94 Nissan Maxima Tune Up Questions

[Jay85]

Ok my 94 Nissan Maxima GXE is getting ready to hit 100,000 Original Miles and is showing signs of a tune up being needed. I went and got a Drive ability Diagnostic Evaluation because of shaking and loss of power when driving. I was told that its due for a tune up, spark plugs, wires, filters etc... needs to come out. Anyways they're trying to charge me anywhere between 400-600 for the tune up. Honestly, I'm sort of on a money struggle living in California with no job. I just got laid off, and I'm at a point where I need to spend money wisely. Anyways, I was on ebay and I found a tune up kit for $163.78, I would like to know by ordering this kit would I be saving money by paying a local shop to install? Also is there anything else I should replace besides whats in this kit? Such as hoses, fluids, should I get a transmission flush? Radiator flush? Please let me know. Thanks.



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0133804707

Tune Up Kit Nissan Maxima 1989-1994 VG30E SOHC
Includes:
* oil filter
* fuel filter
* air filter
* PCV valve
* distributor cap
* ignition rotors
* six NGK spark plugs
* NGK spark plug wires

[MotleyS13]

i would be extremely weary of the plug wires and dizzy cap. If they actually diagnosed the vehicle and didnt just say a tune up like most shops do, then id buy the kit and maybe replace a few key parts where quality might be a factor. cheapest way id say is buy the kit, buy a fsm (factory service manual) and take your time. its quite simple and the fsm will take you through pretty much step for step.

[Jay85]

i would be extremely weary of the plug wires and dizzy cap. If they actually diagnosed the vehicle and didnt just say a tune up like most shops do, then id buy the kit and maybe replace a few key parts where quality might be a factor. cheapest way id say is buy the kit, buy a fsm (factory service manual) and take your time. its quite simple and the fsm will take you through pretty much step for step.

Thanks for the response MotleyS13, much appreciated. Yeah bro, I got it diagnosed by pep boys last week, and was told a tune up should be done. I don't have a check engine light on, but I noticed the car hesitate when at a red light and idles low. I'm not a mechanic nor do I have the tools, So I don't think I could work on it by myself. Although I would like too to save me bucks. What else should be changed? Should all the fluid be replaced too? I just had an oil change not too long ago, so I know that's ok. But what about transmission fluid? Brake fluid? Radiator fluid?

[MotleyS13]

well if your mainly concerned about the misfire then fluids have nothing to do with. if there was wayyy to much oil put it, it can misfire. check all your injectors (get a metal rod say maybe a 1/4 inch extension) and put on top of injector at idle and listen for a consistant repetative tapping. 99% of the time misfires are caused by timing, air, fule, or spark. get timing light and check. i belive it should be 20 BTDC . start from there

[rioredstang]

You should be able to this work yourself. I own a shop and we don't like to install customer parts. We try to make a profit off of parts and labor. With that said, I think you are right on with the maint. work. Install the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. Also clean the throttle body and mass air flow meter. They sell these cleaners at the parts store. Do the fliuds as your money allows. I would flush the trans & rad.

[Jay85]

You should be able to this work yourself. I own a shop and we don't like to install customer parts. We try to make a profit off of parts and labor. With that said, I think you are right on with the maint. work. Install the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. Also clean the throttle body and mass air flow meter. They sell these cleaners at the parts store. Do the fliuds as your money allows. I would flush the trans & rad.

Thanks for the response, can you please list some good cleaners? Much appreciated.

[rioredstang]

The auto parts store will have throttle body cleaner and mass air cleaner. These are (2) different cleaners so don't let them sell you one for both jobs. Use a old tooth brush to clean throttle body. The mass air just spray it down, don't try to clean with anything else.