Q45... Stumbling along...

[eagent]

Hey Gurus,

My 1990 Q45 feels like it's on it's last leg... but I'm loathe to sell it cheap, and I love it when it runs well. Here's the scoop:

1) It starts and runs perfect, but you have to feather the throttle to get it to maintain driving RPM. Otherwise it feels/sounds like it's flooding the engine, and no power, as the RPM creeps down for a moment, sometimes (infrequently) climbing after a quick lull in activity.

2) It will start fine, then just quit.

3) On the freeway, you'll be zoomin' along, and all of a sudden it quits, and if you pump the gas like crazy, it recovers about 60% of the time. Otherwise you have to restart, and often it runs as in #1 above.

4) Is there a local to Newport Beach mechanic who is fair and honset on these things? I've heard mixed stories of the dealership in Costa Mesa.

5) Would an aftermarket handheld diagnostics computer give any real clues, or should I take it to the Infini dealership for their professional opinion?

Thanks much. I'm moving to Portland, Oregon in a week or so, and would rather take my Q than have to sell it here. It's a killer ride when it rides.

[911/Q45]

Limp down to Jerry Tucker in Miramar and plead your case. I'm betting he can have your ride humming before you hit the road, if you can afford to have it fixed properly.

[eagent]

Thanks 911/Q,

I've left a few emails with him, but no response (OK, ok, I can grab the phone too... we'll do that!).

Any idea on a semi-troubleshoot to ensure I can make the hour drive?

Many thanks. ME

[1qckser]

When my car did the exact same thing it was the CAS crank angle sensor, you can remove your ECU and check for the code, if you dont know the procedure someone will be able to tell you how to do it, or just do a search on q45 ecu codes or somethin along those lines, good luck, also could be a fuel pump or bad MAF connector.

[911/Q45]

Call Jerry and get there if you have to tow. You only have a week and most of it is holidays!

[eagent]

OK, alright, I did it...Next Thursday he has an opening.

In the interim, any thoughts? I've cleaned the throttle body, cleaned and put proper contact lube on all the electrical, sprayed the MAF sensor with air, replaced fuel pump and FPR... I think that's it.

Many thanks.

[911/Q45]

Other than the fuel filter, which I'm sure you already replaced, nothing jumps out at me. Be sure and tell us what Jerry finds.

[eagent]

Well, well, it's finally running like a top again.

Jerry Tucker in San Diego did a great job of repairing my Q, for a great price (MAF replacement and fix the AC display).(thanks to the posters who headed me in that direction, 911/Q45 and 1qckser).

These guys turned the car in a day, and had me on the road from Newport Beach, CA to Portland, Oregon with confidence. She purred the whole way, and they left me with a short list of additional repairs I'd want to handle at a later time. Tom & Jerry make a great team, and were actually among the most "real" mechanics I've met in years. Makes me want to pick up another early Q, just knowing that keeping it in top shape is both affordable and available.

So...

If you feel your hotrod doing the initial funky stuff in my post, then the MAF might be Evil Doer #1.

Thanks much for the input as well, gents.

Best,ME

[90Q45blue]

Thank you 911/Q45 and 1qckser,

It's guys like you that make this the best Nissan/Infiniti club there is. Keep up the good work.

Nick :thumbup

[eagent]

Absolutely (hats off also to Q45Tech... he's always steered me in the right direction for doing troubleshooting).

By the by: Jerry can be reached at http://www.jerrytucker.netI would not hesitate to give him a ring. The local dealer cost for the same work was 3x what Jerry charged, and they could not repair the display at all... it was an R2 deal (remove & Replace).

Now... to handle the sunroof and speakers (another search, or a posting on it's way). Thanks again.

[90Q45blue]

Post in the Car Audio section about the speakers. You will get faster and better feedback that way.

Nick

[natsoundup]

it seems like problems of this nature always start and end with the MAF.

[Jeff Williams]

it seems like problems of this nature always start and end with the MAF.

It does. That is why I first do a thorough cleaning ofthe thing with brake parts cleaner, every time I "play" around on the Q.

Lee, give me a call 1-800-582-6897