93 Q45 Timing Chain Issues, Diagnosing Engine Problems

[aurumestpotestaz]

Hi everyone,

I'm interested in buying a 93 Q45, but I've been told that this model is notorious for engine trouble, specifically the timing chain guides... I read this article: zerothread?id=25201 and it seems like a pretty messy problem. From what I know of the car, it apparently ran fine and then suddenly stopped working... Would this be indicative of timing chain failure? The guy who's selling it says the engine will spin but will not start. I know this is little information to speculate upon but it's all I've got right now. What I'd like to know is, how can I tell if the engine is permanently damaged? And is it possible to scrap parts from a 94+ engine in order to replace the worn plastic timing guides, or would I be looking at purchasing all new replacements? I REALLY want to get this car running but I don't want a dead motor either... Any help or info is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

[maxnix]

Welcome to our board.

While these cars are certainly seductive, I think he has told you the motor is dead. Try a compression test to check for valve damage. Strange to us old timers you don't mention any of the other mechanical or fluid conditions. But timing chain guide damage can be a show stopper. Count on around $4.5K to rehabilitate a pick of the litter VH45DE and install it. But then, how is the transmission, ABS unit, power steering? Subframe bushings?

1994+ parts are different for the engine heads in particular.

It might have some value as a parts car. Grab the TCU and FPCU.

Keep reading if you are really interested in the Q45. A lot of information here.
Modified by maxnix at 9:01 AM 1/3/2007

[elwesso]

First of all, this motor is no worse than the Lexus V8... in fact, they decided to put the starter in an easy to get location AND it doesnt fail anyway, and instead of having to do the timing belt once every 60k miles, you do it once for the engines LIFE. The guides cost as much to do as a lexus v8 timing belt...

With that said, i think its easiest to assume your motor is toast and its time to get a used motor... VH45's can be had easily as they are the cheapest Nissan motor available right now besides the KA24 (at least from the 90s).. Thats one of the nice things about having cheap motors, if it breaks you just put in another one for $1000 and thats the end of that. Of course you do other work to it, but $1000 to your door for a motor thats probably in pretty good shape is a bargain.

[Q45tech]

Unfortunately the $1000 to your door motors also will need replacement chain guides as they were never upgraded in Japan since the cars were junked or exported at 60,000 miles.

How many miles on 93Q engine? Always pull the front engine cover to actually inspect the guides prior to condemming the engine if it can be manually rotated with a wrench on crank pulley.

[Q451990]

It is also interesting to note that the 93 model year was the break point between the deadly guides and updated version you see in the 94+. How much diagnosis has the former owner done/had done? It could be something as simple as a fuel pump and controller. Doubtful... if he suggested guides, he's probably right, but worth checking out...

Good Luck!

Heath

[96Qowner]

Another thing: You say the engine spins freely. I don't think I've read about a timing chain failure that allowed the crank to turn - usually, it's locked up tight.

Definitely check into fuel delivery and spark. Of course, you'll still have to replace the guides, or you'll lunch it yourself. The only way to determine if the guides are shot is to pull the front cover and look.

[Q45tech]

As with every make and model the first thing is a fuel pressure test!!!!

That way you separate the end of the car you need to work! Trunk or hood.

[aurumestpotestaz]

Thanks for all the input.....

It's certainly worth a shot to assume that the motor isn't totally blown. After all, the car is 15 years old, so it may just be a simple problem. Unfortunately, I don't really have the resources or the know how to perform extensive tests on the engine. I'll have to ask the seller for some more specific information for a more accurate diagnosis.

In the event that the engine is bad, what's the best option to replace it? Are there good websites or is eBay worth looking into? I can't seem to resist the appeal of such a great car in otherwise great condition.

Much appreciation for the info.

[maxnix]

If you are not a DIY car maintainer, you should budget $6K - $10K to restore and maintain the car for a year or three. If that breaks your budget, don't jump or you will be in over your head at some point.

Reading the previous posts here can not only educate you about maintenance procedures, but save you from making a big mistake in the initial purchase.

[bbdaines]

Hi,

Everyone always thinks timing guides.. it is probably not guides if the engine turns over and could be a bunch of different minor to major problems. If you want the car and the price is right, you say you can't test it, have it taken to a shop and they can do the test and see if it turns over, likely not a big deal..

Blair

[96Qowner]

In the event that the engine is bad, what's the best option to replace it? Are there good websites or is eBay worth looking into? I can't seem to resist the appeal of such a great car in otherwise great condition.

Much appreciation for the info.

These threads should be helpful:

zerothread?id=179945

zerothread?id=194346

zerothread?id=184875

zerothread?id=148867

zerothread?id=131887

The important thing is to be able to inspect a few motors and choose the one that looks best. If it comes to that, you can count on lots of advice from members here who've done it already.

[96Qowner]

Also, just spotted this Q45a for sale in NY:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItem

Looks like one some NICO member should have!

[texasoil]

If a NICO member buys it, I'll provide a full set of recharged accumulators for $1,000 (exchange only of course +shipping.) The car looks great.

[96Qowner]

Also, just spotted this Q45a for sale in NY:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItem

Looks like one some NICO member should have!

It's been relisted, starting at $1500:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItem

Somebody buy this car!

If a NICO member buys it, I'll provide a full set of recharged accumulators for $1,000 (exchange only of course +shipping.) The car looks great.