Ordered Knock Sensors on eBay $45/each

[Jim1999Q45]

Several posts here, back to 2003, were really helpful. I had discounted the knock sensor 0325 code-- Couldn't understand why my 99 Q ran well until the engine warmed up. One post pointed out that, when cold, the engine runs off preset inputs from the ECU. When the engine warms up, it switches to receiving sensor input and runs the engine accordingly (so the bad KS is probably retarding the ignition on acceleration). Another post said that cheap KSs were available on eBay sometimes.

I just ordered 2 new Nissan-packaged (per photo) KSs for $45 each + $5 shipping. Outfit called deutschepartsusa (because they sell a lot of BMW parts, I guess). Fits 1997-2001 Q45s, supposedly. Part No. 120388258587.

Thanks for all the helpful info! Sorry I didn't jot down the posters for "proper attribution". You guys and a link to the manual posted here have made me decide to keep this Q45 with 160k after only 3 weeks of trying to figure out the issues with it. Wife now has an '06 Lexus IS350, and everything I've learned will help me maintain and repair that one, too.

Can anyone recommend either an economical scanner or laptop program for codes AND "live data" like timing, fuel pressure, etc. I've been borrowing a friend's code reader.

Oh yeah-- Another post taught me to test the new KSs BEFORE installing them completely. Even new ones can be bad.

Thanks again! Jim

[unknown007]

The can be bad.Im so pissed I didn't check them before installing. Gotta go back down there cause I go no signal.

[maxnix]

There is a post with a decently specified OBD II scanner from Harbor Freight.
Modified by maxnix at 11:04 AM 4/4/2009

[Jim1999Q45]

Thanks. I'll check it out. There's an HF about 20 miles from me. I did some research 2 weeks ago-- some readers are priced as if they're scanners!

[Jim1999Q45]

OBD II Scanners: Harbor Freight has a reader for $43, and a scanner for $139. That's about the cheapest I've seen on either. I'll pop for the scanner this weekend while waiting for the knock sensors to get here. Might also pick up a chisel or propane fittings to get the last stuck/stripped nut off the exhaust manifold/header pipe to pull the head on my daughter's '97 Prelude. I'm a little over my head on that project-- glad I took pictures before starting. That's the last major repair for me!

[jimbyjimb]

Whats going on with the Prelude? If you get too far in there are many here who are experienced mechanics that may be able to help if needed. though not appropriate for a Q forum I'm sure you could email some people if need be. I'm sure there are also Honda forums out there.

[Jim1999Q45]

The Prelude was seriously overheated by my daughter (her car). I'm assuming at least a head gasket, with possible head warp and possible head crack (weldable or not weldable). I'll work on the exhaust manifold nut tomorrow (torch, air gun, chisel, whatever). I've dissassembled it by the manual so far, but might have some help from more qualified local folks to reinstall the head or install a rebuilt one. Only done a head job once before--and did it solo. I know that this isn't the right forum to discuss a Honda. I just mentioned it in passing because it was on my mind as something to do while waiting for the KS delivery.

Th OBD II/CAN scanner was $119 in the store. The clerk said they often carry different products at different prices than the on-line "store". (If cheaper on-line, print it out a show them to get the lower price.) Wife & I were like kids in a candy store-- we spent another $80 on misc. stuff we couldn't live without (at great prices).

[Infinitiguy19]

If your going to replace the head or rebuild it you might as well replace the whole motor or rebuild the bottom end too, I have heard that if you put a new or near new head on a old bottom end that the bottom end will soon fail.

In my opinion I would rather replace the whole engine, If you think you did that much damage.

Best to do a coolant pressure test or have a mechanic do it if your uncomfortable, to confirm the engine/head death.

Why did'nt you have it towed home?

Harbor Freight is the best place for men and women.

[Jim1999Q45]

Re the Honda Prelude, I'll take the head to a good machine shop here, and see how bad he thinks it is, and what damge I might have on the bottom end.

I first had it towed to a Honda dealer near where it broke down. After some BS from them, I got them to "unbill" of most of the money my daughter was supposed to pay them. I rented a tow dolly and borrowed a friend's Suburban to get it home to Lompoc from Oxnard-- 90 miles away.

On my Q45, I Went through 2 shops ($125 & &70), a Nissan dealer (no charge), and an Infiniti dealer ($410 for a fuel pressure regulator and ignition gizmo) before realizing that nobody knew what they were doing. If an idiot will be working on my Q, it might as well be me!

Yeah, I love Harbor Freight, too.

[paranoidjack]

Re the Honda Prelude, I'll take the head to a good machine shop here, and see how bad he thinks it is, and what damge I might have on the bottom end.

I first had it towed to a Honda dealer near where it broke down. After some BS from them, I got them to "unbill" of most of the money my daughter was supposed to pay them. I rented a tow dolly and borrowed a friend's Suburban to get it home to Lompoc from Oxnard-- 90 miles away.

On my Q45, I Went through 2 shops ($125 & &70), a Nissan dealer (no charge), and an Infiniti dealer ($410 for a fuel pressure regulator and ignition gizmo) before realizing that nobody knew what they were doing. If an idiot will be working on my Q, it might as well be me!

Yeah, I love Harbor Freight, too.

Just finished my buddy's prelude JDM h22a swap. He's got a 98 that he blew up due to lazy oil changes, and we got an h22 shipped from GA. Our first time doing it, and doing it in a driveway (mostly) in the dark with lights, with occasional rain and snow.

Miserable working conditions, but we had no other option and was a nice chance to test human limits. One time was about 18 degrees, raining ice, and we were working under a 12x12 tent with a tarp around the sides to reduce wind. Conditions I'll never work in again, but also have fond memories of and won't forget.

Swap cost about $1200 for the motor, about $150 for additional parts required in a timing belt change, and took about 30 hours including set up and clean up every day.

One word of advice - there is a great deal of swapping necessary from the old engine to the h22a block. Sensors, Oil pump (requires timing belt removal), etc...if you're not inclined to dig in really dirty, grab a junkyard USDM.

Good luck, and sorry for OT.

[Jim1999Q45]

LOL. Thanks for the info. Now I REALLY hope it's just the head!

Jim

[Ludeaem]

i just bought a scanner on ebay for 66 shipped. reads, clears codes aswell as gives some live data. search for "obd II scanner" and you'll see it. It is green. hope that helps

[jimbyjimb]

If your going to replace the head or rebuild it you might as well replace the whole motor or rebuild the bottom end too, I have heard that if you put a new or near new head on a old bottom end that the bottom end will soon fail.

In my opinion I would rather replace the whole engine, If you think you did that much damage.

Absolutely not true. Many head replacements. No need to fix something that isn't broken. Heads usually go way before any block damage occurs. You can change the head with absolutely no effect on rotating assembly longevity. Completely seperate systems. The ONLY reason anything would need to be done to the block is if it were warped or a piston smacked a valve. Never heard of interference from an overheat. As I said, heads warp before blocks do. That would need to have been one hot puppy to warp the block, and you shouldn;t even worry about that. Just throw a new head on and see how she runs.

[Jim1999Q45]

Re Prelude: Great. Thanks!

99Q45: Knock sensors arrived today-- Nissan packaging, like the photo at eBay. Will try to put the left bank one in now, to solve that 0325 code-- and hopefully poor acceleration when engine is warm. Back to Prelude tomorrow night, then other KS on Q.

[jimbyjimb]

That's a good deal. I recently ordered two G50 KS off of Rockauto for 60 each, and was surprised to find the Nissan logo and Unisia Jecs written on them. Figured they'd be second rate, but were in fact a closeout on good parts. Good finds are out there. Good luck with your Q and Prelude.

[qship96]

On the streets of Manhattan, one can purchase a watch that has a genuine looking Rolex logo for fifty bucks.....point is, dont always believe what you see,knockoffs abound in every product catagory, especially automotive parts.

[jimbyjimb]

I'm pretty sure using a trademarked logo w/o expressed permission is against the law, bigtime. And also would hope Nissan wouldn't whore their name out on non-OEM units. If that were so I doubt any of us would be buying Nissan parts. It would be very hard indeed to mass market a part falsely using manufacturer logos without being caught quickly. I suppose the Nissan OEM boxes they came in were forged as well.

[qship96]

Happens all the time.........Nissan{or any other manufacturer} would not have anything to do with someone else counterfitting their parts.

[maxnix]

Will try to put the left bank one in now, to solve that 0325 code-- and hopefully poor acceleration when engine is warm

Test to verify first!

Anyone else think knock offs might also have knock off packaging?

[paranoidjack]

Test to verify first!

Anyone else think knock offs might also have knock off packaging?

Just tested two ebay knock sensors I have lying around - at 2000k resistance, I get "560."

That right? They both measure identically.

[Jim1999Q45]

FSM says approximately 550-620 K-ohms at 77 degrees F. Sounds like yours are right on the money! Won't get to the KS install on my Q until later today or tomorrow. Wind dropped an oak tree trunk last night. Chainsaw time... (Might use it on the Q if I get frustrated enough!)