Engine Problems it will start but wont run. PLEASE READ HELP!!!

[96Qowner]

We have this clue, Dennis

Second: This person came to my house and checked all of the spark plugs and injectors he told me that the timing belt had skipped and that I had to take it somewhere to get it put back in place and that I also needed to have pressure put into the injectors because they were all low. He had that they had to be at at least 148 PSI and they were currently @ 90 and 100. He told me that most possibly I had to get a new engine and that I had to spend at least 700 bucks. I didnt do this.

Any idea what this could mean? 148psi?

[maxnix]

Removing the front timing chain covers and verifying the guides status is relatively easy considering the consequences.

Maybe the oil pump chain and tensioners were not replaced because it was done on the cheap? Concerned owners would want to know.

[mexpelon83]

We have this clue, Dennis

Any idea what this could mean? 148psi?

Is there a "How to thread" on taking the alternator out? I would like to take it to Autozone to get it tested. and maybe while im there I could also take the battery. The weekend is here so I will have the whole day and the sunlight to work on the car saturday and sunday.

[maxnix]

We have this clue, Dennis.

We have this clue, Dennis

Quote from mexpelon83

"Second: This person came to my house and checked all of the spark plugs and injectors he told me that the timing belt had skipped and that I had to take it somewhere to get it put back in place and that I also needed to have pressure put into the injectors because they were all low. He had that they had to be at at least 148 PSI and they were currently @ 90 and 100. He told me that most possibly I had to get a new engine and that I had to spend at least 700 bucks. I didnt do this. "

Any idea what this could mean? 148psi?

I think it means "this person" is not an Infninti Senior Technician and probably doensn't know shoeshine from schnizzle.

Why are owners so amazed to get misleading advice at best from incompetent "persons"? Maybe it's because a good Infiniti Technician actually derives his living from performing a serve for which the customer is charged? What a concept!
Modified by maxnix at 10:26 AM 11/9/2007

[mexpelon83]

Removing the front timing chain covers and verifying the guides status is relatively easy considering the consequences.

Maybe the oil pump chain and tensioners were not replaced because it was done on the cheap? Concerned owners would want to know.

Is there a thread on how to do this? like I said I will have the whole weekend to work on it and a lot of sunlight to work with lol.....

WE ARE GOING TO GET THIS SUCKER RUNNING

[mexpelon83]

Any idea what this could mean? 148psi?

I think it means "this person" is not an Infninti Senior Technician and probably doensn't know shoeshine from schnizzle.

Why are owners so amazed to get misleading advice at best from incompetent "persons"? Maybe it's because a good Infiniti Technician actually derives his living from performing a serve for which the customer is charged? What a concept![/QUOTE]

Well this is my first infiniti ever.

I have had a chrysler and a honda before and both were less complicated and more people would know how to fix one since they are more accessable in price than infiniti.

[96Qowner]

As 1990Q pointed out, a bad alternator shouldn't keep the car from starting.

But yes, there are a couple great writeups on alternator R&R. Here's the best:

Need Alternator removal help quickly

And a bunch more:

Alternator removal 95 Q45

alternator issue

easiest way to replace alt 91Q

95 q45 alternator swap

Replacing alternator on a 1993 Q45

Alternator replace on '92

[maxnix]

Well this is my first infiniti ever.

I have had a chrysler and a honda before and both were less complicated and more people would know how to fix one since they are more accessable in price than infiniti.

Which is why you need to learn about the VH45DE to be an informed owner and why you need to hire compentent help when you don't have the knowledge or tools.

The FSM, TSB and this board are a great resource. Learn from them by researching and reading, especially all posts by Q45tech.

[mexpelon83]

Which is why you need to learn about the VH45DE to be an informed owner and why you need to hire compentent help when you don't have the knowledge or tools.

The FSM, TSB and this board are a great resource. Learn from them by researching and reading, especially all posts by Q45tech.

You are 100% right Maxnix..... I have learned so much in the few days that I have been part of this site. Its so cool and helpful all of the input from all of the people in here....

Also it helps when you have infiniti mechanics on here that give there dollars to our 2 cents. Its a great help.

Thats why i believe that we are going to get this sucker running sooner or later....

I just finished reading the intructions on how to replace the Altnernator and i read your post about it and i am going to take your advise about getting an OEM alternator.

[1990QOwner]

First thing's first. If I was you I would find the out the reason why the car isn't running and fix it first.

[mexpelon83]

I heard that the car has a stock factory alarm system how true is that?????

The only alarm that I saw was the viper one and I already had someone who installs alarm come and take it off for me.

Sorry to keep on banging on the altnernator but like i said earlier the person who sold me the car was in a rush to tell me that he had replaced the alternator because it was draining the batteries. I mean right when i went toward the hood to open it it was the very first thing that he told me.

Also the cars + battery plug is different from all of the ones I have ever seen. This one has a red big plug and it has a whole bunch of cables running inside the car from there... I had never seen that before. I mean it doesnt look like the adaptor that you put when you hook up an aftermarket sound system .

[maxnix]

I heard that the car has a stock factory alarm system how true is that?????

The OM is available for free download from

http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/infiniti/ for 1994 model year and later which had the alarms.

Also, TSB and 1994 and later manuals are there for a one day fee.

[StarPD]

Which is why you need to learn about the VH45DE to be an informed owner and why you need to hire compentent help when you don't have the knowledge or tools.

The FSM, TSB and this board are a great resource. Learn from them by researching and reading, especially all posts by Q45tech.

Brian is as usual, correct.Some of us are mechanically inclined, and have exerience in wrenching, others go further and understand and can diagnose/repair the many electronic components in our beloved Qs. Others are newbies, some in the most absolute in terms. While I see that many of those who write here asking for guidance and help are younger guys, usually with limited budgets, we can all learn here. I know I have.

So newbies, including mexpelon83, take the time to read many posts here, even if you think they may not pertain to your issue. You will learn a lot, much of it useful to you sooner or later. Learn also how to use the search button. While it's a little difficult at first, once you get the hang of it, it's a great resource. Of course, you'll need tools and diagnostic equipment, so if you don't have them, accumulate them over a period of time just like the rest of us have, and most importantly, learn how to use them properly (DON'T use pliers on most fasteners, for example). Learn the terms, and learn to understand the procedures outlined in so many places in this forum.

But also remember Clint Eastwood's famous dictum: "A man's got to know his limitations". When you can't easily diagnose or repair a problem, bite the bullet and take your car to an experienced and capable Q45 technician, and not to just any "repair shop". Don't nake it worse when you have no idea of what you are doing, and don't resort to "quick fixes", like radiator "stop leaks", etc. If and when you do take your Q45 to an experienced Q45 technician and get it repaired properly, always ask what the problem was, what caused it, and how it was fixed. File it away in your memory bank for future use, and to help others here when they encounter the same problem you did. Making notes helps.

Finally, when you do have a problem, and resolve it one way or another, don't forget to post your experience and its resolution here. It may save others the same headaches you had, the same way others have helped you here. We really are all in this together.

PS: Not aimed at anyone specifically, but in general, for those who think it's "kewl" to write poorly, save the teenage texting abbreviations for your friends (hint: "u", "r", "2" and "4" are letters and numbers, not words), and learn to use the shift key for upper case letters, and some basic punctuation. It makes it a lot easier to help you if we can understand what you write here, and don't have to wade through juvenile jargon that might make you look like you don't really care what we think of you. That's not a productive way to get help. A little respect and consideration goes a long way. Save the "screw you" attitude for your buddies who you don't need to bail you out of a jam.

[Q45tech]

Why did you not have an expert evaluate the car before you purchased it?

Now tow [flatbed only] it to a dealer and pay them the hours it takes to evalute problems and come up with solutions.

Much better to spend $300 for a full diagnosis and a list of the multi-thousand you need to spend to return to near new operating condition.

We have never seen a used 92 for sale that didn't need $3,000 and some $10,000 in immediate attention. Why the cars sell for $500-$1500.

[1990QOwner]

If it was me than I would run through all the obvious things before going and getting stoinked by the dealer for diagnostics. That is what forums are all about.

[mexpelon83]

Why did you not have an expert evaluate the car before you purchased it?

Now tow [flatbed only] it to a dealer and pay them the hours it takes to evalute problems and come up with solutions.

Much better to spend $300 for a full diagnosis and a list of the multi-thousand you need to spend to return to near new operating condition.

We have never seen a used 92 for sale that didn't need $3,000 and some $10,000 in immediate attention. Why the cars sell for $500-$1500.

This is so true... I am going to get this car to a dealership if I don't get it working by the end of this weekend.

Just got the word:::: the guides on the engine are the metal ones not the plastic ones. I guess that is a little relieaf?

[StarPD]

Why did you not have an expert evaluate the car before you purchased it?

Now tow [flatbed only] it to a dealer and pay them the hours it takes to evalute problems and come up with solutions.

Much better to spend $300 for a full diagnosis and a list of the multi-thousand you need to spend to return to near new operating condition.

We have never seen a used 92 for sale that didn't need $3,000 and some $10,000 in immediate attention. Why the cars sell for $500-$1500.

Agreed. Sometimes it's a lot easier and cheaper in the long run to pay an expert than to perform the Q owner's equivalent of "Here, hold my beer and y'all watch this". I'm also reminded of that other Southern admonition: "Hey Bubba, get away from that wheelbarrow, you know you don't know nuffin 'bout machinery".

Clint Eastwood was right, and so was Robert Heinlein (TANSTAAFL).

[mexpelon83]

Why did you not have an expert evaluate the car before you purchased it?

Now tow [flatbed only] it to a dealer and pay them the hours it takes to evalute problems and come up with solutions.

Much better to spend $300 for a full diagnosis and a list of the multi-thousand you need to spend to return to near new operating condition.

We have never seen a used 92 for sale that didn't need $3,000 and some $10,000 in immediate attention. Why the cars sell for $500-$1500.

Also why didnt i take it to the dealer? Well I live in high cost of living southren california and I only get paid 300 dollars a week which has to cover all of my expenses. It took me months to get enough money to get a car. So 300 dollars would make a big hole in my wallet and I rather pay rent, gas or the eletric bill than to be living in the streets in a car that doesnt even run or cant get fixed because the dealership work will be expensive.

That's why I rather come in here and go through the post and see if I can figure out or at least pin point the problem and fix it myself. This would be the first car that I actually do some mechanic work for. I have never done any kind of mechanic work in my life. So far I have had some improvements.

I am just trying to get my car fixed within my budget. If I had the money of course I would of taken it to the dealership since day one and right now I would be driving it around instead of having to figure out what is wrong on my own.

[maxnix]

Just got the word:::: the guides on the engine are the metal ones not the plastic ones. I guess that is a little relieaf?

How about the tensioners, oil pump chain, and camshaft timing?

That would be the whole ball of wax.

[mexpelon83]

How about the tensioners, oil pump chain, and camshaft timing?

That would be the whole ball of wax.

LOL ( Laugh Out Loud) not that far yet maxnix.

I will look for the how to post from those and I will let you guys know after I am done. Which it wont be until sometime this weekend.

[96Qowner]

Drew has an alternator for sale ...

zerothread/278433

Also a used fuel pump.

[mexpelon83]

Drew has an alternator for sale ...

zerothread/278433

Also a used fuel pump.

Thanks 96Q

I will go to the yunk yard tomorrow and get one they test the alternator on site before you buy it and when you buy it you have the option to buy the warrenty that will let you take the part back if it is bad and get another one.

Cant go wrong with that either right? That is the best way to get an OEM altnernator instead of placing and order at the infiniti dealer and waiting 3-5 days to get it and pay 424 dollars for it.

Yunk yard = 35 bucks with warrenty 27 without. OEMDealer= $414. 00 place order wait a week to get it OEM

I need to do what is with in my budget.

[96Qowner]

I need to do what is with in my budget.

I understand. We ordinarily don't have much patience with owners who try to cut corners on the Q45. Good luck this weekend.

[mexpelon83]

I understand. We ordinarily don't have much patience with owners who try to cut corners on the Q45. Good luck this weekend.

Understood and I do apperciate every piece of information that each one of you have given me. I have notice the improvement on the car and even my family has since they didnt believe i was going to work on the car.

[1990QOwner]

I understand. We ordinarily don't have much patience with owners who try to cut corners on the Q45. Good luck this weekend.

As long as the part is tested and works than it isn't really cutting corners.

[mexpelon83]

As long as the part is tested and works than it isn't really cutting corners.

True.... and like i said they test it before i buy it and i mean its still going to be OEM since it will be coming out of another Q45.

[maxnix]

LOL ( Laugh Out Loud) not that far yet maxnix.

Then how did he know it had the metal backed guides?

Previous RO?

[mexpelon83]

I took a look at the car rightnow with sunlight and i i looked inside the top of the engine and I saw that there is a puddle of water inside there.... I got a cotton swab and with a metal hanger and checked to see if it was water or oil and it looks like its water with a rich brown color.

[maxnix]

Sounds like a bad coolant hose, though usually green liquid or jelly is the clue.

Plan for the under plenum hose and KS job. Might as well do the VC while you are there.

[mexpelon83]

Altnernator is replaced for an OEM one. Brand new battery. I let the car sit for over night.

Today I tried turning it on and it turned on the car actually started and I had it on for 30 mins. I was letting the car warm up so I can take it for a test drive. Once it was turned on I was going to put it on Drive and last soon as I changed gear the car turned off. I tried turning it back on but no luck making it run.

Any other suggestions what could be checked next?