I have a 96 Maxima (~125k miles) that when I start it up and it's cold outside (which is very often here in southern Minnesota) there is a knock in the engine until it warms up.
The knock appears to be coming from the rear cylinder bank, near the cam.
Any ideas where to start?
Mike
VTC
VTC only applies to 92 93 and 94 Nissan Maxima SEs that is the only time the VTCs were available. Now quit spouting ignorance and go away!
I was thinking of the 300ZX's, they had them through 96..
Cute.
The problem is a worn timing chain tensioner. This is a pretty common problem for 95-96 Maximas. The tensioner costs about $50 from the dealer. It is located behind a small removable cover on the timing case on the rear bank side. It is a bit tricky to replace because of limited access space, but it can be done without any special tools. Have a magnetic pick up tool handy in case you drop a bolt or the spring and plunger down into the timing case. It helps to stuff a rag down inside the case after removing the cover and before removing the tensioner mounting bolts. A dropped bolt will fall on the rag and is easier to retrieve. It also helps to remove the power steering reservoir and move the hoses out of the way before starting so that there is more room for your hands.
Steve
Was this part modified on the 97s, or do the 97-99 have the same tendency to wear out as the 95-96?
Dave
From what I've read in maxima.org, this seems to be a peculiar problem for the 95-96 model years.
I believe there is no harm in leaving it as is, depending on how you drive. My car is boosted and I like to take it to redline, so I felt it was a good idea to replace it.
cold outside. It stops
the engine. Thus far it
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