Well, my 95 SE is less than an oil change away from 200k on the odometer, so I am wondering what items ought to be inspected/replaced at this fateful mile mark. Also, I've been trying to figure out how to aim the headlights, but I can't seem to be able to find the adjusting ***** mentioned in the faq. If anyone could post a picture of where it is, I would really appreciate that as well.

 

just make sure that new engine is mated to a 5spd manual tranny.

 

Both of you equally share this:



lordofpi,

How does it run? Anything that would cause you to worry? Are you a DIYer? If the tranny fluid, coolant, brake fluid, rubber belt, and spark splugs, weren't replaced at 180k do that now. Do a compression test while youre at it. Check the rubber coolant hoses, including the heater bypass hoses. I would jack up the front and and check for play in the suspension. Basically the works.

Also I recommend collecting samples of the oil from the engine and transmission and have them analyzed by a lab to get a good idea of the internal parts wear. Coupled with the compression test you'll know if your Max's heart is still good.

Regarding the headlights, sorry I don't have a pic. There are two adjustment screws protruding from the back of each headlamp assembly. Its a long silver screw with a black hex head. There is an opening on the upper radiator support for the headlamp assembly. You can spot the black hex head there. The driver side's outboard adjustment screw is adjacent to the corner of the battery tray. Once you locate that screw you'll know what to look for when trying to find the inboard adjustment screw.

For the passenger side you'll have to remove this black cover held by two screws thats on the upper radiator support to access the headlamp adjusment screws. If you look hard enough you can't miss it.

Edit: I have a 97 SE if that matters. I can't imagine the 95-96 headlamp adjustment screws being arranged differently. HTH

 

How many miles did you get it with? What have you had to change on the car so far if anything? Just looking to see how it has held up for you.

SuDZ

 

Well, I put too many miles on my lease for another vehicle, so since October (@ about 170k on the odo.) I've been driving my dad's Maxima, which he was nice enough to lend to me. I always do the best to take care of my cars, and his shall be no different (although I must say he is neglectful of some things -- has not changed air filter in a long time, does not believe in changing tranny fluid, etc.). I must say I am happy to be learning about these fine cars through this board. So, now that I'm coming up to 200k, I want to all of the things necessary to keep it going for the next 100k.

 

Well, it runs very well. I am in the midst of dealing of the seemingly-notorious cold-start problem, but other than that, no complaints whatsoever. I am mostly a DIY guy, although some things are just best left to the experts. I'll get ready to begin replacing the things you suggested since I don't think a lot of them have _ever_ been replaced. Additionally, my dad does not believe in changing tranny fluid, so I may leave that just to placate his silly philosophy (it is, after all, his car).
I just ran outside and looked, and -- according to your description -- found all four headlight adjustment hexes in seconds. Thanks much for your post.

--
Matt Finizio

 

For the price of supercharging and new engine, why not just go in for the new Max??