New 1994 Q45 Owner, Do I dare tackle these projects?

[capncash]

Could I get a service manual from the moderator? Is this an online, full service manual?

I just purchased a 1994 Q45 for $1200. It has 190k. I really needed a second car. It will not be a daily driver but my wife and kid will be in it. It would be great if this car lasted for 2 years.

First off I am amazed at the way this thing drivers for a 13 yr old car. Still very tight and responsive and drives straight with loads of power.

My question is regarding the humming noise in rear and oil smell. I have searched posts and assume that this is fuel pump and rear valve cover leaking. Also, the A/C does not work.

I have done a few 60k/100k tune ups to cars with one being a Taurus SHO with yamaha engine (valve jobs/timing belts etc).

1. Would I be able to handle technical difficulties of these 2 jobs (valve covers and fuel pump)? What would these cost in parts? I have no experience with fuel lines, etc.

2. What would I expect to pay for A/C overhaul? (compressor is shot) Im not gonna do this job.

3. If I do these jobs should I go ahead and perform any other maintanence while im in there?

4. Do i dare change the transmission fluid?

Previous owner was meticulous about servicing the car and has all records.

Thanks for help. This looks like a great forum.

Modified by capncash at 7:57 AM 2/26/2007
Modified by capncash at 7:57 AM 2/26/2007

[Q451990]

Welcome to the club! You can download the FSM here: http://www.phatg20.net

Then google ".rar" to find the right tool to decompress the file. This will give you a lot of information and help you decide if you want to bite this off. If you have some basic mechanical skill you should be able to accomplish the valve covers and fuel pump without much trouble. From what you said about working on the SHO, you should be fine...

Heath

[Q45tech]

At 190k and 13 years:?Always expect to do more than just replace AC compressor to get system functioning. Be sure to flush out the old oil and change receiver dryer, hopefully the evaporator has not leaked from acidic oil corrosion. When compressor fails it circulates broken pieces of seals and hose inside throughout the system.http://www.ackits.com/merchant...Death

http://www.ackits.com/merchant...454-5

Never had someone buy a car and only expect 2 years as none of the work will be cost effective unless spread over 5 years.

We warn used car buyers to expect $3,000 in expense to fix the unknown problems ......................however in this case you know of some EXTRA PROBLEMS [fuel pump and AC] so add that amount.

How to fix everything has been discussed on this site!

AC repairs can run $1,000-$3,000 to replace everything

[96Qowner]

Here are some threads for background information on the A/C compressor replacement:

zerothread?id=193075

zerothread?id=188581

zerothread?id=185175

zerothread?id=184150

zerothread?id=180643

Find a good A/C shop to do it.

[StarPD]

See also other folders about buying and maintaining a Q45, especially the advice to change ALL fluids. Review the main index of folders all the way to the bottom, as some are not obvious initially. Also, be sure to check and replace any necessary hoses (NOT just radiator hoses, but all of them. That may include brake lines), belts and suspect wiring. Take some time and carefuly inspect all rubber and plastic items that relate to driveline and chassis. Age and heat dries them out and they become brittle and crack, causing an assortment of varied problems on any car.

Stick with this forum. You'll learn almost anything and everything you need to know about properly maintaining your new Q. It is an excellent car, AFAIC, the most underrated vehicle in the auto business. The guys here are among the most knowledgable and helpful of any Internet forum I have visited and/or belonged to.

Welcome, and good luck with your new baby.

[elwesso]

I mirror most of the sentiments.

Regarding the Fuel pump and valve covers. The fuel pump is easy, you wont have ANY problem doing it. Be VERY careful putting the assembly back in its realy easy to mess up the sending unit (dont ask how I know!)

The valve covers suck, its really time consuming (id plan on 4-5 hours per side), mainly because theres a million screws and a bunch of little tiny things to do, basically a bunch of really easy steps to make a big job... Replace the sparkplugs while your in there, you wont want to go back in there anytime soon!

Other than that, you've only begun to scratch the surface with Qs.

[capncash]

Ok Im going to start with the fuel pump.

I downloaded the manual but all i found was a schematic. Are there any tips or info i need to know before i start?

[elwesso]

read the links and information on Q45.org. The fuel pump job is very well documented.

[capncash]

"Other than that, you've only begun to scratch the surface with Qs."

Great. What about changing transmission fluid? 192k. It feels very smooth right now.

[Q451990]

Do you have any transmission maintenence history? Tell us about the color and smell of the fluid. If it's anywhere near red, I would go ahead and flush. If it's black and burnt - there's some debate on if the sludge can hold a transmission together...

Heath

[maxnix]

Great. What about changing transmission fluid? 192k. It feels very smooth right now.

Not unless you have a mechanical ATF fluid exchange machine like the BG or Sun ones.

http://www.bgfindashop.com

Be sure to read the many posts on on transmission "flushes."

Knowing how to do it correctly is half the problem.