How hard is it to work on a Q

[elwesso]

The subject says it all. I am wanting to get it running great, by cleaning plenum/TB, doing sparkplugs, and other misc. things, but dont want to pay dealer prices. I know my way around engines, and this is more of a confidence booster. So, how hard is it to work on these babies!!!

[Q451990]

I've worked on mine quite a bit, with absolutely no mechanical training (except from my dad who was an Air Force mechanic back in the 60s). It's amazing what you can do with a floor jack, set of jack stands, a good torque wrench, and a factory service manual. I've replaced fuel injectors, ABS actuator, drive shaft, exhaust hangers, transmission mount, transmission filter, O2 sensors, water pump, fan, knock sensors, plenum hoses, brakes, valve cover gaskets, spark plug wires, etc. all in my parent's driveway. Most of the tools live in their garage so mine stays nice and neat!

The Q is very different from your average engine, so my not knowing that four hours to change spark plugs is rediculous may have been a blessing. If you've worked on engines before, you'll be fine. Just know when you're in over your head, and search on this board before you start something - you'll almost always find someone who's been there before you.

Heath

[AZhitman]

Wes - Did you read my post to you in the "Taking Q to the dealer" thread?

[DAEDALUS]

If you're used to working on simpler engines (few things are more complex) you'll enjoy it. I'll echo Heath's advice; check here first. At the very least you can find out what parts you'll need before hand so you won't have the car sitting in your garage while you're waiting for parts. Absolutely nothing wrong with paying yourself what the dealer would charge you to work on your car, even after factoring in any tools you might need to buy to get the job done.

[elwesso]

OK. I am familiar with small block chevys (last summer I cleaned the oil cooler and installed a new water pump impellar) and smaller marine engines. After reading the board for a while, i think I am going to have to invest in a service manual, regardless of wether I get an extended warrranty or not.

[shaginator]

Q's come with the service manual included. I'm not sure about the newer models, but our '94 came with it (even after buying used). Check the spare tire area; it's stored inside a case-a-la-infiniti.

I was most familiar with small-block engines like the ones in Toyota pickups, and have a technical background in a/c service. This is about on par with your level of experience, I think...

Anyway, I had fun on the DIY of the tasks you described, as it led to a better appreciation for the Q's engine design. I had to buy a bunch of tools, since I'm 400 miles away from my dad's shop, but it was still far, far less than the labor charged by the dealer, and my tool chest is much heavier now.

[natsoundup]

What special tools do you need to an under the plenum hose changing job?

[elwesso]

I looked inside the spare tire area, and it wasnt in that little black tray, would it be actually inside the spare tire?

I doubt mine has it, because mine only came with 1 key, no keyless entry remote, and no owners manuals.

[Sopdadope]

Working on a Q isn't hard, but tedious. On your average car, simple tasks such as valve cover gasket or spark plug replacement, is easy as pie. But on a Q, this can easily be an arduous, frustratin, laceration-plagued odyssey. It took me a full six hours to replace the spark plugs, ignition coils and reseal the gaskets using permatex RTV.

Not trying to discourage you, but working on this car is no walk in the park. But if you're a fairly competent DIY mechanic, you could handle it.

I got the Q when I was a highschool sophomore who thought radiators cooled motor oil. Forced to resort to DIY labor, I've done everything from replacing the fuel pump to replacing every suspension component.