do I need ARX???

[sky jumper]

'99 Maxima 71k miles. see view through oil filler cap at:

http://us.f1f.yahoofs.com/bc/2527b2dc/bc/Maxima+Pics/Engine+Sludge.jpg?bfERhFDBN7SM6_ZK

 

[daemonite]

auto-rx never hurt anyone...

 

[Ken2]

You pics don't load for me.

Your '99 will likely surprise you with improved performance and mileage after the A-Rx cleaning. I'd do it in the engine, transmission, and powersteering. I'm pleasantly surprised with my results.


Ken

 

[bobo]

What kind of oil have you been running, sky jumper? I have 375 miles to go on my AutoRX clean cycle with my 95 Maxima SE. It has 62,250 mostly highway miles and has the same engine as yours. Mine is a 5-speed.

Go for the AutoRX with one application, not two.

The VQ engine has an aluminum block and is not a sludge bucket. I think I am experiencing slightly better fuel economy.

I am switching from dino to synthetic following the AutoRX process.

 

[bobo]

If you are not a member already, join Maxima Site - its a high volume website for Nissan Maxima enthusiasts.

Corrected Link Only

[ September 01, 2005, 01:34 AM: Message edited by: 59 Vetteman ]

 

[sky jumper]

quote:

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Originally posted by bobo:
What kind of oil have you been running, sky jumper? I have 375 miles to go on my AutoRX clean cycle with my 95 Maxima SE. It has 62,250 mostly highway miles and has the same engine as yours. Mine is a 5-speed.

Go for the AutoRX with one application, not two.

The VQ engine has an aluminum block and is not a sludge bucket. I think I am experiencing slightly better fuel economy.

I am switching from dino to synthetic following the AutoRX process.

---

well, I've only had the car 4k miles. I've been running ST full syn 10W30. previous owner had regular dealer dino changes. From his records, it looks he did have one OCI of about 11k miles (unless one of his receipts is missing). the rest were all 3k ot 5k miles.

don't know if you can view the pic I linked, but I think the valve train is fairly clean, but I was looking for a second opinion. I'll probably do the ARX just to be safe.

and yes, I am a regular on maxima.org. great site.

 

[Terry]

Keeping the ring packs clean at least annually with a 1500 mile Auto-RX cleaning is a good start to low wear and getting at least the design MPG for the unit.

Use oil analysis to fine tune the regimen.

Fuel costs at current levels ensure that money spend on optimizing the engine operation is an investment instead of capricious spending for gear heads !

 

[sky jumper]

quote:

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Originally posted by Terry:
Use oil analysis to fine tune the regimen.

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I do plan to order your analysis package through Blackstone when this oil gets to 5k miles -- looking forward to what you find. I'll then start an Auto-Rx cycle on fresh dino.

 

[Volvohead]

quote:

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Originally posted by Terry:
Keeping the ring packs clean at least annually with a 1500 mile Auto-RX cleaning is a good start to low wear and getting at least the design MPG for the unit.

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AGREED! Every higher mileage (70k+) car I've used it with demonstrates some improvement in MPG. On two instances, the improvement was substantial. The ringpack benefit is often overshadowed by ARX' strong de-sludging performance.

But in the present environment ($3.50+ fuels), that factor alone is compelling reason to at least try the stuff.

 

[JAYCEE]

Yes, you do.

 

[LarryL]

Valve seals might benefit, too.

 

[JHZR2]

quote:

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Originally posted by Volvohead:
But in the present environment ($3.50+ fuels), that factor alone is compelling reason to at least try the stuff.

---

Hit the nail on the head... I have multiple 150k plus cars, one quickly approaching 200k. All have been owned since new and maintained well. All get at or above epa MPG specs withgout any additives used ever.

However, we have good quality fuel here in NJ, other places with lots of alcohols in the fuel, etc. have different experiences.

We log fuel economy in all of our vehicles (8 cars in all, all but two are over 100k), since new, and in those where additives have been used (LC, FP, ARX), no MPG improvements have been noted at all. engine wear improvements have been seen, and in this age of expensive motoring, due to fuels costs, we cant forget that longevity of the vehicle itself is a MAJOR cost.

as someone said, auto-rx never hurt anything... hopefully your engine is quite clean, but just in case its not, its worth using. Terry says once a year, and his professional opinion is highly valued. Personally, Id do it once, and then determine its value in MY driving stuation, use profile, etc. I would start using LC and FP after doing the cleaning.

JMH