99 Altima Engine Replacement - which KA24DE?

[aznissanaltima]

I'm planning on replacing the engine in my high mileage 1999 Altima with a (hopefully )inexpensive used or rebuilt one.

Can I use any KA24DE in it, or will I need to choose from a particular range of years?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[3Q Jay]

you want a transverse mount, which as far as i know, only came in the Altimas. there are minor dofferences between the years, you probably want a 95-up since your chassis is OBD-II wired.

but my real question is--why? if properly maintained, the KA24DE is good beyond 300k miles.

[aznissanaltima]

Thanks for the response, and that's a fair question. I could be convinced to change my mind. I bought this car in March of 2007, and it has 237,000 miles on it. If I felt it woudl last 70,000 more miles, I would leave it in.

I'm not very familiar with Altimas, and it just seemed that it might be easier and probably cheaper and faster for me to just buy a low mileage engine and switch em rather than try to repair this one.

The engine has several problems that I know of - for instance, air control valve is broken, timing chain is rattling around, and the oil light stays on for 45 seconds or so at startup.

It also knocks a bit when first started, possible rod knock, but I'n not sure exactly what the noise is.

Otherwise, it still runs pretty good and seems to have been well maintained

[3Q Jay]

The engine has several problems that I know of - for instance, air control valve is broken, timing chain is rattling around, and the oil light stays on for 45 seconds or so at startup.

It also knocks a bit when first started, possible rod knock, but I'n not sure exactly what the noise is.

it only takes 2-3 psi to turn off the oil light, so if yours stays on even 2 seconds after startup, the engine is in trouble.check for dented oil pan obstructing pickup, but if it's been oil starved for more than a few minutes she's on borrowed time.

[driftingmy240sx]

you can use a 98-00 ka from an altima, oly difference in some is the emmissions so some parts (cat converter, o2 sensors) my have to be swapped. this is a very engine to replace if you are able to use a lift and drop it out the bottom.

[aznissanaltima]

Thanks again -

I took a look and the oil pan is bent up a little, so that's probably where the trouble is. I think I'll take it off and beat it back down flat to get a few extra miles out of it and delay this project as long as possible.

How hard is it to replace the motor with a cherry picker, pulling it out the top? I don't have access to a lift.

[driftingmy240sx]

its a pain due to the upper trans mount. it is do-able though, just need to get the right angle on the engine and tans when you do it.

[davec]

Hi,

I am considering buying a 97 maxima with 170,000 miles on it for $2500. My wife says that she can't believe I would buy something with that many miles on it. How many miles can you get on these engines (it is a V6 - don't know much more than that). ?? I know Toyota engines have a good rep. What is the scoop on the Nissan engines?

thanks,

Dave

[3Q Jay]

Hi,

I am considering buying a 97 maxima with 170,000 miles on it for $2500. My wife says that she can't believe I would buy something with that many miles on it. How many miles can you get on these engines (it is a V6 - don't know much more than that). ?? I know Toyota engines have a good rep. What is the scoop on the Nissan engines?

thanks,

Dave

Dave, let me re-direct this a bit so it's not a threadjack. Nissan engineers do a fantastic job designing engines that will last nearly forever (one known exception being the PLASTIC slack side guides for the all metal chains on the early VH45DE series). The VQ30DE in the 1997 maxima is no exception. well designed, will withstand anything but owner abuse and poorly trained mechanics.don't underestimate what is meant by owner abuse. not changing the oil with quality product at least every 6 months/6000 miles qualifies as abuse.if the owner has full serivce records PROVING maintenance performed on-time from day 1 no exceptions, then i would buy the car in haertbeat and expect it to run with proper maintenance for years and years until someone t-bones it.if they don't then you buy at your own peril.

[legendman]

My 98 Altima has 260k on it and runs like a champ.....original engine and everything.

[aznissanaltima]

I pulled the oil pan today, straightened out the bottom and re installed it. That took care of the problem with the oil light staying on for 45 seconds. It goes off immediately now, and most of the rattles, etc. are now gone.

BUT - there were little metal shavings laying in the bottom of the oil pan, so I figure I'm screwed. I intend to continue driving it until either I find a motor or this one dies, whichever comes first.

Thanks for all the help!

[3Q Jay]

glad we could point you in the right direction.there's no question your engine has been abused. how much more can it take? now, without getting too optomistic--i'd re-change the oil filter (i assume you just did after pan r&r) after 50 miles. self limit to 5000 rpm max for the rest of it's days. then i'd pull an oil sample at 1000 miles and have it analysed. depending on wear metals content, you could get an idea of how bad is bad and estimate remaining life to failure.