Just recently acquired a 1998 Q 45 with 132K

[waculjr903]

A month ago I purchased a super clean Q45. It has new; radiator, tensioner pulleys, belts, hoses, complete new a/c compressor-condenser-limit switch-dryer, the whole system. I just put in NGK Iridium lazer cut plugs, new plug wires, WIX fuel filter, and K&N air filter. The car has spent its duration in Texas. I also cleaned the mass air flow sensor. Is there anything else anyone recommends doing at this point? The car drives excellent, no complaints in drivability dept. When I was pulling out plug wires, I noticed oil coating at the base of the plug wire on three cylinders. I ordered Nippon Reinz valve cover gaskets. I plan on doing that job this Friday.Is this year model one of many that needs the timing chain guides checked/replaced? Also, how long are the fuel pumps good for-needs to be replaced? Any info would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[Q451990]

When I was pulling out plug wires, I noticed oil coating at the base of the plug wire on three cylinders.

to NICO!

By plug wires, do you mean boots on the individual coil packs - or did you replace the coil packs?

Either way - coil packs are a big issue on your era of Q45.

Replacing the valve cover gaskets should fix the problem of oil leaking into the spark plug ports.

Other than the coil pack issue - I'd check the knock sensors... they are common failure items, and won't throw a check engine light.

Check out your car's factory service manual at www.infinitiservicemanual.com for details on how to test it.

Heath

[waculjr903]

One thing that I noticed today after fueling up with premium fuel at sam's club, that when pushing the gas pedal a fair amount not flooring it by any means, it seams to kind of hesitate for a few seconds then starts to roll on. If I hit it harder for it to downshift, it scoots pretty good. Is this part of the TCS ? Or is my fuel pump possibly having issues ? How can I tell when the fuel pump needs to be replaced ? I have read in other forums that if the fuel pump is on its way out, it could damage its computer controller . Any truth to this ? If someone could give me some good info on this, I'd appreciate it. One other question . When I do my valve cover gaskets, should I use RTV gasket sealer on them? I picked up some quick set gasket sealer to stick them to the valve covers, to hold it all in place until it all gets bolted up . What are your thoughts on this subject? It idles nice and smooth while warming up, and after the high idle kicks off at operating temperature. Lastly, yes I replaced the plug boots or wires I call them, and not the coil packs. The old plugs were all burning equally, nice and tan color with slight wear on the electrode. I put the NGK lazer cut plugs in already and fresh fuel filter .

[elwesso]

The fuel pump isn't as big of an issue on the later Q than it is on the 90-96 Q, so that wouldn't be the first thing I'd try. I'd check the codes and see if the knock sensors are bad, that sounds more like the knock sensors honestly. If you wanted to diagnose the fuel pump, you could do a fuel pressure test. Tee into the fuel line in between the fuel filter and the fuel rail, and test the pressure. You should have 34PSI at idle, and 44PSI when you turn the key ON (and the fuel pump turns on for about 5 seconds).

You don't need to use RTV on the gaskets. The gaskets aren't like old school American cars, they're a formed rubber gasket that you push into a groove on the valve cover, so everything will stay in place just fine.

[waculjr903]

Is there any possible way to replace the KS without removing intake manifold?

[waculjr903]

I tried looking at the "KS" in the field service manual, and that "EC" wouldn't open for me to see after several attempts. I thought that I heard someone getting them out with universal socket and a magnet. Then they hooked connector first to install, then carefully inserted the sensor and proceeded to tighten up the bolt with the univ. socket. I do have a full set of those, if that will work. Just trying not to make a major project of the task at hand/ less gaskets=less$! In today's economy, the more $ you can hang onto, the better off you will be.

[BadQ45t]

Also, to answer you question there is no issue with the timing chain guides, the 2nd gen never had an issue with that. The hesitation is knock sensors, also coil pack replacement and shocks/struts are going to be an issue if they are not already. There are no easily accessable aftermarket ones out there. Try hitting up memoryfab.com and order some KYB SR Specials soon, they are cheaper than OEM and will transform the handling of the car.