So my head gasket is gone on my 2003 Maxima GLE with 106k on it. I called around and most places said $1800-$2100 to fix so im going to take it on my self with the help of a very knowledgeable friend. But has anyone done this? any trick? anything to beware of? any threads with pics or info anyone can share will be greatly helpful!

thanks!
AJ

 

I do not recall ever seeing anyone do this. Everyone just replaces the engine under the consensus that it is easier. Head gaskets rarely go in this car. Make sure that is the problem. Good luck.

 

2damax is right in my shop i've seen maybe (3) 5.5gen maxima's come in that needed a head gasket replaced.

It's very rare for that engine so resources are going to be limited.

On a side not make sure you replace the timing chain tensioner if you haven't yet since you will have timining chain off anyway and will reduce future headaches when it fails.

Main thing i would due is just stick fully to the factory service manual replacement procedure and you shouldn't have a issue.

Here's a link to it.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Maxima/2003/em.pdf

 

Honestly, buy a new engine. By the time you pull the engine and go through the trouble of taking it all apart, retiming it, ect you'd be better off just getting a new one and swapping them around. That's what i'd do personally. If

 

I guess you could justify doing the head gasket if your time is not that valuable to you and your car can be out of commission for a while. It is cheaper then a new engine, of course.

 

Head gaskets rarely go on these cars. are you sure your problem is the head gasket?

 

yea im sure. i have coolant in the oil and there was coolant in the exhaust. white smoke pouring out the exhaust. coolant smell. sucks but it is what it is. i ordered the gasket set for $155.00 i have another car to drive so even if it takes me 2 weeks I'm ok with it. if i was in a hurry i guess i would have swapped the motor. thank you all for the advice and helpful guide. ill keep everyone updated as the progress comes along.

 

Timing chain tensioners/guides...might as well replace them while you're in there.

 

as said, ive rarely seen headgaskets go on any generation of Maximas. sounds like yours went though

basically while youre in there, check your timing chain for wear (or replace it along with the tensioner and guides), replace the valve seals, valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gasket, water pump, thermostat, and all the other gaskets. check the block and make sure its not warped, get the head machined, and stitch it all back together.

doing it yourself, you can probably get it all done yourself for $500-$800 including parts and getting the head machined. if youre gonna pay for labour, VQs are common and cheap enough that its more economical to get a low mileage engine stuck in

 

so im about to start this fun project and was wondering if anyone knows which cylinder is set top dead center? i guess i can look it up but figured someone might know off hand....

 

should be the usual cylinder 1 at TDC on compression i believe

 

Has anyone ever pulled the motor out the top or can it only come out the bottom?

 

I pulled mine from the top together with the transmission. Just be careful. And take off the hood first.

 

pull it from the top, probably easier to take the gearbox with it as said

 

I pulled the transmission off and dropped it out the bottom then pulled the motor out the top. All three times I've done it. YMMV

 

According to Nissan my car is just burning the antifreeze. No white smoke just an exhaust smell. After the flush and fill, now they claim head gasket. PO217 overtemp keeps coming up. See my thread. Thanks.

 

any tricks or advice on pulling the motor out? things to watch out for? any issues?

 

I bent the transmission dipstick tube pretty good once, and messed up the passenger side axle taking it out. I would suggest gear wrenches to take the bolts out of the little carrier. other than that I think its pretty straight forward. be careful if you separate the transmission and pull it that you don't spill fluid everywhere by tilting it too much, like I did.

 

Thanks everyone for the info. Really helps out a lot!

 

Why did the head gasket go? did it overheat? You might want to check the cooling system before you ruin another motor.

 

Never over heated. Had plenty coolant. Last week Tuesday the car drove fine. I drive 100miles/day and had no issues.parked it over night and that was it. Wednesday morning the car started up but started shaking when put into reverse or drive. Looked out the back to see white smoke, looked underneath to see coolant drips off the exhaust. Turned the car off and checked the oil and it was a milky light tan color. So not sure why it went. The car never ran hot or ever overheated. Even during the really bad 90/100+ days we had in wi last week. Drove just fine.

 

Thats nuts, well good luck!