My 1995 Infiniti J30 just hit 100k miles. I feel like I have 9 year old car now. I bought it only a few months ago with about 97,000 miles on it and I have loved it ever since. I bought a cd changer, new floor mats, and I tinted the windows to 5% (it was already jet black) just to show how much I cared. All that was nice and dandy, but it comes a time when I need to start paying attention to what's inside and that time is now.
To make a long story short about 4 days ago the engine got real loud all of a sudden. It already had a really loud deep engine in comparison to other cars (not sure if this is normal for a J), but now it is so loud that people who ride with me notice and on a quite day I have to turn the stereo up to block out the engine noise. I was already informed (via these wonderful boards) that J30s were equipment with the ****tiest transmissions that Infiniti of North America had to offer so I am only hoping that this is not the problem. I really do love my car, but I am thinking I may sell it when the milage gets to about 110,000 or so just so I don't have to deal with any bs.
In the meantime however I want to keep in the excellent condition which I purchased it in. I have no service records what so ever, but I think it may be time for a transmission flush. I also heard something about a differential flush and lastly elwesso let me know that the loud engine could be due to an exhaust leak. But enough of all that, I would love to hear from some other J30 owners reguarding some good ways to take care of my whip and address the current problems. Thanks to ALL!
I shed a tear today for the first time in my adult life (J30 Help)
The transmission isn't especially sheity. The J is just a very heavy car. All Infiniti transmissions come from Japan as far as I know and your J certainly has a JDM transmission made Mitubushi or somebody (Jatco?)
Trannies don't make the noise you describe. The J has a nice engine note but what you're hearing sounds to me more like an exhaust manifold problem.
An Infiniti dealer can run your VIN to get a dealer service history.
You are due to change the timing belt. Do a search.
Trannies don't make the noise you describe. The J has a nice engine note but what you're hearing sounds to me more like an exhaust manifold problem.
An Infiniti dealer can run your VIN to get a dealer service history.
You are due to change the timing belt. Do a search.
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cweberj30t
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- Car: 1993 J30t
2003 G35
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2011 G37X
Engine is somewhat noisier in comparison to other cars. I like the fact that you can hear the engine roar when you accelerate. You would feel slippage (you hit the gas and the RPM's go up, but no acceleration) if it was a transmission problem. If it is that loud, it could be an exhaust mainfold leak (gasket). You should bring it to a mechanic or dealership you trust and have them check everything out, make a list of what needs to be done, come back here and let us know what they find. Mike is right, you are due for a timing belt, tensioner, water pump if necess, thermastat etc.
My recommendation is to take it to Jim Coleman in Bethesda or Roenthal in Alexandria and have it inspected and have them run the VIN for records. You will need the timing belt done like Mike said (105K) - recommended service with that is water pump, cam seals, and something else I can't remember now (idler pulley?). Getting the parts from Joe at Scottsdale will save alot of money.
Good luck
Good luck
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HeavyDuty
- Posts: 1281
- Joined: Tue Sep 23, 2003 4:51 pm
- Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
95 Nissan 240SX S14
96 Nissan D21
06 Nissan 350Z Z33
I couldn't attest to the J's exhaust manifold leaking, but my 97 Pathfinder had a recall on the pass side manifold. It cracked & got progressively worse over a short time.
Also, like everyone else is saying, changing the timing belt will make in run a lot smoother than it does now. If you just bought it 10k miles ago, you never knew how smooth it was when new. This is a NON-OPTIONAL maintenance item, if it breaks while the engine is running, it's *very* expensive to repair.
I couldn't believe how smooth the Pathfinder idled after I changed the belt, water pump & a couple of tensioners 12-15k miles ago.
Also, like everyone else is saying, changing the timing belt will make in run a lot smoother than it does now. If you just bought it 10k miles ago, you never knew how smooth it was when new. This is a NON-OPTIONAL maintenance item, if it breaks while the engine is running, it's *very* expensive to repair.
I couldn't believe how smooth the Pathfinder idled after I changed the belt, water pump & a couple of tensioners 12-15k miles ago.
Thanks for your help everyone. I feel like this wonderful site is about to save me a great deal of money and even more importantly heart ache. My heart still hurts every time I look at the 100,0XX on the dial, but eventually (and hopefully) this feelings will pass.
As of now I am just trying get an idea of the order of importance of these various operations. As well as the window of oppertunity I have before things get worse. I am little broke right now (and busy), but I would hope to get to it within the next month and a half.
From what people have chimed in I assume that the timing belt and the exaust manafold are the most important, but where do other things fall? Is there anything that is especially pricey or cheap that I need to be aware of? Is Jim Coleman and Roenthal my best bet or there some good chains like medike? Thanks cause I really want to baby my whip beyone the cd player or window tints. . .
As of now I am just trying get an idea of the order of importance of these various operations. As well as the window of oppertunity I have before things get worse. I am little broke right now (and busy), but I would hope to get to it within the next month and a half.
From what people have chimed in I assume that the timing belt and the exaust manafold are the most important, but where do other things fall? Is there anything that is especially pricey or cheap that I need to be aware of? Is Jim Coleman and Roenthal my best bet or there some good chains like medike? Thanks cause I really want to baby my whip beyone the cd player or window tints. . .
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Jeff Williams
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2000 Infiniti I30t
2004 Infiniti M45
71, 72, 73, 82 & 2000 Corvettes - Contact:
Definitely have it checked out, by a trusted mechanic.
Also, definitely use a shop suggested by another NICO member.
The chain stores don't have the expertise needed, to diagnose problems with Infiniti, typically.
You can do some investigating, on your own. Check the exhaust system for leaks (You will hear the leaks). You should be able to hear a cracked manifold, or rusted-out pipe, very easy. If it is the mufflers, all the sound will come from the tailpipe.
The sound could be the intake pipe, also. If it is leaking, or broken, you will hear a lot of engine noise, and you might be sucking dirt into the engine.
Tinted windows and nice stereos don't do much good, when the engine is trashed.
Keep us posted with what you find.
Also, definitely use a shop suggested by another NICO member.
The chain stores don't have the expertise needed, to diagnose problems with Infiniti, typically.
You can do some investigating, on your own. Check the exhaust system for leaks (You will hear the leaks). You should be able to hear a cracked manifold, or rusted-out pipe, very easy. If it is the mufflers, all the sound will come from the tailpipe.
The sound could be the intake pipe, also. If it is leaking, or broken, you will hear a lot of engine noise, and you might be sucking dirt into the engine.
Tinted windows and nice stereos don't do much good, when the engine is trashed.
Keep us posted with what you find.
Thanks for your help, but now I am worried because being broke and busy are definitly a problem if you are so busy that you need your car to get from a to b. The earliest I will have the money is the first and without my car I have no way to get to school and work. I am just hoping that possible driving it very lightly will be ok because under low impact driving situation (highway and casual street without big hills) the engine sounds normal and I have been make sure not to over accellerate and all that. So are we all in agreenment that I should not be driving the car? I need help. Thanks.
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carlos_knology
- Posts: 438
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I'm not sure what exactly you mean by "about 4 days ago the engine got real loud all of a sudden". It is a loud ticking sound? (valves), loud exhaust noise (manifold, exhaust?).
I agree with others in that this should have nothing to do with your transmission.
Are you sure the sound is coming from the engine bay? I'm wondering if maybe your muffler has a hole in it, fell off? Who knows. Things to check, I guess.
I had a Toyota Supra that one day started sounding like it had no muffler but everything was there. Turned out to be a bad catalytic converter. When removed, it sounded like it had a million loose marbles inside. After the CC was replaced, the horrible noise went away. I'm not saying this is your problem but I can't help but wonder if it's strictly related to the emissions system.
Carlos
I agree with others in that this should have nothing to do with your transmission.
Are you sure the sound is coming from the engine bay? I'm wondering if maybe your muffler has a hole in it, fell off? Who knows. Things to check, I guess.
I had a Toyota Supra that one day started sounding like it had no muffler but everything was there. Turned out to be a bad catalytic converter. When removed, it sounded like it had a million loose marbles inside. After the CC was replaced, the horrible noise went away. I'm not saying this is your problem but I can't help but wonder if it's strictly related to the emissions system.
Carlos
Get the engine noise thing checked out ASAP. This is priority numero uno. The timing belt program will wait for a few miles. If I remember correctly, the manifold problem could be pricey but depending on its seriousness some temporary solutions might be tried. I just depends on where the noise is coming from. To diagnos this problem, you could probably take it to any muffler shop. DO NOT have repairs done until you run them by the brethren here. We have years of collective experience with these cars and can let you know if what you are told is reliable info.
You know, on second thought, I would not recommend that you go to Rosentahal or Coleman - find the nearest Nissan dealership and have them checkit out. That is where I intend to do all my major maintenance I have coming up (i.e. ssupension, timing belt, etc) You will get much better rates on labor, and they should be competent on the engine as its from the Z. All the major work on my past J was done at aNissan dealership in FL. Im new to DC, but will find the nearest most competent Nissan dealership in the area.
As for small maintenance, such as fluid changes/flushes, brakes, etc., I have no problem going to a chain place to save a couple hundred dollars on idiot proof stuff.
As for small maintenance, such as fluid changes/flushes, brakes, etc., I have no problem going to a chain place to save a couple hundred dollars on idiot proof stuff.
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cweberj30t
- Posts: 457
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- Car: 1993 J30t
2003 G35
2007 G35X
2011 G37X
I will probably have no choice, but to take it to a muffler shop simply because the only infiniti dealers are way out in virginia somewhere and I am not sure if I can get a ride out there. As for nissan dealership I called the closest one (which was still way out) and they told me they don't work on infinitis (kinda odd, huh?) I really need to get this fixed, but I am flat broke until the first of the month. I have not been driving my car, but I have to go to work on sunday morning and the metro doesn't open until like 8:00 and I have to be to work my 6:30. Not to mention the other 10 days still left in this month till I get paid. P.S. my check will only be about 800 and 400 after rent.
Listen up! Take your car to one of those discount muffler joints. Exhaust problems are not mysterious in any way. They can easily find the problem. There might be a temporary fix available or it might be a minor problem that your J can temporarily live with. Just because you take your car in doesn't mean that the repair has to be performed there and then. If you tell them you have no dough they won't do the repair. Take the bull by the horns and find out what the problem is.
Luxury cars, even extremely reliable ones like the J, are more expensive to maintain than a Civic for instance. You have limited means currently so I would suggest that you take 10% of your check and start saving it for a rainy day fund. It's times like these when a credit card is truly useful. I live by cash but have a credit card for fall back/emergency purposes.
As for the Nissan dealer, inform them that you have a VG30DE engine which is shared by the 300ZX and the Pathfinder SUV. I have no idea why a dealership would turn down business. Still, start asking around about good "foreign car" shops in your area.
Cars cost money and you seem to have developed a very usual problem. Find out what's going on and your worries will be more managable from a psychological stand point. Fear of the unknown sucks.
Luxury cars, even extremely reliable ones like the J, are more expensive to maintain than a Civic for instance. You have limited means currently so I would suggest that you take 10% of your check and start saving it for a rainy day fund. It's times like these when a credit card is truly useful. I live by cash but have a credit card for fall back/emergency purposes.
As for the Nissan dealer, inform them that you have a VG30DE engine which is shared by the 300ZX and the Pathfinder SUV. I have no idea why a dealership would turn down business. Still, start asking around about good "foreign car" shops in your area.
Cars cost money and you seem to have developed a very usual problem. Find out what's going on and your worries will be more managable from a psychological stand point. Fear of the unknown sucks.
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diamondj30
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diamondj30
- Posts: 830
- Joined: Wed Aug 21, 2002 10:49 am
- Car: Not to low , not to high , just right .
- Location: 3rd world seattle
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my egr is tacked and sheilded with header tape and ring clamps on both ends.i gaurantee my car sound different than a stock one when i open my hood running.just one little trick to silence these beast.just thought id share that oldschool fix.bet the treads arent around anymore.its to noisy for me even if its workin proper,but thats me.i always thought the i30 did better with egr.you dont here it near as much.quite car.