I'm transplanting from FA, and see a lot more good tech info here.I will possibly complete the purchase of a 97Q45t in 2 days. I'm very comfortable with the ins and outs of cars, but admittedly not proficient on this model.Qtech-1st, you will note that as you suggested on FA, I have booked an infiniti service checkout including a consult check for Monday.car has 78k, has no service records since owner change at 50k [oct 2001], all fluids [except not able to get at differential] looked and smelled ok, although if I do buy this one, that will be the first order of business. Also noticed steering wheel slight shimmy at 40-50 mph, amplified during breaking.cold start ok.hot start immediate ok, throttle closed.hot start after 10 minutes ok, throttle closed.For all, and beyond that, I'm trying to piece some things together:the VH41 appears to be a de-stroked VH45, same block and bottom end? I've noticed that the upper plenum 'looks' different [I didn't pull the plastic cover on the one i looked at today].I've searched enough to have found the chain guide issues on 90-93 VH45's, apparently these are fixed for 94-96 45s, does the VH41 continue the same design as the late VH45? regardless, does the 41 have VVT or other issues I should be aware of? I believe this model has HICAS? Do the 'plenum' issues [still not entirely sure what those are] of the 1st gen Q apply to 2nd gen?
I do not have an FSM, ...elwesso or anyone?
thanks for indulging a fairly long first post....
Jay
buying 2nd gen Q, and the VH41
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AZhitman
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Jay - Short reply as I'm heading for bed...
First of all, welcome to NICO! I think you'll like it here.
Second: The 4.1 is generally regarded as "bulletproof" - One of the most trouble-free engines ever produced by ANY manufacturer.
Third - That car does not have HICAS. HICAS was discontinued for the 1995 model year.
Lastly - Shimmy sounds like brake rotors. Typical warpage, no big deal to R&R (or make it a condition of purchase).
Again, glad to have you aboard. Tell all your friends, and let me know if you need anything.
First of all, welcome to NICO! I think you'll like it here.
Second: The 4.1 is generally regarded as "bulletproof" - One of the most trouble-free engines ever produced by ANY manufacturer.
Third - That car does not have HICAS. HICAS was discontinued for the 1995 model year.
Lastly - Shimmy sounds like brake rotors. Typical warpage, no big deal to R&R (or make it a condition of purchase).
Again, glad to have you aboard. Tell all your friends, and let me know if you need anything.
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elwesso
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Re: buying 2nd gen Q, and the VH41
GQ Jay wrote:1. I'm transplanting from FA, and see a lot more good tech info here.
2. I will possibly complete the purchase of a 97Q45t in 2 days. I'm very comfortable with the ins and outs of cars, but admittedly not proficient on this model.
3. Qtech-1st, you will note that as you suggested on FA, I have booked an infiniti service checkout including a consult check for Monday.
4. car has 78k, has no service records since owner change at 50k [oct 2001], all fluids [except not able to get at differential] looked and smelled ok, although if I do buy this one, that will be the first order of business.
5. Also noticed steering wheel slight shimmy at 40-50 mph, amplified during breaking.
6. cold start ok.hot start immediate ok, throttle closed.hot start after 10 minutes ok, throttle closed.
For all, and beyond that, I'm trying to piece some things together:
7. the VH41 appears to be a de-stroked VH45, same block and bottom end? I've noticed that the upper plenum 'looks' different [I didn't pull the plastic cover on the one i looked at today].
8. I've searched enough to have found the chain guide issues on 90-93 VH45's, apparently these are fixed for 94-96 45s,
9. does the VH41 continue the same design as the late VH45?
10. regardless, does the 41 have VVT or other issues I should be aware of?
11. I believe this model has HICAS?
12. Do the 'plenum' issues [still not entirely sure what those are] of the 1st gen Q apply to 2nd gen?
13. I do not have an FSM, ...elwesso or anyone?
thanks for indulging a fairly long first post....
Jay
Jay welcome to NICO.
1. w0000t! NICO OWNS!2. Good choice. They are very nice cars, and I think youll be pleased, low miles too!3. Great plan, be sure to post the results.4. If you have service records up to 50k, i thikn thats just fine. Not ideal, but if all the fluids looked decent then your good I think. how was the transmission fluid?5. It could be a rotor or maybe a tire out of balance. Many possibilities there.7. You are correct. The short block is basically the same...8. Correct, 94 and up VH series engines are safe with the updated guide design9. There are similarities, and there are differences... I think its just a "minime" version of the VH45 for most peoples benefits and purposes.10. Not really. They do have VVT, but VVT on the Q is bulletproof, it doesnt really fail. Q45tech has mentioned theyve only seen a couple VVT units fail. Not something to worry about.11. No, like himtan said no HICAS after 9412. Yes. You still have to rpleace your underplenum hoses and stuff like that, if thats what you think the "plenum issues" are.13. Hang tight, i should have one in a few weeks for you.....
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maxnix
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1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
The FSM should be available at http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/infiniti/ for a one day subscription. Get all the TSB while you are there as there are a ton for the FY33.
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3Q Jay
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2010 A6 Avant
1977 F-150 (460!) - Location: Florida Coast
thanks Wes and Brian for the replies. 4.1 The trans fluid I checked 3x to be sure. wiped on paper towel, too. no odor, slight salmon color [not the 'hot'pink], and no grey/brown scunge when wiping. My eval is it needs change and filter, but that the filter hasn't completely filled up yet. btw, did not notice drain plug [no jacks, so hard to get far under]--should there be one, or do I have to loose the pan to drain?
12.1 Wes, I had actually previously checked your site and the write-up you did on your underplenum hoze change. Very helpful for someone like me that has not experienced this. Seems like an awfully big project: did something go wrong to force this project, or is it strictly preventative? I'm also still curious about the VH45 vs. VH41 in this area... is the 41 identical? again, I'm just learning, but the 'octoplenum' on the 45 is hugely noticeable as soon as you raise the hood, whereas on the 41......
looks like there is only on-line viewing for a 97 available at that site [no CD option]. At $20/day, could get expensive.... or, Does anyone know if the online pages can be printed [i guess that sounds stupid, but you see my point.. $20 + a reem of paper vs. $200, hmmmm.] My goal is not to perform copyright infringement- just thinking maybe someone has the 'old phone book' laying around or know where I can find one....
thanks again
12.1 Wes, I had actually previously checked your site and the write-up you did on your underplenum hoze change. Very helpful for someone like me that has not experienced this. Seems like an awfully big project: did something go wrong to force this project, or is it strictly preventative? I'm also still curious about the VH45 vs. VH41 in this area... is the 41 identical? again, I'm just learning, but the 'octoplenum' on the 45 is hugely noticeable as soon as you raise the hood, whereas on the 41......
looks like there is only on-line viewing for a 97 available at that site [no CD option]. At $20/day, could get expensive.... or, Does anyone know if the online pages can be printed [i guess that sounds stupid, but you see my point.. $20 + a reem of paper vs. $200, hmmmm.] My goal is not to perform copyright infringement- just thinking maybe someone has the 'old phone book' laying around or know where I can find one....
thanks again
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Q45tech
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- Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
The engine is about 99% different, not many interchanable parts- a few bolts and screws.It is lighter and narrower........everything has been shifted around starter, alternator.
The block is a light duty redesign as is the girdle, rods, crank bearings, cams, heads.........injectors...........big cost savings yet they seem to last ok with maintenance. But again so many fewer sold than the 90-96. The people who bought them were not the hot rodder types.
The block is a light duty redesign as is the girdle, rods, crank bearings, cams, heads.........injectors...........big cost savings yet they seem to last ok with maintenance. But again so many fewer sold than the 90-96. The people who bought them were not the hot rodder types.
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3Q Jay
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95 Q45a (sold)
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1977 F-150 (460!) - Location: Florida Coast
feeling stressed
Nearing completion on the purchase of the 97Q45t, but not quite as thrilled as i want to be. status: car went to infiniti today for a 2hr pre-buy check including consult. consult checked ok, but i have a question in particular on the power balance test. ok, this is my first go, right--but i assume this involves killing 1 injecotr at a time while checking rpm drop [kinda like a magneto check on a piper]. here's the data [btw, the print out says 'ok']1 154 rpm2 1583 1654 1635 1666 1807 1548 135
to my eye, i would question 6 and 8 as being 'out of family', even if not out of spec.I would appreciate some expert evaluation on the above.
2nd- I'm less tha thrilled by the 'inspection' performed for the first 1 hour or $83. What I have on the '27 point sheet' basically notes what I was able to determine for myself when examining the car. Ok, so they did note a missing splash pan on bottom engine that I would not have noticed, and actually measured the pad thickness that i didn't pull the wheels off to do myself. But, there is no inspection point for the differential or powersteering fluid or rack. further, there are inspection points for 'condition of radiator/coolant' 'condition of heater hoses', 'condition of battery/cables' that are not checked off.I haven't paid the bill yet, as they are keeping it overnight to do smog [a non-negotiable point for me, as carfax identified that this car previoulsly failed emissions just before sale to the second owner (although it has passed twice since, including 4k ago)]I questioned if they removed the oil fill cap and looked around inside with a penlight [maybe someone will tell me that this is not at all indicative of signs of varnish], and got a blank response like i was from Mars.I might be getting paranoid after seeing probably a disproportionate number of abused engines from previous owners on this site, but then maybe not.
thoughts?:help
Jay
to my eye, i would question 6 and 8 as being 'out of family', even if not out of spec.I would appreciate some expert evaluation on the above.
2nd- I'm less tha thrilled by the 'inspection' performed for the first 1 hour or $83. What I have on the '27 point sheet' basically notes what I was able to determine for myself when examining the car. Ok, so they did note a missing splash pan on bottom engine that I would not have noticed, and actually measured the pad thickness that i didn't pull the wheels off to do myself. But, there is no inspection point for the differential or powersteering fluid or rack. further, there are inspection points for 'condition of radiator/coolant' 'condition of heater hoses', 'condition of battery/cables' that are not checked off.I haven't paid the bill yet, as they are keeping it overnight to do smog [a non-negotiable point for me, as carfax identified that this car previoulsly failed emissions just before sale to the second owner (although it has passed twice since, including 4k ago)]I questioned if they removed the oil fill cap and looked around inside with a penlight [maybe someone will tell me that this is not at all indicative of signs of varnish], and got a blank response like i was from Mars.I might be getting paranoid after seeing probably a disproportionate number of abused engines from previous owners on this site, but then maybe not.
thoughts?:help
Jay
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Q45tech
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1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
OK on a Consult just means Working not failed or static [no changes like on IAC test]. It takes a human with experience to decide the qualities of OK.
Average 160 rpm +- 5% =152-168.........we usually say within 12 rpms on a Consult 1 [which has less resolution and rounds up and down in 6.5-8 rpm increments]........62,75, 87,100 etc
I always do the power balance 3 times on mine and average the numbers then look at the deviation.........because doing the power balance is an unnatural running situation.
Only seeeing the basic rpm drops without the test rpm means little other than they are different.
I have done before after power balance test [3 then 3] with induction and injector pressure cleaning. ALWAYS the deviations narrow.
Cold/warm compression test don't mean much as the rings are lightly sprung against the cylinder wall and expand under heat [WOT].
A cold 120F test on mine would scare you to death but at temperature it is fine........most can't get the plugs out hot [so as the block cools the errors creep up].
78k and 135 is 15% down [less contribution to idle] probably dirty injector or more carbon on the valve stem than the others.
180 just is a good cylinder.
Average 160 rpm +- 5% =152-168.........we usually say within 12 rpms on a Consult 1 [which has less resolution and rounds up and down in 6.5-8 rpm increments]........62,75, 87,100 etc
I always do the power balance 3 times on mine and average the numbers then look at the deviation.........because doing the power balance is an unnatural running situation.
Only seeeing the basic rpm drops without the test rpm means little other than they are different.
I have done before after power balance test [3 then 3] with induction and injector pressure cleaning. ALWAYS the deviations narrow.
Cold/warm compression test don't mean much as the rings are lightly sprung against the cylinder wall and expand under heat [WOT].
A cold 120F test on mine would scare you to death but at temperature it is fine........most can't get the plugs out hot [so as the block cools the errors creep up].
78k and 135 is 15% down [less contribution to idle] probably dirty injector or more carbon on the valve stem than the others.
180 just is a good cylinder.
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3Q Jay
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01 B15 Sentra (Daughter's)
Also Mine...
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1977 F-150 (460!) - Location: Florida Coast
thanks Dennis, and again thanks for the recommendation to do consult. I thought looking at some data would amuse you. The print does not show the test rpm, but the time stamp would indicate that the temp was 186f at 10:19:23 during MR testing at 2004 revs, and then the power bal was run at 10:42:09. So, I would say that the engine was at least warm if not full operational temp.
any telltale signs to have them go back and look for to see about possible oil pan replacement [note that there is no mention of this in the infiniti service system] especially since there is a splash pan missing?
any telltale signs to have them go back and look for to see about possible oil pan replacement [note that there is no mention of this in the infiniti service system] especially since there is a splash pan missing?
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Q45tech
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1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
2004 revs is higher than the Consult 1 tests at ~~ 1000-1200 rpm which explains why the readings are so high [almost double] what we typicallly see 50-87 rpm drops depending on exact rpms.
Had one yesterday [with a failed IAC] test was conducted at 600 rpm and 25-50 rpms was the drop.
Hopefully you now see why reference rpm is croitical to evaluating.
We have experimented in manually increasing engine rpm [to 2000] on a Consult 1 test to try to gain more resolution.
Also loading engine with AC on max and all electric loads on to try to stress the engine more.
All in all the Consult does a pretty good job in showing what is really happening.
Again experience is the best teacher on this...........really hard to persuade owner that something is wrong when Consult says OK.
Wish it would say " Acceptable for an old car that vibrates whose owner doesn't care"
Had one yesterday [with a failed IAC] test was conducted at 600 rpm and 25-50 rpms was the drop.
Hopefully you now see why reference rpm is croitical to evaluating.
We have experimented in manually increasing engine rpm [to 2000] on a Consult 1 test to try to gain more resolution.
Also loading engine with AC on max and all electric loads on to try to stress the engine more.
All in all the Consult does a pretty good job in showing what is really happening.
Again experience is the best teacher on this...........really hard to persuade owner that something is wrong when Consult says OK.
Wish it would say " Acceptable for an old car that vibrates whose owner doesn't care"
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3Q Jay
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95 Q45a (sold)
97 Q45t (sold)
01 B15 Sentra (Daughter's)
Also Mine...
2010 A6 Avant
1977 F-150 (460!) - Location: Florida Coast
car is mine....
service corrected their oversight on the missing checklist items.Made a big fuss over potential oil pan replacement,which they had 2 guys look at and assure me it had not. then i took one more look under the oil fill cap and convinced myself it was reasonably clean and unvarnished [can see a cam lobe, the head, and a rocker arm].
smog test is an issue. apparently, they reset something [ecu i suppose] after the consult check and now the emmissions is still learning. SRT [system readiness test, i presume] read 'incmp' for catalyst, HO2S, EGR system [HO2S HTR said 'cmplt']. so, the measured emmissions are within spec for HC, CO, NO, but the functional test won't pass [they claim] until after 100-300 miles of driving. oh, and no free or even discounted retest
which i will speak wityh the service manager tomorrow.
But, I split the smog with the seller, closed the sale, it's now mine and dad is ecstatic [my car, but he gets to drive it]... now i can start calling pinnacle and get her up to pride of ownership standards...
thanks everyone for the encouragement and replies to my questions...
Jay
smog test is an issue. apparently, they reset something [ecu i suppose] after the consult check and now the emmissions is still learning. SRT [system readiness test, i presume] read 'incmp' for catalyst, HO2S, EGR system [HO2S HTR said 'cmplt']. so, the measured emmissions are within spec for HC, CO, NO, but the functional test won't pass [they claim] until after 100-300 miles of driving. oh, and no free or even discounted retest
which i will speak wityh the service manager tomorrow.But, I split the smog with the seller, closed the sale, it's now mine and dad is ecstatic [my car, but he gets to drive it]... now i can start calling pinnacle and get her up to pride of ownership standards...
thanks everyone for the encouragement and replies to my questions...
Jay
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SurfinGator
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- Location: Salisbury NC
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SurfinGator
- Posts: 154
- Joined: Sat Apr 03, 2004 2:59 am
- Car: 2005 Q45 Premium Package
- Location: Salisbury NC
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SurfinGator
- Posts: 154
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The syringe pulls that last small amount of fluid and any metal shavings off the chamber bottom. I flush the syringe and then use it to pump the new fluid in the intake cavity. 50ml is about a half pint .... so it goes fairly fast and makes it a lot easier to get to the opening.
still, is there something in the way to accessing these ports? It seems everylthing else in this car is a terror to get to ... this would not shock me to find I have to drop something or get aspecial tool to access.
still, is there something in the way to accessing these ports? It seems everylthing else in this car is a terror to get to ... this would not shock me to find I have to drop something or get aspecial tool to access.