One more on this topic everyone:} Does anyone know how hard/ easy it would be to convert the Gas Maxima (ie 1984) to Diesel Power and all that would entail? Thanks for any response(s) to any of the post(s). I really want to find a 1983 diesel wagon, but am having a hard time finding one. Thanks again

 

I'm not sure, no one really has ever asked. You can do it a few ways, either buy a diesel motor, or get a manual on converting and reference that.

S

 

Well, it will be easier to find a diesel car to begin with and fix it up, but if that is not possible ......

1- Find out about the legalities in your state concerning a diesel re power, you might be unpleasantly surprised to learn that, in most states it is not legal to convert to a different fueled engine.

2- If you do decide to go and re power, you'll need the engine and trans, most accessories will fit, however it would be better to get an engine with them all on it, motor mounts, the fuel tank will have to be dropped, drained and cleaned out, the fuel pump and filter (the one that looks like a sock inside the tank) removed (not compatible with Diesel fuel)

3- You can get rid of half the wires under the hood ,and you'll need to add some heavier gauge wires and relays for the glow plug system, add and wire the automatic glow plug controller unit (optional), you could just hook up a push button on the dash and when ready to start, push and hold for about 7-10 seconds and wallah!

4- Add a GOOD quality after market fuel filter/water separator, bigger battery and cables (the bigger the better).

5-Change the oil pressure sending unit to match the gauge on your dash (Diesels had an idiot light)


These are but just a few of the things you need to consider before jumping into a project like this, there are still a lot more I can't cover on this post at this time, but I'm sure you get the picture.

The end result:

CONS:
a)- Diesels are slower, noisier, smoke more...
b)- Grey Smoke, (at start up when cold) OK, it goes away once engine warms up.
c)- Black Smoke, (some, not a lot ) , normal, mostly on demand, as long as it is not clouds and clouds of it.
d)- Blue Smoke Well lets say it is not a good sign, just like in a gas engine BURNING OIL!!!!
e)- More frequent oil and filter changes (every 3000 ml a must!)
f)- Not all stations provide Diesel fuel (more and more are coming on board as Diesels become more popular)


PROS:

Longer lasting engine
More MPG's ( I still get 42 on the hwy @65mph.)
Diesel fuel used to be priced lower than gas, What happened?


Both my cars are turbocharged, the millage has actually gone up since the install, one has just over 200k and the other just under 100k, both daily drivers.

Hope this helps you.

Dslsmoke

 

I would rather just find a diesel Maxima instead of converting one to diesel. I know a guy that lives about 30 miles away from me who converted a gasoline, automatic Maxima to a diesel, 5-speed. The car is a sedan and I don't remember the year or the mileage. But it has the two tone paint job with the light blue and dark blue. The awesome thing is you can't even tell he converted it, he did that well of a job. I believe he is looking for $1,000-$1,200 for it. He also has a 1982 Datsun Maxima diesel wagon with the automatic transmission. This car is a factory diesel and has 171,000 miles on it. The color is a dark blue and is the factory paint. He is looking for $700-$900 for that car. Also, he has a parts diesel wagon but has no engine or trans and the car is pretty beat up looking. belakithom, if you are interested in one of the cars let me know and I could drive to his place with you so the both of you could talk.

 

Thanks so much, it helps a lot. It probably would be better to find a Diesel Maxima

 

That's cool. Yes, I'd be interested. Please e-mail me at belakithom@yahoo.com. I live in Ohio. Thanks a lot.