Newbie, some basic questions

[95j30dude]

Hi;

I am new to the forum and also just bought a 95 J30 from a friend.

It has 108K miles one it. What does it take to replace the timing belt?Is it recommended to replace around 100K?How much would it cost? in the average?

What else do I need to do to this car? I really like the care so far...

Thanks

Dan

[metaverse3]

I own a 1993 J30.. The 1994+ timing belts were made of kevlar..no replacements for every 105k miles.. You are right there, unless, already, there was a timing belt change somewhere during those miles.. I would inspect and change it.. Only nissan OEM belts are kevlar, as far as I know/recall. So, if your friend did a belt change with an independent shop who did not use a nissan/kevlar belt, you are still back @square one with belt changes.. A good shop with a couple of hours $60+/hr will get the job done. The j30 timing belt is facing you in the engine bay, so, it is not too hard to do.. Critical is the tensioner to be replaced.. Check this link: http://www.courtesyparts.com/M...KITA3 That is the recommended 60k maintenance kit..I know it says 300zx and not J30, don't worry, the 300zx NA and J30 engine are the same.. Print that out and buy the parts from the sponsors here.. As a matter of fact, I'm going to get everythinginfiniti.com to clone that kit for me since I'm coming up on a 60k overhaul. I buy nissan/infiniti parts online and still come out better shipped than my local dealer on most things..

Check your fluids..all around. Engine oil, Power steering, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant. Lot of pros and cons with transmission/engine flushing, especially in high mileage vehicles.. 80k and older. My advise, leave it alone.just change fluids..

Nissan injectors are pintleless design.. Don't mess with Octane boosters, injector cleaners.. Leave it alone..stick to fuel filters, and if you wish to go the extra mile, clean out your fuel tank of gunk/goo over age and use... I have heard 1001 arguments about bosch/jegs nissan injectors and cleaning.. Leave them alone..you will have to replace them in the lifetime of the car, at least once..save up for them.. I own 2 maximas and a J30..the maxima's have seen 2 full plenum injector jobs..the J30..lying low @50k miles..probably expect one or two, if not all in the next 20-30k miles..

Check the brakes, make sure your lights work, and drive.. sometimes, there is such a thing as overmaintenance, don't let it take the fun out of car ownership..Take her for a long drive on a stretch of highway or backroad and enjoy...
Modified by metaverse3 at 7:00 PM 9/15/2004

[driverdriver]

Seeing that you live in Cali, I would advise you to get a transmission cooler installed, the J30 transmission doesn't last long in warmer climates.

[PalmerWMD]

Seeing that you live in Cali, I would advise you to get a transmission cooler installed, the J30 transmission doesn't last long in warmer climates.

Good point.Not expensive either.

Fred..

[95j30dude]

Thanks guys.The transmission cooler, who can install it? Is it dealer item? or independent shop?Can I DIY? Where can I find the installation instruction? I just bought the car, and it has 108K miles on it. Seems to run well. I hope to drive another 100k w/o burning too much $$$...

Dan

[Jesda]

Most auto parts stores sell them -- get a big one

Any shop can install it; it typically takes no more than 60-90 minutes to install. If you do a search, you can find pictures and possibly some how-to info.

[metaverse3]

This one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...33727

This one: here

Installation is simple. I reckon you can do it yourself if you can bolt/unbolt clamps and mount things. Just don't confuse the flow line and return line of tranmission. your J30 should have a factory service manual with it..it will outline which is the flow and which is the return. Just an hour tops in your driveway, with a pan underneath so you don't soak it.. if you do, keep some kitty litter handy, or, lay it down before you start.

Abdul