Hey J30 & NICO members,

What are recommendations / advice for towing a full 5x7 - 5x12 Uhaul trailer or similar with a 1993 J30T @ 172,200 miles ? Relocating from NJ to Atlanta which is over 800 miles. J30 has always been dependable and had to replace temperature control sensor a few years ago along with basic routine maintenance. Previous owner installed new automatic transmission between 1998 & 2001 when I purchased it at 120 k miles. Unsure about timing belt and will have inspected. Overall this has been the most dependable car I ever owned with a few minor problems. Have all service records from previous owner. 1990's was a great decade for better built solid cars. I got a one and hoping to do full restoration one day.

Any thoughts ?
Thanks all,
Beklear

Remember, factory recommends 7 year or 108,000 change out of timing belt ! Be sure your vehicle has had the required belt replacement.

Thanks Mike RL411. After looking through a very faded dealership service printout seems like the previous owner replaced timing belt @ 110k. I read a Nissan press release somewhere a few years ago that Nissan / Infiniti changed / upgraded the recommended timing belt change from 108k to 165k. Will try to find article and post.

Thanks

I have been meaning to start a thread on where to buy a hitch; I am only looking to mount a bicycle rack. I will have to go on memory for now, but I thought that the J30 was only rated to tow 200 pounds. Someone should double check this, but I do not have access to a service manual ATM.

Thanks Chris. I'll find my manual and look it up. Also seeking qualified / certified Infiniti mechanic to inspect timing belt and car prior to long trip. Dealerships rarely have anyone who is familiar with '93s. If anyone can recommend it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks all,
Beklear

Know your uncertainty! I did my original owner 1997 J30T 108,00 mile timing belt change at 40,000 miles and now have the option/necessity to do the 216,000 timing belt change at 56,000 miles. YES! I have a very low mileage original vehicle. Long story but bought for retirement free travel and cruising but fate said "NO" . [Long story, you do not want or deserve the details.] Wrong reason, right car ! Since it is 21 years old I think I will cave in and go for another timing belt change and insist on the "standard" belt, tensioner and water pump kit supposedly available from dealer stock.

If my local dealer does not have a technician old enough to read the tech bulletins or count before the year 2000, I will gladly point his/her semi Illiterate eyes to the correct parts of the manuals. "You really have a problem if your vehicle is older than the technician designated to service your vehicle" and you may quote me on that !

I agree. Went to a few Infiniti dealers and my J was older than all of the techs. Hard to find old school Infiniti / Nissan techs in NJ. I know 1 or 2 in Atlanta. I've never changed a timing belt kit myself but with time and a manual I'm sure I could. Just want to have car fully inspected before a long trip. If you know any techs in NY / NJ area please update me. Thanks Mike

Btw, where do you order OEM parts from?

Order OEM parts from your local dealer / distributor, pay with a credit card and b**** to NISSAN USA and your credit card bank if it isn't the correct part. If no satisfaction, contact the credit card firm and reverse the charge. THAT will get the dealer's attention !

I have been lucky enough all these years to know the local Southern California technicians who actually work on the cars. I know who has switched firms and locations by sight. When the semi literate graduate of the California school system can't read the product catalog I can spot an old hand who shows the fool what he or she should really be inputting to the parts computer.

And I an savvy enough to realize that when a later part superceeds my part number and is back ordered with no due in date, that means that the warehouse is over loaded with original part number items sitting on the shelf ready to be sent to the dealer or customer customer. Guess why I have kept my 1967 RL411 running as close to factory original as possible for the last 50 years !

Did you end up doing the tow?