Castrol brands have had great reviews.

JMHO

 

Thanks for all of the feedback. I put the PCV valve in this evening. After fighting to get to it (thanks to advice on other postings), it was very easy.

Bought my NGK Plats & Nissan fuel filter as well today. I'll get some TB cleaner and try to complete these three this weekend.

Since I don't have all the tools to complete it myself, I'll let the dealership do the oil change for $20.

Should I go with the dealership recommended oil or use some other brands? I've seen some mention of synthetics.

 

you should also check your belts for any sign of wear.

check all fluid levels.

if you feel ambitious while your doing the t/b, take off the IAAC and see if the port is dirty.

 

What's the IAAC? Where is it located?