Ernesto got back to my friends in Vegas today. The two problems which I thought were the active suspension and the fuel pump have turned out to be MUCH larger than just that. Still no idea what's wrong with the active suspension because the engine won't start. And the engine won't start why? It apparently threw a rod at 101k miles. I'll be looking into this as soon as I can get ahold of Ernesto.
If the block is salvageable it looks I may build it up with a set of 9:1 pistons and forged rods as well as rebuild anything else which is necessary ($500 pull + $300 shipping + $2000 build up + $300 shipping + $500 install with me doing some of the labor).
If the block isn't salvageable I'm speechless... this car was MINT. Every factory option available and it looked as it did off the show room floor besides the very last problem to fix which was getting the active suspension system pumping (NEW texasoil struts already installed). I couldn't stand to part it out and if I did part it out I doubt I'd ever be able to afford a Q again... Keep in mind I'm your average college kid that paid for this car through blood sweat and tears, I'm not a 40yr old doctor, lawyer or psychiatrist. If I get the scholarships I was looking for I'll put those funds towards the Q. If I don't... I don't think I'll have much of a choice but to sell it.
Keep in mind me and two others have already bought one way tickets to Vegas for the 25th... if worse comes to worse I can drive my beamer back which would only mean a second trip down south for the Q and ANOTHER $600+ gone. Not to mention I'd then have to pay another 13.1% tax + $100 to import it into Canada. ARG!
So pissed. So distressed. So devestated. Truly speechless. I'm in awe.
Corey
Devestating News...
) think about the other problems it must have!
Quote »Threw a rod at 101k? WTF!!!!![/quote] Quote »WTF!?!?!?! This is insane. My engine drives and sounds like new at 187k. Dennis is doing well at 260k, and another Q hit 450k before being wrecked. This is madness![/quote] This is why I'm so awestruck... I brought this up so many times in my conversation with my friends in Vegas. If this is truely what's happened I'm in the belief I'd be the first person whom this has happened to at such a low milage.
My family friend had his car's power steering go out the day before the car wouldn't start. His car was in the shop, and I always said feel free to take one of mine if you ever need it. Well he took the Q on a short run to the post office (no warmup, approx. 2k miles). The car made it there just fine, though he said there may have been a slight noise coming from under the hood before he got there (nothing very suspicious). When he came out of the post office he tried to start the car and it would turn over, but wouldn't start. This is why I was under the impression it was the fuel pump or a fuel pump relay. He didn't mention there being any oil, etc. where he parked the car... so at least that may eliminate a piston going through the block. Makes me wonder what type of shape it's in. I'm just glad this didn't happen on our trip home...
Wes, I don't think I'd be able to afford doing a complete JDM engine swap. I understand it wouldn't be much more than a built engine from Paul Zigouras though call me foolish, but I'd take the chance on the current block/engine. This was my ultimate goal besides... it just happened to come at a bad point in time. In any case, I'm going to have to get in touch with Ernesto ASAP to find out exactly how bad it is and if my family friend passed on the correct information re the threwn rod.
I'm still speechless... I just got off the phone with my two friends whom are going down with me. I'm thinking I'll drive the beamer back up across the border and register it in Canada. As much as I would HATE to sell this car... I can't see much of a choice now. I'll need the money if I'm to keep the Q. It's hard to believe I may be selling my mint black one owner BMW 5 series just to keep my Q. I guess there's no point in having two...
What a depressing day this has become.
Corey
My family friend had his car's power steering go out the day before the car wouldn't start. His car was in the shop, and I always said feel free to take one of mine if you ever need it. Well he took the Q on a short run to the post office (no warmup, approx. 2k miles). The car made it there just fine, though he said there may have been a slight noise coming from under the hood before he got there (nothing very suspicious). When he came out of the post office he tried to start the car and it would turn over, but wouldn't start. This is why I was under the impression it was the fuel pump or a fuel pump relay. He didn't mention there being any oil, etc. where he parked the car... so at least that may eliminate a piston going through the block. Makes me wonder what type of shape it's in. I'm just glad this didn't happen on our trip home...
Wes, I don't think I'd be able to afford doing a complete JDM engine swap. I understand it wouldn't be much more than a built engine from Paul Zigouras though call me foolish, but I'd take the chance on the current block/engine. This was my ultimate goal besides... it just happened to come at a bad point in time. In any case, I'm going to have to get in touch with Ernesto ASAP to find out exactly how bad it is and if my family friend passed on the correct information re the threwn rod.
I'm still speechless... I just got off the phone with my two friends whom are going down with me. I'm thinking I'll drive the beamer back up across the border and register it in Canada. As much as I would HATE to sell this car... I can't see much of a choice now. I'll need the money if I'm to keep the Q. It's hard to believe I may be selling my mint black one owner BMW 5 series just to keep my Q. I guess there's no point in having two...
What a depressing day this has become.
Corey
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maxnix
- Posts: 22627
- Joined: Mon Jul 22, 2002 8:11 pm
- Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
Miniman, well, unfortunately, well engineered and built $50K+ luxury cars don't get a discount when it comes to labor and parts. It's still a $50+ car to the parts manager and labor is what it is in the day and age it is performed. I think each of us who maintains these cars to as new OEM condition spends more than the car is "worth" since they are all 10 years old now. Why "modifications" are only for the wealthy since they are even further beyond the "value" (or may even lessen it), except to the owner.
It is a personal decision. I always look around and consider acquisition costs, build quality, durability, maintenance expenses, and how well the vehicle suits my intended use then gladly plow the money back into my cars to keep them going. The VH45DE is not a cast iron pushrod wonder that is a dime a dozen, but I do have to wonder what occured in its earlier life (extended oil change intervals?) that could cause this. The only other similar cause I can remember is when a San Antonio member let his Q45 go for a drive with a tire shop employee at the wheel. The result was the same, but it was from operator abuse. Good luck in bringing yours back.
It is a personal decision. I always look around and consider acquisition costs, build quality, durability, maintenance expenses, and how well the vehicle suits my intended use then gladly plow the money back into my cars to keep them going. The VH45DE is not a cast iron pushrod wonder that is a dime a dozen, but I do have to wonder what occured in its earlier life (extended oil change intervals?) that could cause this. The only other similar cause I can remember is when a San Antonio member let his Q45 go for a drive with a tire shop employee at the wheel. The result was the same, but it was from operator abuse. Good luck in bringing yours back.
I spoke with Ernesto today. It appears he only referenced the threwn rod when he was talking with Derrell (the guy who was driving the car) and that's not actually the problem. He says the engine is seized because it appears to have over heated. Talking with Derrell he said there was a small bit of coolant/antifreeze on the ground, but not a substantial amount. On a side note, the car has a brand new radiatior (less than 100 miles on it). As well, he said the temp gauge was reading a normal level when he drove to the post office AND that's all he had done in the car that day. Straight trip to the post office which is about 2 miles in the Las Vegas heat. It's less than a 3-5 minute drive best I recall and certainly isn't enough to cause any serious damage to the car even if the system was entirely drained of antifreeze before he left. To me, this isn't making sense. I don't understand how the car could overheat that quickly without making a knocking sound and without the temp gauge going through the roof on a car with a perfectly fine cooling system. If Q45tech could clue in here, would it be possible the active suspension pulley has seized due to it driving a dry fuel pump (no fluid in the system)?
I want to go for a second opinion but I know of no one that knows Q45s like T3 and Jerry Tucker. Neither of which are close.
Lastly, a suggestion that's been mentioned to me was swapping a small block chevy into it and getting rid of the active suspension. The problem with that would be wiring... but if any of you remember, it's been done before. I only wish I still had information on that swap...
Derrell will be taking pictures of the car either tommorow or Saturday. I haven't seen the car in a year, though he's told me the exterior isn't in the same condition it was in when I left. We'll have to see how the pictures turn out.
Lastly, Ernesto said he'll let us keep the car at his shop until I get down there on the 25th. I have to make up my mind soon there after what I'll be doing with it.
Corey
I want to go for a second opinion but I know of no one that knows Q45s like T3 and Jerry Tucker. Neither of which are close.
Lastly, a suggestion that's been mentioned to me was swapping a small block chevy into it and getting rid of the active suspension. The problem with that would be wiring... but if any of you remember, it's been done before. I only wish I still had information on that swap...
Derrell will be taking pictures of the car either tommorow or Saturday. I haven't seen the car in a year, though he's told me the exterior isn't in the same condition it was in when I left. We'll have to see how the pictures turn out.
Lastly, Ernesto said he'll let us keep the car at his shop until I get down there on the 25th. I have to make up my mind soon there after what I'll be doing with it.
Corey
I'd like to thank all of NICO for your support. I truely hope the be-all-end-all of this isn't an engine swap. This isn't a price I'm willing to incur at this point in time. College is far from free and it's coming around in September. I've paid for everything I own with cash I've earned the hard way. The last place you'll see me is at a bank taking out a loan.
It appears maxnix, that this is a deciding factor in the dedication I have to my Q. I could only wish I knew which path leads me in the best direction. I appreciate the kind wishes.
I've always said I want to keep this car until she dies... I feel this death has come too soon however and will do the best I can with the resources I have to revive her. I appreciate the help of NICO and it's members. I can only hope I may one day return the favor.
Corey
It appears maxnix, that this is a deciding factor in the dedication I have to my Q. I could only wish I knew which path leads me in the best direction. I appreciate the kind wishes.
I've always said I want to keep this car until she dies... I feel this death has come too soon however and will do the best I can with the resources I have to revive her. I appreciate the help of NICO and it's members. I can only hope I may one day return the favor.
Corey
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texasoil
- Posts: 875
- Joined: Mon Sep 02, 2002 3:18 pm
- Car: '92 Infiniti Q45A
'94 Infiniti Q45A
'94 Mercedes-Benz SL600
Well, the FIRST thing to do is a decent diagnosis of the engine condition--'won't start' has many causes. If it turns over normally but won't fire up, gotta be either fuel or ignition.
If it spins without compression--cam chains?. If it spins with a hic-cup (a dead cylinder or two), that signals internal damage from bent valves to busted pistons. B4 speculating about all the possible horrible outcomes--do some good diagnosis. Its likely something simple and not too costly.
If it spins without compression--cam chains?. If it spins with a hic-cup (a dead cylinder or two), that signals internal damage from bent valves to busted pistons. B4 speculating about all the possible horrible outcomes--do some good diagnosis. Its likely something simple and not too costly.
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Q45tech
- Moderator
- Posts: 14296
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
- 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
Just as a side comment my last major work was two summers ago at 235,000 miles............other than some scheduled shock changes, a fuel pump, and the brake calipler rebuilds [which I had been putting off for years]............no upper links, no new tension rods.
Just 4 tires and lots of fluid changes, did change the spark plugs.
Every morning before I start the car I check under hood [takes 90 seconds and a paper towel] even in the rain.
The temperature gauge only works IF the coolant is full!Maybe $1600 in parts and $800 in labor ~~ $2,400 for 30,000 miles...........8.0 cents per mile [Honda Civic territory].
Of course things have aged 30,000 miles [now at 266,000] and the to do list is starting again.
Just 4 tires and lots of fluid changes, did change the spark plugs.
Every morning before I start the car I check under hood [takes 90 seconds and a paper towel] even in the rain.
The temperature gauge only works IF the coolant is full!Maybe $1600 in parts and $800 in labor ~~ $2,400 for 30,000 miles...........8.0 cents per mile [Honda Civic territory].
Of course things have aged 30,000 miles [now at 266,000] and the to do list is starting again.
Keith, great suggestions. Thank you.
Lets say the active pump bit it as he was getting to the post office. The belt started to slip making the noise (he was going slow, so I doubt it would've shredded/burnt up too bad or made too loud of a noise). When he goes to start the engine up again the starter wouldn't have enough power to start turning the engine with the belt holding it back.
Now what active suspension parts bit it... well I'd like to replace the pump for sure. It's been without fluid for a long time and if it isn't toast yet, it's nearing it's death. The system needs to be refilled and diagnosed for leaks. The previous fluid didn't run off on it's own... Ernesto says he's worked on the system before. I'm curious as to how qualified he really is...
Corey
Lets say the active pump bit it as he was getting to the post office. The belt started to slip making the noise (he was going slow, so I doubt it would've shredded/burnt up too bad or made too loud of a noise). When he goes to start the engine up again the starter wouldn't have enough power to start turning the engine with the belt holding it back.
Now what active suspension parts bit it... well I'd like to replace the pump for sure. It's been without fluid for a long time and if it isn't toast yet, it's nearing it's death. The system needs to be refilled and diagnosed for leaks. The previous fluid didn't run off on it's own... Ernesto says he's worked on the system before. I'm curious as to how qualified he really is...
Corey
Would it be possible to detach the FAS belt and try starting the engine like that... or are there implications I'm unaware of? Note, this would only be for testing and the engine wouldn't be run for long. I imagine this wouldn't take more than 5 minutes and would be something to quickly test.
Keith, would you advise me to replace the pump with a new part or would buying used be acceptable (via aaacomp)? Any guesses on how many hours of labor are involved?
Corey
Keith, would you advise me to replace the pump with a new part or would buying used be acceptable (via aaacomp)? Any guesses on how many hours of labor are involved?
Corey
I do believe the coolant was full before he started the trip. What I meant was I didn't believe the car could over heat to the point of seizing with a destroyed engine in a 3-5 minute trip starting in an AC garage at 10am... even in Vegas. Not saying it isn't a possibility, but with the lack of coolant that came out of the overflow at the post office, it doesn't seam realistic.
The car was definitely driven without sufficient active suspension fluid however. Something I didn't approve of him doing... I did tell him he could use the car in case of an emergency... but getting mail doesn't seam like an emergency to me!
Corey
The car was definitely driven without sufficient active suspension fluid however. Something I didn't approve of him doing... I did tell him he could use the car in case of an emergency... but getting mail doesn't seam like an emergency to me!
Corey
If you need a used VH45DE there is one in Salt Lake City! The junkyard got the car at a repo. auction. They drove the car on to the yard. I talked to the guy that parked it and he said it was fine. the engine has 125,000 miles. they told me I could have the car for $1,200 at the time, but the brakes were removed and I had no way to get it home. The engine looked very clean at the time, but I removed the hood so it's probably a little dirty.
Thanks modQ45. If I end up having to replace her however I'd either go with a low milage JDM spec engine or something more durastic if I could find the money... If the engine's coming out, rest assured something more powerful or boost ready will be going in. Muchos gracias in any case! I appreciate the consideration.
Just out of curiousity, why wouldn't a complete 90-93 engine be swappable into a 94-95 Q, besides having to replace the ECU? I wouldn't mind the dual horsepower peaks.
I think what NICO needs is a complete 94-95 parts car for all those people looking for random parts...
Corey
Just out of curiousity, why wouldn't a complete 90-93 engine be swappable into a 94-95 Q, besides having to replace the ECU? I wouldn't mind the dual horsepower peaks.
I think what NICO needs is a complete 94-95 parts car for all those people looking for random parts...
Corey