The restoration begins, and the list grows longer - my first Infiniti

[ceningolmo]

Wes, in wisdom beyond his years, thought it would be a good idea to take this post and make it a new thread. And, I agree. For background on this conversation you can refer to this thread zerothread?id=140382

Well, the weekend is over and I feel guilty for taking advantage of Wes and his generosity. But, I think he made some progress and I think I have a much better understanding of what I have ahead of me.

So... here is the list that The Wes provided for me.

Stuff that is done:1. transmission flush - Wes said that not everyone approves of his method. But, it seemed to work. So, I am happy.2. Oil hood hinges3. Tear engine apart in attempt to find out whether guides have already replaced. - I think Wes is still having some doubts about whether the guides were actually replaced or not. Hopefully the dealer service history will tell us one way or the other.4. Replace all belts5. Replace oil filter6. Oil change - Completed my first oil change on this car. Well... I didn't complete it. Wes did. I just stood there and tried not to look like an idiot while he did all the work. Though, he did let me pour all the oil in after he emptied the engine. So, I tried to complete this simple task without spilling oil all over myself or my engine. Sadly, I failed on both counts.7. NICO stickers for windows - most important thing on the list is complete!

Stuff that is next on this list to be done1. Injector #3 is toast. - Hopefully I can figure out a way to replace this without lifting the plenum. For that matter, I am just hoping I can figure out how to replace it at all.2. Fuel pump needs to be replaced.3. Brakes need immediate attention (pads and rotors).4. Accumulators - this will be just the start of the process of bringing back the active.

Other stuff on The Wes' list1. Align the headlights - hopefully I can figure this one out on my own.2. Replace the dust boots on the shocks/actuators3. Power steering flush - After Wes showed me how to do this, I think I can figure this one out.4. Active pump sounds like it is groaning - I am sure this will be a part of the process of bringing the active back to life.5. Door hinges are loose on drivers door.6. Check and fill fluids on Active.7. Active self diagnosis does not appear to be operational.8. Replace spark plugs9. Check codes on ECU10. Active height switch does not appear to be working properly. This may be related to other issues with Active.11. O2 sensors need to be checked.

Stuff that was on The Wes' list that I failed to ask him about1. Suspension rubber - not sure what this means. I am sure Wes will enlighten me.2. Possible hood repaint - did this mean the hood was repainted, or that it needs to be repainted?3. HVAC control light is out - I thought all the stuff on the HVAC control unit was working properly. Perhaps I just don't know enough to know it isn't working.4. AC Idler - not sure what this means either.

Ok... I think that is all. This is a significant list... at least, it seems like it. For a guy who is trying to bring a nice luxury car back to being a reliable daily driver, this seems like a lot of stuff. Particularly on my budget.

But, Wes practically worked pro-bono this weekend. I gave him a little money as a token gesture... as Wes said, "Just give me what you think it is worth". Well, what I think it was worth, and what I could afford to pay him were in vastly different financial districts. Sadly, I couldn't afford what it was worth. I am hoping my meager budget doesn't misrepresent my appreciation.

[elwesso]

Hey rossman... We'll cover everything here... and let me tell you.. the things I found are so nitpicky that I would dare say that many Q owners on here (over 50%) wouldnt have found these things.. having taken off EVERY fastner off of a Q45 (and im not kidding) i sometimes find things that not even OCD people could think of..... Let me go through a few things that popped out that I forgot to mention.

The hood hinges- its important you keep those oiled.. they were very stiff when i first got the car, and sometimes they can bind and the hood will bend (NOT GOOD)

The nico stickers are KEY.. I actually just put fresh NICO stickers on my Q today, i had some old ones on there and they were on there so long they were starting to crack and fall off..... pretty cool when you have to replace your nico stickers because its been in the club so long (7+years)

let me say also that once you get the fuel pump and the injector going, youll be golden as far as having be a reliable daily driver... as a famous movie quote (prize for who can name it) "the rest is cream cheese".....

the hoodlights just need to be realigned.. They have these little adjustie things in there... take off the plastic piece of cladding around the headlights (fighting those god blessed screw clip things)... Theres a level in there and you just turn the screw until its level... again, very nitpicky but easy to resolve (and free)...

The suspension rubber overall refers to the rubber components of the suspension..... IE bushings... The tension rod bushings look fairly new (which tells me that some parts of the suspenion have been replaced) but once you get ot replacing the suspension youll want to replace those aynway... sway bar bushings, upper links, etc..... thats what im talking about..

Hood repaint- it looks like it was repainted at some point in time, as it doesnt seem to match the quarter panels just perfect..... really hard to notice it, i only noticed it at night under our big floodlight...

When i drove the car at night, the lights on the right side of the HVAC controller were out.. The bulbs are cheap and you can replace them yourself... Only reason i mention that as i was driving, i wanted to make sure all the modes worked, and i am unfamiliar with the 9093 setup, so i was randomly punching buttons... at least your HVAC controller works and the display isnt out......

the AC idler- when i first started the car, it was squeeling a little..... i took it back off and it wasnt real smooth.. something to keep your eye on..... it didnt make any noise as i drove the car or turned on the AC so maybe it just had to sit right on the belt or something.....

[nchopp]

...as a famous movie quote (prize for who can name it) "the rest is cream cheese".....

You've already used this one, Wes, and I got it first last time, too. Teenwolf.

“Never get less than twelve hours of sleep, never play cards with a guy who has the same first name as a city, and never get involved with a woman who has a tattoo of a dagger on her body. Now you stick with that and everything else is cream cheese.”

[elwesso]

You are quite observant my friend... You win!

[elwesso]

Just for kicks and giggles I shot some pics this morning (before I went out in the boat )

http://q45.spilky.com/Q/Qs%20001.jpghtt ... %20008.jpg (Ross this ones a keeper)

NOte that I did not IMG them because they are about 2mb each...

[nchopp]

<cheezy local commercial voice>Two, two hot Qs for the price of one!</cheezy local commercial voice>

Good photos, looks nice, Ross. And she looks hot as always, Wes.

So Wes, what do I win for getting the quote?

[nchopp]

Oh, and Ross, you definitely should hit those wheels up. I'd suggest either Simple Green (use it straight, not diluted) or Meguiar's Hot Rims wheel cleaner.

Something I've had luck with is putting Rain-X on the wheels after getting them good and clean - seems to help keep **** from sticking to them.

[Rex]

Just for kicks and giggles I shot some pics this morning (before I went out in the boat )

http://q45.spilky.com/Q/Qs%20001.jpghtt ... %20008.jpg (Ross this ones a keeper)

NOte that I did not IMG them because they are about 2mb each...

Schweet pics Wes, good work (pics & wrench)

I've got to get those springs on my car .

[ceningolmo]

Well, I went to the dealer and got the service history. And, it is a long list!

Looks like the major items are the transmission, and some work on the suspension. It looks like the transmission was replaced at about 33K.

However, there is no mention of any real engine work. They replaced a water pump... and the usual list of belts, oil changes, and assorted other stuff. However, no mention of timing chain guides, timing chain, or an engine replacement.

So... now I am back to being concerned about the chaine guides.

And, since the ride home yesterday, the transmission seems to be slipping occassionally. Sometimes it is accompanied by a grinding noise. And, this morning when I pulled out of my garage there was a fairly large puddle of ATF on the floor. There was also a puddle of oil, though that was much smaller.

So, I went down to Autozone and bought the home-mechanic starter kit... a small tool kit, a couple of jack stands, a jack, an oil drain pan, some ATF, and some oil. Hopefully the bolts on the drain for the oil and the ATF are just loose. And, hopefully, the new transmission noise is related to a low ATF level.

If not... not sure what I am going to do.

[elwesso]

Did you check your ATF level like I said?

The only thing is I didnt have a replacement crush washer, but there shouldnt have been a large puddle leaking thorough the drain...

Let me know whats going on..... If you cna trace the oil leak to the front cover, ill reseal it.

[ceningolmo]

Gotta check the ATF level tomorrow. Didn't get home until late last night... left early this morning, and just got home tonight. So, haven't had time.

I will also do the Power Steering fluid tomorrow.

I will let you know if I end up in over my head.

[elwesso]

Ross... do you think you could try to contact the previous owner about the guides????

[ceningolmo]

I know his name is Charles Henry... he is from Grand Rapids... and, apparently, he is OLD. The guys at the Infiniti dealership actually remembered the car, and the guy.

I will see if I can contact him.

[squeefoo]

The only thing is I didnt have a replacement crush washer, but there shouldnt have been a large puddle leaking thorough the drain...

You can for (emergency purposes only) use a gasket cut out of a cereal box or similar with an x-acto knife. But (obviously) find the right washer before the next change. Just put a few drops on it first....

If you can beg, borrow, or steal a borescope to look through the inspection cover on the TCC and look for metal guides it'll help. Maybe take the cover off by someone who has one and then look.

[ceningolmo]

Ok... got under the car for a little while this morning. The ATF is definately leaking from around the bolt in drain. I put a ratchet on it, but it was in tight. So, I think the crush washer is what I need. Is this something I will be able to find at the local autozone, or this specific to Infiniti?

[maxnix]

Call Joe. Domestics usually only carry the nylon washers.

Get some M1 oil filters and crush washers, gasket and filter with one way bolts (then take it to a bgshop), all filters, BG44K, etc. while you are talking with them.

http://www.bgfindashop.com

They can do the PS flush too, but verify all services by calling first.

[ceningolmo]

Went down to Autozone and bought the rest of the basic stuff I would need for oil changes and what not.

Asked for a crush washer and they looked at me like I was from another planet. So, I explained what I needed it for and they gave me a little gasket/washer that is made of rubber.

Got home, took the bolt out and put the washer on it. Put the bolt back in and tightened it up. And, it looks like that fixed the drip/leak. Maybe this should only be a temporary solution? Would it be better to have the OEM washer from Joe?

Also, I obviously lost some ATF while I had the bolt out. It looked to me like it was about 1-2 quarts that drained. Plus I figured I was probably down a little from the small I leak I have had for the past two days. So, I put 2 quarts of ATF back in.

Wes told me how to properly check my ATF level, and it requires that the engine be hot. However, I don't want to drive it if the ATF is so low that I might be doing damage to the transmission. Is there a problem with me taking it out for 15 minutes and driving it gingerly? I should be able to check the ATF level properly after that.

Also, Wes, there does appear to be a lot of oil in the engine compartment. Though, it doesn't appear to be in a specific location, and it isn't dripping from just one spot. It looks like a lot of the plastic trim on the under side of the engine is covered in wet oil. And, it is ocassionally dripping out from around the trim pieces. Is this something that I am going to be able to fix?

[elwesso]

If what you used (washer) stopped the leak thats good enough for me... thats odd that it leaked because I did the EXACT same procedure on my Q and it didnt hurt anything. no leaks and its dry as a bone.

I think you were a litlte lower than that, so id put in even another quart of ATF in there... one thing I noticed that on brand new fluid the transmission may shift kind of goofy right at frist..... it may take a little while to get back to normal. this was noted by other members who had fresh fluid as well.

Unfortunatley it looks like I did a pretty poor job of resealing the front cover... its possible that maybe the crank seal is leaking.. When i went in there, it was a greasy mess to begin with.. and i did let some coolant and oil drain onto the undercover...

Ill call you later and see if we can find something.

[ceningolmo]

Ok... I added another full quart of ATF (1/2 quart at time). So, I am going to let it sit for a few minutes, then I will take for another little spin and then test the ATF level again.

In the mean time, I gave the car a wash. Nothing fancy (sorry nchopp), but enough to put a shine on it. I also took the advice and used Simple Green on the wheels. And, as advertised, it cleaned them right up. I probably didn't do the greatest job ever, but the wheels look a lot better than they did.

I might use a little wax on it this afternoon, since the weather is nice. Plus, I just got an electric buffer for dirt cheap. So, maybe it won't take all afternoon.

I will post some pictures later.

[elwesso]

WE have much more important things to concern ourselves with before you can start cleaning the car.....

I havea chemistry lab here and when i get done ill call you.....

[ceningolmo]

I am sure the wash and wax isn't going to bring my car back to full running order. But, a clean broken car is better than a dirty broken car.

Wes, I am not sure if you are planning to tell me to start tearing in to the engine compartment to start looking for an oil leak. But, if you are, I am already getting nervous. I was hoping to start by tackling a few small things first. Taking out components in order to get to a bad seal sounds like something that is over my head.

[elwesso]

no im not going to have you mess with that.. it was my fault and i intend on making it right..... bottom line......

whatyou could do is take off the under belly pan, juts held in with 10mm bolts and you can see things better... you cant see **** from the top.....

[ceningolmo]

Ok, I took off the shroud that covered the under side of the engine.

It looks like the oil is concentrated on the drivers side, but it is still sort of covering everything.

I will email you a couple of pictures

[elwesso]

Looking at the pics it looks as if maybe I just didnt put the oil filter on tight enough.....

maybe you could leave the cover off, take it to a jiffy lube and just ask them to tighten the oil filter?

[Chansen]

Welcome to Nico! 1st off I would like to say that I've been a member not that longer then you and found this club and ppl to be very helpful.2nd don't let the Q intimidate you as it does to my local mechanic shops.I reccomend finding a good mechanic to do all the work,someone who feels comfortable with the Q.3rd I hope your local dealer is not a thief like mine is.when I 1st got my Q I brought it to the local Infiniti dealer and found them helpful they knew my car and previous owner and gave me a copy of the service history,but when they gave me the prices on some fluid changes I told them to have a nice day.4th the Q is like any other car but just nicer and has style.Don't be affraid to do maintance yourself.I recomend you clean up your engine compartment to pin point the location of the leak.When I 1st got my Q and looked at my engine compartment I was affraid to touch anything but now i'm changing my oil and coolant myself and feel a lil more comfortable.I would like to say Goodluck on your repairs and bringing your Q back to new.Don't give up!

[Chansen]

Something I've had luck with is putting Rain-X on the wheels after getting them good and clean - seems to help keep **** from sticking to them.[/QUOTE]Cool I guess I'll try that next time my Q and I have a date at the water hose

[ceningolmo]

Ok... so, I got the ATF leak fixed today, and Wes thinks he knows what is causing the oil drip.

Wes, I will take the car over the JiffyLube by my work sometime tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, that will get everything fixed.

I will try to contact the previous owner tomorrow. But, based on what the guys at the dealership told me, I am not expecting much. Even if I am able to track him down, it sounds like he was old and probably not real up to date on what was going on with his car.

Also emptied the P/S fluid and put in new fluid today. And, I guess it is nice that it has some new fluid in it, but I don't think it feels any different than before.

Finally, I actually was able to take care of some of the cosmetic stuff today. Washed the whole car twice (btw, nchopp, the Meguiar's Gold Class car wash stuff is amazing!), cleaned up the wheels nice (thanks to a suggestion on the Simple Green), Rain X treatment on all outside glass, waxed the exterior (Meguiar's Gold Class liquid polish, which also worked very well), and wiped down all the leather I could find with Meguiar's Gold Class leather conditioner/cleaner. All in all, the car seems to be running well and it looks a whole lot better.

Once Wes and I get the chain guides figured out, it will be time to move on to the fuel pump and the brakes. I have a friend who volunteered to help with both of those projects. Replacing the injector needs to happen soon, though I am probably going to need some help on that one.

I think today was productive.

[elwesso]

Sounds good Ross....

[Rex]

Glad to hear you're making progress and feel good about it.

The fuel pump will be pretty easy, and the brakesa ren't that hard either, but a little messier.

Keep at it with "accomplishable tasks" and your confidence will continue to grow. Most of were/are intimdated by the Q.

[ceningolmo]

Stopped by the Infiniti dealership today to have them tighten the oil filter (they are closer than my local JiffyLube).

Anyway, I had a nice conversation with the guy who manages the service department. He had one of the mechanics take a look at the oil drip. He said that you had the filter in plenty tight... but, the gasket on the filter itself sucked. Basically the filter was leaking. So, they put in a new infiniti oil filter and replaced the quart of oil that got lost in the process. And, they only charged me $7 for the help. Pretty good deal I think. He also gave me a crush washer so I can properly seal the transmission next time I do a transmission flush.

I tried to get a phone number for the origninal owner of the car today. But, there were about 15 Charles Henry's in the phone book. And, I didn't feel comfortable cold-calling people about a car they probably didn't own.

However, while I was talking to the manager at Infiniti, I mentioned the dilema. He chimed in right away that he knew Dr. Henry from the time he bought this car. And, they did any and all work on the car with the exception of the standard fluid changes. And, he assured me that the car still had the original engine and that the chain guides have never been replaced.

He also noticed that the idle was a little rough. I told him that the #3 injector was toast. He said I could probably nurse it along with a little Fuel Injector Cleaner until I had the money to fix the bad injector. So, I stopped and bought some. And, it did smooth out the idle right away. I know this is a temporary solution, but it seems effective.

Anyway.... looks like the chain guide job still needs to be done. Bummer!!!

But, the car sure is shiny!