Guys, I think my car has a strange problem. A little history:

I bought my 92 SE 5sp two weeks ago. Ever since, I haven't been that impressed with the acceleration. We also own a 96 Max Automatic and I know how the 3.0L V-6 should pull. So when I bought the 92, I was expecting power atleast similar to if not better than my 96.

Yesterday I drove the car (stone cold) around 11 am, and Maaan, it was like a different car. It had way more power than before, NOW it felt like my 96 would feel with a 5 sp. I couldn't believe the power, I was breaking the tires loose on the 1-2 shift without pushing it that much. However after driving it for about 15 min., the extra power disappeared. In the next 30 minutes and driving it later that day, the power never returned. The SAME EXACT thing happened this morning.

What could this be?

Something stuck/loose in the exhaust?
VTC working intermittently?
Fuel?

I gotta find out, this car really feels like a dog now that I know what it CAN do. Please help.

 

Sound like infamous 'heat soak' problem that some VE's get. Unfortunately, since the search is down I don't remember what the problem / cure is. Might have to do with the knock sensor...ask some VE gurus here.

 

I just read the excellent 'heat soak' thread by Rosenken. Looks like I'm not alone in with this problem.

I'm interested in trying the 'resistor bypass test' but a little nervous about potential damage. Any comments on that if I use 92 octane. BTW, no other mods to the car whatsoever.

Thanks

 

don't mess with the resistor bypass.. it's like putting a bandaid over a gunshot wound. get a new knock sensor.
mine ran a lot better, but the first hot day I drove it with the resistor in place, it knocked and pinged like you wouldn't believe.
just don't do it.

 

Yeah, just replace the knock sensor and harness, your VE will thank you for it!

 

Yeah, it's probably the connector being all corroded at the ks. It's too bad Nissan but the damned thing right in the middle of the block on the VE. Pain in the **** and expensive to replace. The two gaskets that go on the lower intake manifold are $20-$30 each. If there's a way to replace the ks w/o taking the lower manifold off, I haven't heard it.

 

Thanks for steering me away from a bad decision guys. Now is there an affirmative way to know I have a bad KS? Other than driviability symptoms.

Looks like a while back Kchida replaced the sensor without all the disassembly.

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....threadid=95558


Has anyone else tried using Kchida's method of universal joint below? How critical is correct torque?

 

Kchida's method is for 95 and newer maximas w/ the VQ engine. For the VE you have to remove the upper intake plenum, lower intake manifold and then a large coolant pipe that runs under the intake. Only then will you be able to see and remove the sensor.