Say bye to my Q45a or fix it?

[stojakovic]

Just several weeks after changing my fuel pump at firestone, I got a blown head gasket. The coolant is leaking into engine and the engine gets overheated. I can only drive it at 20mph without overheat it, but it is not the way to drive safely.

It is hard for me to decide which way to go, say bye to it or fix it.

Actually I improved my active suspension after refill active fluid, although it still reacts a little slow for rough road. I am OK for this.

When I bring my car to Pep Boys, they estimate a $1000 parts and $2000 labor for me. The parts are head gaskets and bolts, which I can got from Joe no more than $150; but I am sure their labor for replacement of gasket $85 x 20.5 hours can kill my heart.

For $3000 or less, I can get a running car for daily use! Is it time to say fair well?

I am thinking if there is another way to alleviate the problem. I am not sure that flush the engine and fix the cooling leakage can do.

[qship96]

coolant entering the motor will destroy the engine internals-just replacing headgaskets to stop leaking will not cure the problem-bearings,all rotating lubricated parts take a severe beating from this---------- I vote for a good replacement motor install or a new car..............

[elwesso]

Just put a new motor in it and be done with it. If cosmetics are good then its probabyl worth keeping, otherwise itd probably be easier to use it as a parts car and find a nice one.

[Skibane]

I doubt that anyone working at the average Pep Boys would have even the slightest idea how to replace the head gaskets on a Q.

If you decide to either replace the gaskets or install a new engine, find a good mechanic to do it - preferably, someone who specializes in Infinitis - or least Nissans! It may cost a little more in labor, but doing things right the first time usually does...

As qship96 mentioned, antifreeze is deadly to engine bearings and piston rings - It doesn't take much driving to ruin them. So, regardless of what you decide, it wouldn't be a good idea to drive the vehicle until you can get it repaired.

[Q451990]

Remember that a head gasket failure on the Q45 is almost unheard of! I suspect the car would have had to massively overheat several times to cause this. Has it been confirmed that coolant is leaking into the engine? I would suspect bad under plenum hoses first...

Heath

[elwesso]

the fact that he knows how you can drive the car so it doesnt overheat [as bad] confirms this.

[stojakovic]

I had never got overheat before, but when I got it, I find the stream came out around high pressure host, opposite to alternator. Engine also gave out steaming noise.

I can remember that once I notice when a friend of mine accelerate my Q, lots of steams came out of tail pipe. Also, my coolant tank leak a lot, I used to add water each week.

I did not drive much when I noticed the thermometer read high, however even drive at 20mph, it will go to the higher end after 3 miles.

[maxnix]

I did not drive much when I noticed the thermometer read high, however even drive at 20mph, it will go to the higher end after 3 miles.

Well, regardless how it was initially damaged, it is cooked now. Better look for a JDM take out and determine why it failed the first time. VH45DE do not just blow head gaskets spontaneously.

[franknitty69]

you you can get a nice low mileage jap engine for about $1800. You can get i installed by a import only mechanic for about $900.

http://www.a1engines.com/http://www.asa ... hange.com/

don't take it to an infiniti dealer, they will only *** rape you (with no lube). find a mechanic that doesn't think he knows it all and print out the necessary sections from the fsm. he'll be needing those.

or if you have access to a hydraulic lift, do it your self (engine comes out from underneath the vehicle).

[maxnix]

you you can get a nice low mileage jap engine for about $1800. You can get i installed by a import only mechanic for about $900.

Ignoring rehabilitaion before you install means you will have more expense later.

Do read Q45tech's posts on how t inspect and rehabilitate. Budget at least $3,500 if you do it all yourself, $5,500 if you don't.

[cobybaca]

Hey Bro about your suspension check this guy out. will make your q45A ride smooth again. He refills the suspension. Well worth the investment. We went and asked just 4 parts at Dealership it was around $4000 plus labor another 5-6000 more. If i recall this guy sells the 4 recharged shocks for around 700-1000 and gives u instructions on how to install very easy he says. Oh yeah he makes them rechargeable so when the ride goes stiff u can recharge them. if you need more info or anyone who reads this email me at [email protected]

Jacob Baca

http://www.q45asuspension.com/

[Rex]

LOL, that's a NICO member texasoil. He has done a lot for a lot of active suspension Q45 owners.

[redmanfx]

Uhmm,...... where do you live and what year is your Q?