Fuel Injector Issue

[nuQ]

Well, after much debating (and convincing of my better half...), I have decided to make the neccessary repairs and get my beloved Q back on the road. It has sat for the past few years, so there are obviously issues that need addressing. I'm trying to make the repairs as cost effective as possible, which begins by using my local mechanic and crossing my fingers he will not be over his head with the "over engineered" Q45.

Dropped the car off today and was told that the #4 fuel injector is bad. I'm not that familiar with fuel injector repairs and would like to get any advice on this repair. I would also not be oppossed to buying a used injector from someone on the board that is 100% functional. Or, is it better to buy new from Scottsdale Infiniti? I also believe the #4 injector is on the side impossible to access without removing the plenum. I also assume there is a very good chance the endless hoses under the plenum could crack and need replacement. This would be a good time to finally replace the knock sensors I've had laying around forever.

Well any advice and/or help would be greatly appreciated in this matter. As I begin to get the Q back to being the monster it once was, I'm sure I'll be reaching out many more times for advice. Thanks in advance guys!

[qship96]

What is your budget for short term costs to get the Q road-worthy? If it is not in the neighborhood of $3000 minimum, I would not even consider starting the project. {under-plenum hose kit/knock sensors} are about $1,000 just in parts alone,injectors $150-200 each.....and labor for all these will be another $600-900.......then there are the usual items like tires/brakes/fuel pump/suspension parts/etc $3K will go very very quickly not including any major issues that crop up like transmission,MAF and other sensors,HVAC , etc. $3000 can quickly turn to 4000-5000 not including any cosmetic items.

[superuber]

I agree, seems pointless to dump all that money into it. Unless of course you like to spend thousands of dollars. If you don't keep up on things these old Q's can really get away from you. Also if you are asking about cost you should get rid of it. Chances are you can't afford it. I can't speak for all us old guys but the old guys still around would say 10K or 15K toward the Q is not a shocker-it's an addiction.

[nuQ]

No worries boys, I have been around this site since 2003, and am well aware of what the mighty Q45 is all about. In fact, I bought my Q from a member here, promptly drove it to a trusted mechanic (Keith VanMeter) to have the chain guides replaced (they were toast, and hanging out in the oil pan...). I do have a number/repair in my head that I will not cross, but for now, she is still running very well, with only minor items that hinder the driveability. I also have a number of replacement parts in my storage.

BTW-----3K is not out of my ballpark to put into repairs right now. My only hesitation is putting it in the hands of an experienced mechanic, that has never seen a Q45 before. He does have my FSM and all my printouts for repairs,,,but we all know how that goes. I honestly know about what a first gen Q requires for monthly maintenance,,,,as I have performed it for years. I have labored over my Q, keeping every fluid and filter sacred to the cause. I'm honestly not looking for an opinion whether I should keep the car......that opinion is way to easy to gather, speaking to the "average" car owner. By there thinking, I should have dumped it years ago.... The interior is near 99% brand new, and the exterior and drivetrain is about 80%. I love everything about the car, and to drive it is to love it. But I can't convince everybody,,,nor do I care. When you hear that you should dump it and get a Ford Focus.....welll,,,,some of us know why we don't.

That being said,,,,,maybe I should have not thrown in my attempt of being comical. No one is twisting my arm to keep my Q, and no one will,,,either way. It's my labor of love that I intend to keep till the bitter end. I will not throw endless money at her, but as long as she is running well, I will continue to keep her on the road. All I was looking for was advice on fuel injectors, and what some of us thought was the best route to take in the repair.

I'm honestly not trying to sound "pissy", but I have been on this site for many years and fully know the cost, and dedication it takes to keeping a first gen Q running like new. I also know when the cost benefit level is too much for keeping the Q,,,,but that will be my decision. Thanks again for any further input!!

[nuQ]

BTW----it always shocks me that people find it appaling that someone might spend 1-2K on repairs of a used car, but have no problem spending 2-3 hundred a month on a car payment for a POS new car that they don't enjoy driving at all! Their logic is "well, I don't have to worry about repairs because it's under warrenty". Well true, but I may spend 2K in repairs, but then be problem free for 2 to 3 years (monthly maintenance aside,,,,but so do must car owners), while they are still making a monthly payment. The smart owner of an older car has a repair account in the bank anyway, for the usual repair costs.... right??!

[Q451990]

Good seeing you here again! It's a tough call... the ethanolized fuel we're seeing since 2008 in most parts of the country has really taken it's toll on the injectors. It's very likely that you have other injectors that are out of spec. and nearing failure. I would certainly consider replacing all of them. I replaced all eight of mine with aftermarket injectors after watching one after the other start the dreaded "death bounce" then heal but read high on the ohm meter. Since then I've let the car sit, and honestly can't justify the cost and effort - but if you're planning on really driving it for a while that might be an option to consider. I spent about $3K just in parts for new injectors, rails, subharness, hoses, knock sensors, etc.

Here's my replacement thread.

g50-aftermarket-injector-alternative-t347484.html

Good luck!

Heath

[nuQ]

Thanks Heath!