Anything to watch out for?

[Don Keyballs]

My 97 Q is starting to miss at idle only, and only with the AC on. It's not bad, but I am going to take care of it tonight. I want to replace all of the belts (they are old and cracked) the PCV, the plugs and wires, and possibly the timing gear/chain. Also I found a leak from the passengers side valve cover. I want to replace that this weekend. Do I need anything other than the valve cover gasket?

[Q451990]

I can't imagine that the timing chain or gears would need replacement... the Q's have been relatively bulletproof since 1993 or 1994 in this department. I think the car has direct ignition, so you won't be replacing the plug wires - they don't exist. How many miles do you have on your Q? I'd definately replace the fuel filter, have a pressurized injector flush performed, and have the intake cleaned (throttle body, plenum).

I'd really think in terms of having someone do a complete check-up with Consult - you'll save a lot of headaches and expense vs. throwing parts at it.

Heath

[Don Keyballs]

Thanks Heath,

I just went to the dealer and found out some of the information. I saw that there are no plug wires, and found out about the timing chain. They wanted 15.00 a piece for the spark plugs! I read some of the posts on this forum and found that there are other (better) plugs available at a much better price. I havent changed the plugs in about 60,000 miles, so I think that it is probably due anyway. I am changing the belts because they are starting to crack. I cleaned the throttle body the other day because the throttle was sticking. That seemed to cure that problem. I haven't changed the PCV before, and I know that it can affect your idle, so I am going to change it. I am starting to think about the fuel filter though as the main cause of the problem.

[eQlipse]

I'd like to know how many miles also. I haven't had any problems with my '97 besides replacing the knock sensors. Oh, and this week's project of replacing ball joint assy's & tension rod bushings.

[Don Keyballs]

My 97 has about 140,000 on it. I also have a 93 Pathfinder with around 250,000. I hope that the Q lasts that long. I bought the Pathfinder new, and the Q with about 55,000. I live in Texas, and have relatives all around the state, so racking up mega miles is pretty easy to do.

[DAEDALUS]

Don't forget about Scottsdale. They'll sell you plugs, probably the same ones your dealer has (NGK), for just over half what they're asking. No tax, and shipping's very reasonable. I've probably saved close to $1k vs what I would have paid my dealer over the past few years. Any thing you remove to get to the valve cover might need a gasket. I'm thinking of EGR here since you just did the TB. If your hoses are old you'll need to replace the ones near the PCV that have to be removed to get to the part.

[Don Keyballs]

After 3 trips to the Infinity parts place, I got the right belts and an air filter. They didn't have anything else for the car. I replaced the belts and installed the air filter, and now the "Service Engine Soon" light is on and it still has a slight miss when at idle and the AC on. I am getting a PCV tonight, and will replace it. If it doesn't work, I am going to Infinity for a consult.

[maxnix]

Forget the "Infinity" Parts store and call Joe at http://www.infinitipartsusa.com .