I was given a 1996 Maxima GXE w/ the VQ30DE and 4sp AT, one of the first years for this engine. I got it at 200K, it currently has 220k. I replaced all suspension components, and now am focusing on refreshing the engine. It has very uneven fuel trims and a code for knock sensor and EGR something-or-other. Found a mouse nest in the valley which chewed apart the knock sensor wiring, and I think it needs a good EGR cleaning and refurbed injectors. While doing this work, I'm replacing valve cover gaskets. They're not leaking, but for preventative maint.-- this engine is a total (insert expletive) nightmare to work on in this car-- very 1990's-- lots of vacuum hoses, redundant sensors, terrible EGR plumbing, just things you don't find on modern cars. I don't want to take off the intake again if I can avoid it!
Figured I'd post some pics under the valve covers. My mom bought the car around 2000 with 30k on the clock. She used Big O Tires for service (Pennzoil oil I think, not exactly sure what they use) up to about 100k. It spent that time in Southern Nevada, then she moved to St. Louis, MO area and started using Valvoline Quick-Lube (white bottle till about 175k, then Maxlife after that). I've used GC 0w-30, and the last OC was with Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0w-40 (the Dodge SRT branded stuff). Engine has no major leaks, just minor seeping around the front cover / crankshaft seal area that you'd expect on a car this old. Car runs great otherwise and looks to a contender for reaching 300k+!
Let me know what you think-- photos below:
Front bank:
Rear bank:
Engine bay:
Figured I'd post some pics under the valve covers. My mom bought the car around 2000 with 30k on the clock. She used Big O Tires for service (Pennzoil oil I think, not exactly sure what they use) up to about 100k. It spent that time in Southern Nevada, then she moved to St. Louis, MO area and started using Valvoline Quick-Lube (white bottle till about 175k, then Maxlife after that). I've used GC 0w-30, and the last OC was with Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0w-40 (the Dodge SRT branded stuff). Engine has no major leaks, just minor seeping around the front cover / crankshaft seal area that you'd expect on a car this old. Car runs great otherwise and looks to a contender for reaching 300k+!
Let me know what you think-- photos below:
Front bank:
Rear bank:
Engine bay: