changing head gasket and cleaning up the intake and transmission problem

[D_roc]

my dad has a 2003 tundra and to replace the starter have to take off the intake manifold and the truck only had 89k on it and inside the intake manifold was lot of carbon/greese. and after we cleaned it wiht brake clear the truck was soo much quicker and smoother so i want to do it on my 01 max how hard is it

also

i have this problem idk weather the transmission is effed or something wrong with the computer coz MOST of the time when the car is shifting from 2nd to 3rd the car usually shifts at 2500 to 2800rps not it shifts but then it feels like the gear is stuck for couple seconds, like it would "kinda" shift at 2500 - 2800 then get stuck go all the way to 3000-3200rps then fully shift. also happens sometimes on 1st to 2nd shift what might be the problem i put some lucas transmission fix but didn't help. last transmission fluid change was about 10k ago

btw the car has 147k on it

also how's every one doing haven't been here in a while coz of school

[loystock]

Removal & installation of the intake manifold is @ 3 hours, depending on the tools that you have and familiarity with the components. The bolts at the back may be problematic and the cooling line may be damaged if you are not careful. I suggest you tackle the transmission problem first before doing the plenum.

The shifting issue may be due to the condition and level of the ATF, dirty filter, failing sensor (VSS. TPS, etc), control unit (TCM) or the transmission itself. Better have a free scan from Autozone and the likes as there could be 'ghost codes' related to transmission problem.

How's the color and level of the ATF? When the ATF was replaced, was it a FLUSH or just drain and refill? Have you ever inspected the ATF filter?

Refer to the AT (Automatic Transmission) chapter from the FSM (00 Maxima as I'm having problem opening the 01 Maxima AT chapter). Look for pages AT-60 for Diagnostic info; AT-90 for Basic Inspection and AT-102 for Symptoms Chart. There are lots of useful info from this AT chapter.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/2000/at.pdf

[D_roc]

any chances it maybe my MAF, because i just remembered this happen about 4mo's ago after i cleaned the air filter i forgot to tighten the screw and it fell and i drove about 5miled wiht a loose intake (like if fell form the throttle body) and theres a small gap between the MAF and the MAF adapter just noticed it its a plastic one so i ordered a metal one few days ago. but it started to give troubel after the intake fell off can it be a dirty MAF

[loystock]

Yes. A dirty MAF sensor will affect engine speed and shifting. Use a zero-residue Contact Cleaner or CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner (available from Autozone) to thoroughly clean it. BTW, oil-based air filter (like the ones from K&N) can easily mess up the intake components - MAF sensor and TB.

[D_roc]

thanks for the help man it was the MAF i cleaned it today and replaced the MAF adapter and it works fine now but i cracked the MAF housing so i have to buy a new one but until them nothing a little bit of good ol duct tape can't fix

[loystock]

Problem with the MAF may be difficult to diagnose, especially when there is no trouble code.