looking for a few comments 90 q45

[dnudelman]

I'm looking at purchasing a 90 Q45, 133K miles
1. slightly rough idle when at a top, transmission in D. Idle smoothes when put in N or P
Transmission oil is dirty, doesn't smell burnt

2. driver's power seat not working

3. Looking to see if the timing chain tensioners were replaced. Blue RTV on the Pass side of the front cover. Could not see the Drivers side. Red RTV around the water pump. Owner says PO did it at 80K. If he had a receipt, I would believe him

4. definately starts out in 2nd gear. I drove a 94 earlier today and the accelleration difference was noticiable.

any comments or suggestions appreciated. i have read many of the technical threads and buying advice threads.

[OwnerCS]

How much is the seller asking? Where are you located?

Here's what I can let you know from my experience.

1) A VH45DE can run on 7 cylinders and still seem smoother than other engines. If you notice a rough idle in D, it could be running on 7 or 6 cylinders. In my case 2 injectors failed at 115,000 miles right after I got mine. When you go under the plenum to replace the Phase 1 injectors, it gets expensive.

2) Timing chain tensioners had not been replaced. Even though the dealer removed the valve covers at 60,000 and spackled on some red RTV on top of the BLUE.

3) Transmission failed a few months and few miles after replacing injectors and hoses.

If I were buying the car I would budget $3000 for parts (with me doing the work) in the first year and another $1,500 for the 2nd year to give the car a technology refresh and take care of the maintenance items that that are due to be replaced.

If you buy the car right and you don't mind doing the work then the expense is well worth the car you will get to enjoy after you finish the project.

4) Members here can call you a 1st gear start TCU from a 94 model.

[dnudelman]

thanks for the reply
1. I live near Seattle, but will travel for the right car. This car is local.
2. I think the car could be bought for $2000 - $2400
3. I am taking it to a mechanic for inspection tomorrow. Can they check for injector failure? How?
4. I can do my own wrenching, but I'm really not excited about major projects. However, I did my own work on an Alfa 164 (italian, transverse V6) for 13 years so I am looking to spend less time on my primary car.
5. I have a source that rebuilds injectors for about $30-40 each. He can do the infiniti injectors from early q45.
6. Based on buying advice on this board, I had been looking for a 94-96, this 90 is cosmetically a 9 out of 10, dark grey with black interior. Most of the cars around here are white with tan interior. Not that interesting.
7. I expect to put about 3k miles a year on the car. I work out of the house.
8. I expect to have to do shocks and suspension bushings right off the bat, replace all fluids, maybe brakes.

Thanks
David

[OwnerCS]

I would take the VIN number to a dealer and ask if you can get the service history. The 90 models need timing chain guides replaced if the original plastic guides are still in the car.

Visit www.q45.org to get information about the differences between the 90-93 and 94-96 models.

[dnudelman]

thanks. I just got back from the Dealer. They had records all the way back to 90. No chain guides replaced!

[OwnerCS]

The car is at the Infiniti dealer. I would ask them (or tell them they should) OHm test the injectors and run a diagnostic to determine the reason for the rough idle when in Drive. A properly running Q will purr like a kitten when sitting at idle in Drive.

[dnudelman]

what a mess. We got it up on the lift. Leaking PS pump, leading Rack, leaking cam covers, leaking rear seal. Timing chain tensioners not replaced.
I don't think I can buy it cheap enough to make it worth while.

[qship96]

All normal for a 24 year old car,but expensive to correct.Even if the seller GAVE the car to you,it is probably a 5,0000 minimum project to fix all broken and worn out parts-assuming the transmission is not one of them.Things add up real quick on a old Q if you want to restore it to good working order using the correct parts- then you are still driving basically an outdated vehicle with no passenger side airbag,crappy fuel mileage,and only very modest power compared to a newer vehicle.......Unless you really,really have always wanted to own a Q, there are much better,newer,more modern and efficient choices out there.

[Brew Q]

mine idles rough

I've cleaned the MAF, tested the injectors - and unless I did something wrong, got low to mid 10's ohm readings on all 8.

[dnudelman]

All normal for a 24 year old car,but expensive to correct.Even if the seller GAVE the car to you,it is probably a 5,0000 minimum project to fix all broken and worn out parts-assuming the transmission is not one of them.Things add up real quick on a old Q if you want to restore it to good working order using the correct parts- then you are still driving basically an outdated vehicle with no passenger side airbag,crappy fuel mileage,and only very modest power compared to a newer vehicle.......Unless you really,really have always wanted to own a Q, there are much better,newer,more modern and efficient choices out there.

Of course. So why do all you guys drive one?

[OwnerCS]

Of course. So why do all you guys drive one?

We all have our reasons for keeping our pets -- but some of us have admitted to the reason in this song as written by Willie Nelson.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atcUiUrF_a0[/youtube]

[dnudelman]

Thanks for the help guys. Bought my car today. 94 Silver/grey 107K miles owned by a retired guy who kept it in the garage and hardly drove it for 13 years.

[OwnerCS]

Congratulations! I know you will enjoy it.

[BadQ45t]

Good move the 94' had lots of the issues worked out, post pics when you can. What did you pay? I was going to tell you to run do not walk away from the 90'.

[dnudelman]

I'll post some picks soon. $4K.

[Brew Q]

Excellent choice and find!

good injectors
metal guides
1st gear start TCU

[dnudelman]

pics now posted on the owners gallery. I can't figure out how to get them to display larger.