1995 Q 45 running rich

[seanburns]

I have a 1995 Q45 with 213,000 miles. Fairly well maintained. Over the last several months have noticed strong odor of fuel outside vehicle while car is running. Any ideas?

[Infinitiguy19]

Well I am glad you are so close to me, Maybe I can take a look at it some day.

But have you had the under plenum hoses changed?

Do you a Carfax report on the car as well as the service history from a nearby Infiniti dealer?

What about the O2 sensors, Injectors... what shape are they in?

are there any other symptoms other than "running rich"?

Welcome to NICO and Happy New Year, Paul

[seanburns]

Never had hoses changed. It has been in the family since 1996 so I know all of the pertinent history. Took it to the dealer in 2005, at 175,000, for once over and new spark plugs. Haven't checked anything yet just beginning to fish around. Other than than it runs like a champ.

Thanks Paul

[Infinitiguy19]

I know they are the dealer, But what spark plugs did they use?

Does it smell like gas when the AC/Heat is on?

Sounds like you have a great car.

But I think you need to change those hoses under the plenum which is about $1000+ shipping and taxes from Infiniti of Scottsdale, Arizona, Plus there is the fact that unless you know how to do the job, you have to have them installed by a professional. here is the link: http://www.trademotion.com/par...=3221 (Infinitipartsusa.com is down so this is a Google cache.)

But once you change the hoses, Knock sensors and there harness's, Injector harness and EGR hoses, clean the intake runners, plenum, EGR and throttle body you will have a great running car for a long time.

But the only maintenance that you have done so far is the spark plugs right?

If you don't mind me and the rest of this forum would like to see any other maintenance records you have.

Sorry if it sound like a lot but to keep these car running 100% need to spend $300 a year, Less if you just want a car to go from A-B.

[seanburns]

Not sure what plugs were used. I can look it up later. No smell inside when heat/ A/C on.

I'll have to start looking into the hose replacement. Thanks for the link.

To be perfectly honest with you. There aren't any service records to speak of. My mother owned it for several years and did the routine oil changes, brake jobs etc. Since I've owned it for the last 7 years I've replaced the fuel pump, rear caliper, power antenna, and performed routine oil changes and brake jobs. The car has performed very well for me requiring very little in the way of upkeep. The dealer wanted me to change the transmission fluid but I was afraid of stirring up all the sludge in there. Probably should think about that now too.

[Infinitiguy19]

Yup do a full fluid flush for the: Differential, Transmission, Radiator and power steering and the brakes if the fluid is even the slightest of dark.

does your car have TCS AKA Traction Control?

What about active suspension or HICAS? It would say either Q45 a or Q45 t on the trunk.

[qship96]

With 213,000 miles on the car, has the transmission fluid EVER been changed in the past? Are you still on the original transmission?

[seanburns]

It has traction control, no active suspension.

Everything is original, engine, transmission, transmission fluid, diff fluid, etc.

I'd better start on a few things.

[goody90q45]

I have a 1995 Q45 with 213,000 miles. Fairly well maintained. Over the last several months have noticed strong odor of fuel outside vehicle while car is running. Any ideas?

Chances are pretty good you have a leaking fuel hose. Take a flashlight with you and look at the fuel lines in the rear of the plenum on the passenger side. Look closely for wet lines or dripping in the area of the hose clamps.

[Infinitiguy19]

And it shifts great you say?

What about HICAS does your car have that? If so it usually has a rear spoiler and BBS wheels and a CD changer.

But you are very lucky to have a transmission that has taken such a beating (I mean the original fluid).

Leaky fuel lines=yours and the cars death, so change them IMMEDIATELY.

[qship96]

Wow! 213,000 on original transmission fluid and differential fluid! Almost makes me wonder if the annual fluid exchanges promoted so much on this site are a total waste of time as far as extending component life? At $150/yr for ATF exchange and $40/yr for diff fluid xchange x14 years comes out to $2660.00 .........you saved almost enough by not doing atf exchanges to pay for a nissan reman transmission when the current one dies!

[seanburns]

I'll check the hoses tonight, thanks Mike.

No spoiler or BBS wheels and I had to install the CD changer in the trunk. The factory harness was there just had to get the unit.

I'll let you know what I find.

[seanburns]

Checked the fuel lines under the plenum as best I could, no wet spots. I'm going to get an undercarriage car wash tomorrow and try again. Too much snow debris.

Thanks to all.

[maxnix]

Wow! 213,000 on original transmission fluid and differential fluid! Almost makes me wonder if the annual fluid exchanges promoted so much on this site are a total waste of time as far as extending component life? At $150/yr for ATF exchange and $40/yr for diff fluid xchange x14 years comes out to $2660.00 .........you saved almost enough by not doing atf exchanges to pay for a nissan reman transmission when the current one dies!

But you have no idea how it operates. Differential has to be toast for sure with only a deficit of gum in there.

Betting on black ATF also.

[Kiven422]

Yes if the fluid is that old... there is a chance that changing the fluids could screw it up... especially if a teenager drives the car.

[NightRiderQ45]

Wow! 213,000 on original transmission fluid and differential fluid! Almost makes me wonder if the annual fluid exchanges promoted so much on this site are a total waste of time as far as extending component life? At $150/yr for ATF exchange and $40/yr for diff fluid xchange x14 years comes out to $2660.00 .........you saved almost enough by not doing atf exchanges to pay for a nissan reman transmission when the current one dies!

ATF exchange every year...heck no. I do mine every 30k. I did my last exchange at 175k and the next job will be at 205k.

[Rex]

I have a 1995 Q45 with 213,000 miles. Fairly well maintained. Over the last several months have noticed strong odor of fuel outside vehicle while car is running. Any ideas?

"outside of the car" - front or back?

In cold weather, it would not surprise me if you were to get a strong gas smell at the rear of the car until it's fully warm. If the smell is at the front or continues past fully warm, let us know.

[maxnix]

In other words, most likely under plenum fuel hoses.

Bet all other hoses are brittle also.

[seanburns]

Smell is primarily on the outside. No detectable odor inside. No visible drips or spots on the garage floor. Sounding more like cracked hoses.

The old transmission and fluid still shifts hard when you get on it for anyone wondering. Still brings a grin to my face.