I have a 2011 G37S Coupe 6MT. Second owner, bought at around 80,000km (50k miles), currently at 116,000km (72k miles) after three years of problem free daily driving.

Last weekend my car went into limp mode. Cut power completely at 2,250rpm. Showed codes P0011, P0300, P0340. I’ve had it with an independent Nissan Master Tech for a week and $1,100 later there’s no change. Replaced timing solenoids and ran injector cleaner. He said the next step is to break everything down and probably replace timing chain for $7,500.

The tech is claiming that the previous owner probably ran the oil dry, but I have complete maintenance records (including oil changes) from the Infiniti dealership it was purchased from. Also, wouldn’t I have experienced issues in the past 3 years if the last owner had destroyed the engine?

Any recommendations on what I should do here? Maybe take it to the dealership for a second opinion and diagnostic?

 

P0300 is a random misfire. If it was the fuel system and it was cleaned, then you should be good. P0340 is cams, replaced stuff and your good. Same with P0011. As long as the car is running and no limp/SES light, i would leave it. What is it doing now?

 

There is zero change from when I brought it into the shop. Limp mode, and SES light completely unchanged. Timing is off at start, then is briefly okay, then completely off again.

Oil pressure test shows 15-18 at hot idle and 50-60 at 2000rpm.

 

Damn. At this point you got me beat, I’d start tearing into it. Unless someone has another suggestion?

 

Sounds like my mechanic wants to just replace everything:

“Here is the run down on the parts and labor for the repair. If we do this properly we will need to replace the timing chains, Guides and tensioners. The VVL sprockets and the rear engine cover. and all the necessary gaskets. The only thing I don't know yet is if we need new front covers. the cost is 7590.00 plus if the front covers are required another 1500.00 in parts. We are still trying to free them up. But are still it has not freed up.”

 

So, possibly $9090? How much for a new engine?

 

I think they’re around $12-13k, but not sure if you can still buy new VQ37.

 

You can get used VQ37VHR engines off eBay for around $1,000.00 with warranty. A 2015 is listed for $1,500. Swap in another engine and call it a day.

 

I get the impression that your mechanic either doesn't want the job and is trying to scare you away or isn't familiar with up-to-date methods of dealing with the issue...IIRC even Nissan/Infiniti doesn't change the entire rear timing cover anymore (it used to be that you could only buy new galley gaskets as part of the entire rear timing cover assembly) and just changes the galley gaskets themselves and no one changes the front cover unless they break it during the install from sloppiness those two covers alone probably account for about $3k of what you're being quoted but even then it sounds super high....

I would get a quote from an independent shop that deal with Z/G cars or Nissans in general if you don't want to just do an engine swap

 

This is an independent Nissan shop. That quote breakdown is directly from the owner, who is a Nissan Master Tech.

 

Sounds like you should get a second opinion...

 

I definitely agree with you. I’ve told this tech not to do any further work. Do you think dealership would be best? I also have a mechanic that my family uses, who is reasonable on labor costs, but probably not too familiar with Nissan / Infiniti. Not sure if he has access to Consult or not.

 

I'm not sure the dealer would be the best, but if you don't have other options then go for it....it probably won't hurt ot get an opinion from your family's independent mechanic or ask him at least..even if hes not familiar with the specific job he may be comfortable doing an engine swap and may be able to source used one for you for a good price .... If you post up where you live you might find some other members on here providing recommendations on shops local to you too...

 

Thanks Hashim (and everyone else)!

I’m located in the Greater Toronto Area.

 

You should go on the VQ North Facebook page and ask for a local recommendation.

There are tons of tiny independent shops in Scarborough, Rexdale, Brampton and Mississauga that can and probably have done at least engine swaps on these cars ...

I have no affiliation or knowledge of them with respect to bigger jobs but some of the better known shops for Z/G cars just off the top of my head:

Boost Theory in Mississauga (no experience with them)

Whitehead performance in Rexdale (I've had off the car work done here and bought parts, really nice staff, high quality but super duper busy[don't expect to get through on the phone])

Simone Performance in Newmarket (I used to have fluids changed here and had some parts put on years ago - Vic is very nice guy but I haven't been there in years)

Theres also some enthusiast techs at various dealerships ...I think theres a guy at midway Nissan in Whitby that I was referred to ....