Replacing IACV and timing chain on 95 Max--help

[runklje]

Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to dive into replacing my idle air control valve and timing chain on a 95 Maxima? I need to do this very soon, I'm just wondering what I'm getting myself into. Any tips would be appreciated.

[maxhopper]

The timing chain will be a pain in the butt. You can find direction in section EM of the FSM.

Replacing the IAC is easy. Just unplug the connectors, undo the 10mm bolt holding the small metal bracket, then undo the (3) 12mm bolts holing the IAC on. I think there's a write up in the FAQ/How-to sticky.

[runklje]

thank you this will be very helpful. i'm pretty handy with the tool box, but maybe best to let a pro do the timing chain since i have to do the tensioners and the whole deal?

[nafddur]

I do lots of my own maintenance on my 95 SE (currently with 208K miles), and replaced the IACV 2 years ago. Cost $186 (from the dealer) but was a piece of cake to change and fixed the code that was being triggered by the bad IACV. Cleaning might have been all that was needed however, cause the old valve was loaded with carbon inside. Oh yeah, remember to replace the IACV gasket too.

As for the timing chain, as much of my own maintenance as I do, that one would be beyond me. What makes you think you need a timing chain in the first place? I'm still on my original.

[runklje]

IACV gasket? That's the first i've heard of that. I have an IACV being shipped to me right now from Autozone....is this something that is not included with a new one?

I was thinking about the whole timing chain thing and I suppose it may be that I just need the timing adjusted instead of a new one. I can hear that there is some give in the timing chain when my car is running.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Chiltons says you cant adjust the timing on a 95

[maxhopper]

IACV gasket? That's the first i've heard of that. I have an IACV being shipped to me right now from Autozone....is this something that is not included with a new one?

If the new one doesn't come with a gasket, be sure to reuse the old one. If you don't, you'll have all sorts of weird idle surging issues.

[runklje]

if i were to attempt to merely clean the existing iacv and reinstall it, what would i want to use to clean it?

[maxhopper]

Brake cleaner, degreaser, or anything really. As long as it removes the carbon buildup you should be fine.

[nafddur]

If the new one doesn't come with a gasket, be sure to reuse the old one. If you don't, you'll have all sorts of weird idle surging issues.

Pretty sure I had to order the IACV gasket separate ($3 maybe?). And, if I remember correctly, the gasket is a crush style that really doesn't lend itself to reuse, once it had been crushed upon initial installation. If you don't have a new gasket, then reusing the old one might work. But, for the sake of a few bucks, a new one would be the way to go. Since I had to order the valve from my dealer anyways, ordering a new gasket with it was a no brainer.

[runklje]

Thank you to all for your input. I received the IACV today and the gasket was included! Hell of a deal too.....only spent $150 at autozone.com and it comes with 2yr warranty.