Engine Mechanical: Diagnosis Nissan Maxima A34

Precautions for Inspection, Repair and Replacement

1. Before repairing or replacing, thoroughly inspect parts. Inspect new replacement parts in the same way, and replace if necessary.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Clean oil strainer if any object is attached.

INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION

1. Start the engine and check for leaks. Refer to «CHANGING ENGINE OIL»(ref-233644-S09752316582006052600000) .
2. Inspect the engine oil level. Refer to «CHANGING ENGINE OIL»(ref-233644-S09752316582006052600000) .

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Use standard type spark plug for normal driving conditions. Refer to SPARK PLUG .

The hot type spark plug is suitable when fouling occurs with the standard type spark plug under conditions such as

1. Frequent engine starts
2. Low ambient temperatures

The cold type spark plug is suitable when engine spark knock occurs with the standard type spark plug under conditions such as

1. Extended highway driving
2. Frequent high engine revolution

Do not use a wire brush for cleaning.

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If plug tip is covered with carbon, a spark plug cleaner may be used.

Cleaner air pressure : less than 588 kPa (6 kg/cm 2 , 85 psi)

Cleaning time : less than 20 seconds

Checking and adjusting plug gap is not required between change intervals.

Gap (nominal) : 1.1 mm (0.043 in)

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Make sure there is no fuel leakage at connections as follows

1. Apply fuel pressure to fuel lines by turning ignition switch ON (with engine stopped). Then check for fuel leaks at connections.
2. Start the engine and rev it up and check for fuel leaks at connections. NOTE: Use mirrors for checking on connections out of the direct line of sight. CAUTION: Do not touch engine immediately after stopping as engine is extremely hot.

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1. Remove the engine cover using power tool. Remove side engine covers.
2. If removing RH rocker cover, disconnect the mass air flow sensor electrical connector and remove the air cleaner to electric throttle control actuator tube and air cleaner lid. Refer to «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-233643-S23956234542006052600000) .
3. If removing RH rocker cover, remove the front cowl panel. Refer to «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-233645-S31308520782006052600000) .
4. If removing RH rocker cover, remove the windshield wiper arms and motor assembly. Refer to «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF WIPER MOTOR AND LINKAGE»(ref-233646-S28715745702006052600000) .
5. If removing RH rocker cover, remove the intake manifold collector. Refer to «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-233643-S18595903042006052600000) .
6. If removing LH rocker cover, disconnect the air fuel (A/F) ratio sensor.
7. Remove the ignition coils. Refer to «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-233643-S19080929522006052600000) .
8. Position engine harness aside.
9. Disconnect PCV hose.
10. Remove dipstick.
11. Remove rocker covers bolts in the order shown.

Inspection

Check for cracks and any excessive wear at the roller links of the timing chain. Replace the timing chain as necessary.

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INSPECTION OF CAMSHAFT SPROCKET (INT) OIL GROOVE

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1. Check engine oil level. Refer to «ENGINE OIL»(ref-233656-S34400740082006052600000) .
2. Perform the following procedure so as to prevent the engine from being unintentionally started while checking. Release fuel pressure. Refer to «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-233647-S14261418062006052600000) . Disconnect ignition coil and injector harness connectors if practical.
3. Remove IVT control solenoid valve. Refer to «CAMSHAFT»(ref-233643-S23049312262006052600000) .
4. Crank engine, and then make sure that engine oil comes out from IVT control cover oil hole. End cranking after checking. WARNING: Be careful not to touch rotating parts (drive belts, idler pulley, and crankshaft pulley, etc.). CAUTION: Engine oil may squirt from IVT control solenoid valve installation hole during cranking. Use a shop cloth to prevent engine oil from splashing on worker, engine components and vehicle. Do not allow engine oil to get on rubber components such as drive belts or engine mount insulators. Immediately wipe off any splashed engine oil.
5. Clean oil groove between oil strainer and IVT control solenoid valve if engine oil does not come out from IVT control cover (No. 1) oil hole. Refer to «LUBRICATION SYSTEM»(ref-233656-S11162698042006052600000) .
6. Remove components between IVT control solenoid valve and camshaft sprocket (INT), and then check each oil groove for clogging. Clean oil groove if necessary. Refer to «LUBRICATION SYSTEM»(ref-233656-S11162698042006052600000) .
7. After inspection, installation of the remaining components is in the reverse order of removal.

1. Before starting engine, check oil/fluid levels including engine coolant and engine oil. If less than required quantity, fill to the specified level. Refer to «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-233644-S09981660282006052600000) .
2. Use procedure below to check for fuel leakage.
3. Turn ignition switch ON (with engine stopped). With fuel pressure applied to fuel piping, check for fuel leakage at connection points.
4. Start engine. With engine speed increased, check again for fuel leakage at connection points.
5. Run engine to check for unusual noise and vibration.
6. Warm up engine thoroughly to make sure there is no leakage of Fuel, exhaust gas, or any oils/fluids including engine oil and engine coolant.
7. Bleed air from passages in lines and hoses, such as in cooling system.
8. After cooling down engine, again check oil/fluid levels including engine oil and engine coolant. Refill to specified level, if necessary.
9. Summary of the inspection items: INSPECTION ITEMS SUMMARY Item Before starting engine Engine running After engine stopped Engine coolant Level Leakage Level Engine oil Level Leakage Level Other oils and fluids (1) Level Leakage Level Fuel Leakage Leakage Leakage Exhaust gas - Leakage - (1) Transmission/transaxle/CVT fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, etc.

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1. Remove the engine assembly. Refer to «ENGINE ASSEMBLY»(ref-233643-S00166700062006052600000) .
2. Install Tools to the right side of cylinder block. Tool numbers: KV10117001 (-) :KV10106500 (-) Use the spacer on the engine rear side.
3. Lift engine and mount it on Tool. Tool numbers: KV10117001 (-) : KV10106500 (-) : ST0501S000(-) A commercial engine stand can be used. CAUTION: Use an engine stand that has a load capacity of approximately 220 kg (441 lb) or more. NOTE: This example is an engine stand for holding at the transaxle mounting side with the drive plate removed.
4. Remove the knock sensor. CAUTION: Carefully handle sensor avoiding shocking it.
5. Drain the engine of all coolant and oil.
6. Remove the lower and upper oil pans. Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-233643-S42259334642006052600000) .
7. Remove the timing chain. Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-233643-S13804956682006052600000) .
8. Remove oil pump. Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-233656-S31003945832006052600000) .
9. Remove the cylinder heads. Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-233643-S08038604782006052600000) .
10. Lock crankshaft using Tool, and remove drive plate (A/T) or flywheel bolts. Loosen the bolts in diagonal order. Tool number : KV10117700 (J44716) CAUTION: Do not disassemble drive plate. Never place the drive plate with signal plate facing down. When handling signal plate, take care not to damage or scratch it. Handle signal plate in a manner that prevents it from becoming magnetized.
11. Remove pilot bushing (M/T) or pilot converter (A/T) using Tool. Tool number ST16610001 (J23907)
12. Cut away liquid gasket using Tool and remove rear oil seal retainer. Refer to «REMOVAL OF LIQUID GASKET SEALING»(ref-233643-S07717186112006052600000) . Tool number: KV10111100 (J37228) CAUTION: Be careful not to damage mounting surface. If rear oil seal retainer is removed, replace it with a new one. NOTE: Rear oil seal and retainer form a single part and are handled as an assembly.
13. Remove baffle plate from main bearing beam.
14. Remove the piston and connecting rod assemblies. Position the crankshaft pin corresponding to the connecting rod to be removed onto the bottom dead center. Remove the connecting rod cap. Using a hammer handle or similar tool, push the piston and connecting rod assembly out to the cylinder head side. Before removing the piston and connecting rod assembly, check the connecting rod side clearance. Refer to «CONNECTING ROD»(ref-233643-S25367576642006052600000) .
15. Remove the connecting rod bearings. CAUTION: When removing the connecting rod side bearings, note the installation position. Keep them in the correct order.
16. Remove the piston rings from the piston. Use a piston ring expander. Before removing the piston rings, check the piston ring side clearance. Refer to «PISTON RING SIDE CLEARANCE»(ref-233643-S08079442072006052600000) . CAUTION: When removing the piston rings, be careful not to damage the piston. Do not expand the rings excessively. Be careful to mark the rings if they are to be reused so they are installed in their original position.
17. Remove the piston from the connecting rod as follows. Using a snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring. Heat the pistons to 60° - 70°C (140° - 158°F). Push out the piston pin with a suitable tool, with an outer diameter approximately 20 mm (0.8 in).
18. Loosen the main bearing cap bolts in the order shown and remove the main bearing beam, bearing caps and crankshaft. Before loosening the main bearing cap bolts, measure the crankshaft side clearance. Refer to «OUT-OF-ROUND AND TAPER OF CRANKSHAFT»(ref-233643-S20958790252006052600000) .
19. Remove the oil jets.
20. Remove the main bearings and thrust bearings from the cylinder block and main bearing caps. CAUTION: When removing them, note their direction and position. Keep them in the correct order for installation.

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1. Blow out the coolant and oil passages and cylinder bore to remove any foreign materials. WARNING: Use goggles to protect your eyes.
2. Apply liquid gasket and install each plug into the cylinder block. Use Genuine Silicone RTV Sealant or equivalent. Refer to «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-233642-S07555866002006052600000) .
3. Install the oil jets. Insert the oil jet dowel pin into the cylinder block dowel pin hole, and tighten the oil jet bolts. Oil jet bolts: 23.6 - 30.4 N.m (2.4 - 3.1 kg-m, 18 - 22 ft-lb)
4. Install the main bearings and the thrust bearings. Remove dust, dirt, and oil on the bearing mating surfaces of the cylinder block and the main bearing cap. Install the thrust bearings to both sides of the No. 3 journal housing on the cylinder block and the main bearing cap. Install the thrust bearings with the oil groove facing the crankshaft arm (outside). Install bearing with a projection on one end on cylinder block and bearing with a projection at center on cap. Align each projection with mating notch.
5. Set the upper main bearings in their proper positions on the cylinder block. Confirm the correct main bearings are used. Refer to «PISTON-TO-CYLINDER BORE CLEARANCE»(ref-233643-S20968336152006052600000) .
6. Check specifications for the re-use of the main bearing cap bolts. Measure d1 and d2 as shown. For d2, select the minimum diameter in the measuring area. If the difference between d1 and d2 exceeds the limit, replace the bolts for assembly. Limit (d1 - d2) : 0.11 mm (0.0043 in)
7. After installing the crankshaft, lower main bearings, main bearing caps, main bearing beam, and bearing cap bolts. Make sure that the front marks on the main bearing beam faces the front of the engine. Prior to tightening all the bearing cap bolts, place the bearing beam in its proper position by shifting the crankshaft in the axial position. After tightening the bearing cap bolts, make sure the crankshaft turns smoothly. Lubricate the threads and seat surfaces of the bolts with new engine oil. Tighten the bearing cap bolts in two steps in the order shown: Bearing cap bolts Step 1: 32 - 38 N.m (3.3 - 3.9 kg - m, 24 - 28 ft-lb) Step 2: 90° - 95° degrees clockwise CAUTION: Measure the tighten angle with an angle wrench. Do not measure visually.
8. Using a dial indicator, measure the clearance between the thrust bearings and the connecting rods when the crankshaft is moved from front to rear. Standard: 0.10 - 0.25 mm (0.0039 - 0.0098 in) Limit: 0.30 mm (0.0118 in) If beyond the limit, replace the thrust bearings and measure again. If still beyond the limit, replace the crankshaft.
9. Install the rear oil seal retainer. Apply sealant to rear oil seal retainer using Tool as shown. Tool number: WS39930000 (-) Use Genuine Silicone RTV Sealant, or equivalent. Refer to «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-233642-S07555866002006052600000) . Rear oil seal retainer bolts: 8.2 - 9.3 N.m (0.83 - 0.95 kg-m, 72 - 82 in-lb) CAUTION: Rear oil seal is replaced with the rear oil seal retainer and must be replaced as an assembly.
10. Install the piston to the connecting rod. Using suitable snap ring pliers, install the snap ring into the pin-groove of the piston rear side. Insert it fully into groove to install. Install the piston to the connecting rod. Heat the piston until the piston pin can be pushed in by hand without excess force [approx. 60° - 70°C (140° to 158°F)]. From the front to the rear, insert the piston pin into the piston and through the connecting rod. Assemble so that the front mark on the piston crown and the oil holes and the cylinder No. on the connecting rod are positioned as shown. Install the snap ring into the front of the piston pin-groove. After installing, check that the connecting rod pivots smoothly on the pin.
11. Install the piston rings using a piston ring expander. Install the top ring and the second ring with the stamped surface facing upward. If the ring is not stamped it can face in either direction. CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the piston. When the piston rings are not replaced, remount the rings in their original positions. When replacing the piston rings, those without punch-marks can be mounted either side up. Position each ring with the gap as shown, referring to the piston front mark.
12. Install the connecting rod bearings to the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap. When installing the connecting rod bearings, apply engine oil to the bearing surface (crankshaft side). Do not apply oil to the back surface (connecting rod and cap side), but thoroughly clean it. When installing, align the connecting rod bearing protrusion with the notch of the connecting rod to install. Check that the oil holes on the connecting rod and on the corresponding bearing are aligned.
13. Install the piston and connecting rod assembly into the corresponding cylinder. Position the crankshaft pin corresponding to the connecting rod to be installed onto the bottom dead center. Apply engine oil sufficiently to the cylinder bore, piston, and crankshaft pin. Match the cylinder position with the cylinder No. on the connecting rod to install. Install the piston using Tool with the front mark on the piston crown facing the front of the engine. Tool number: EM03470000 (J8037) CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the crankshaft pin and cylinder wall, resulting from an interference of the connecting rod big end.
14. Install the connecting rod cap. Match the stamped cylinder number marks on the connecting rod with those on the cylinder cap for installation. Install the piston connecting rod assembly and cap so that the front mark on the cap and piston are facing the front of the engine. Lubricate the threads and seat surfaces with new engine oil.
15. Check the connecting rod cap bolts before reusing, then install in their original position in the connecting rod. The bolts should screw in smoothly by hand. Measure the outer diameter of the connecting rod cap bolt as shown. Outer diameter "d" of the connecting rod bolt Standard: 7.90 - 8.00 mm (0.3110 - 0.3150 in) Limit: 7.75 mm (0.3051 in)
16. Tighten the connecting rod nuts in two steps: Step 1: 19 - 21 N.m (1.9 - 2.1 kg-m, 14 - 15 ft-lb) Step 2: 90° - 95° degrees clockwise CAUTION: Always use either an angle wrench or protractor. Avoid tightening based on visual check alone. Apply engine oil to the threads and seats of the connecting rod bolts and nuts. After tightening the nuts, make sure that the crankshaft rotates smoothly. Check the connecting rod side clearance. If beyond the limit, replace the connecting rod and/or crankshaft. Connecting rod side clearance: Standard: 0.20 - 0.35 mm (0.0079 - 0.0138 in) Limit: 0.40 mm (0.0157 in)
17. Install the baffle plate. Baffle plate bolts: 8.14 - 9.51 N.m (0.83 - 0.97 kg-m, 72 - 84 in-lb)
18. Install the knock sensor. Knock sensor bolt: 16 - 26 N.m (1.6 - 2.7 kg-m, 12 - 20 in-lb) Make sure that there is no foreign material on the cylinder block mating surface and the back surface of the knock sensor. Install the knock sensor with the connector facing the rear of the engine. Do not tighten the knock sensor bolt while holding the connector. Make sure that the knock sensor does not interfere with other parts. CAUTION: If any impact by dropping occurs to the knock sensor, replace it with new one.
19. Install the pilot bushing (M/T) or pilot converter (A/T) using suitable tool. Outer diameter of drift Pilot bushing: Approx. 17 mm (0.67 in) Pilot converter: Approx. 33 mm (1.30 in) Install pilot bushing or pilot converter as shown.
20. Install the flywheel (M/T), if equipped. When installing flywheel to crankshaft, be sure to correctly align crankshaft side dowel pin and flywheel side dowel pin hole. Flywheel bolts: 83 - 93 N.m (8.5 - 95 kg-m, 61 - 69 ft-lb)
21. Install the drive plate (A/T), if equipped. Install the drive plate and reinforce plate in the direction shown. Align dowel pins of crankshaft rear and drive plate with pin holes of each part. Secure the crankshaft using Tool. Tool number: KV10117700 (J44716) Tighten the drive plate bolts in one or two steps. Drive plate bolts: 83 - 93 N.m (8.5 - 95 kg-m, 61 - 69 ft-lb)
22. Install the cylinder head. Refer to «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-233643-S08038604782006052600000) .
23. Install the oil pump. Refer to «INSTALLATION»(ref-233656-S31003945832006052600000)
24. Install the timing chain. Refer to «INSTALLATION»(ref-233643-S39433827032012022700000) .
25. Install the upper and lower oil pans. Refer to «INSTALLATION»(ref-233643-S03785658812006052600000) .
26. Remove the engine from the stand and install the engine assembly into the vehicle. Refer to «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-233643-S15386963742006052600000) .
27. Assembly of the remaining parts is in the reverse order of disassembly.
28. Fill the engine with the specified oil and coolant. Refer to «FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-233644-S09981660282006052600000) . CAUTION: Wait at least 30 minutes for the sealant to set-up before filling the engine with fluids and running it.