It's really surprising how stupid newer VQ35 engines. I believe older VQ water pump was outside the timing cover. At least before Renault destroyed Renault reputations
Completely agree except for the wrong head removal bolt sequence and using a pry bar to remove stuck components from the block. This guys a good backyarder and I appreciate the time he's taken but he may need some finesse if he ever builds something to last.
He uses his family's clothing in many of his videos, i just watched his CVT Transmission video other day, was using many of his family's clothes. Great videos by the way.
I’ve oddly become addicted to watching engine tear down videos on RUclips and I’ve got to say your channel is my absolute favorite. I really enjoy how you explain engine design and the benefits and drawbacks of a specific approach - I learn far more information from your videos. I can’t wait to see more!
I have owned a 02 Altima SE with the VQ35 since new and it has proven to be one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. The car now has 240k on the clock and it still runs like a champ with great power available. Synthetic oil since new and regular maintenance have rewarded me with great reliability.
Synthetic oil. Keep the oil level topped off and change every 5,000 miles. Along with regular maintenance to prevent overheating and these engines will last 200,000 miles plus. I just replaced an alternator on a 2002 Maxima, with 196,000 miles on the engine.
Ditto my 02 Altima hit 195k before she was written off in an accident, now drive a g37 and she’s at similar mileage. The Altima wasn’t entirely problem free it had a slight oil leak from the o ring behind the oil filter but that was about it.
You're talking about the VQ35DE & HR, and the VQ37VHR The VR30DDTT and VR38DETT for their twin turbos And for V8 the VK56VD which is a great engine, even used in FD
I’ve had a VQ30DE, VQ35DE FWD & RWD, VQ35HR Hybrid configuration and now VQ37VHR and all have been very reliable, never burned oil but 1 leaked at 200k due to valve covers. My highest mile one lasted 300k miles (VQ30DE) with regular maintenance and my moms VQ35DE also lasted 300k miles with regular maintenance. Long love the VQ
@@abrame8750 I have a vk45de in my car too. But can you suggest how I can make that engine in my car to sound like a sport's car? I mean the exhaust system I want it sounding sporty.
@@dxta7360 Do you drive an M45 or FX45? If so Megan racing makes a pretty nice cat-back system. If you want really loud then delete the secondary cats and just straight pipe it out to a flowmaster tip.
@@speedkar99 Most Americans and Canadians got cheap oil change deals but most of them use nonsynthetic oil, and most people don't check oil level regularly. European paid close to $200 in their annual 5L oil change in most shop, although DIY may save 4x less. But they do check oil level more often since oil change interval is 1-2 years. Most Japanese cars has small oil sums and within 10k miles, all oil can be burned
give me any future updates on here , I have a 2003 g35 sedan and agree with the oil change every 2,500-3,000 . Full synthetic and the oil will get real fucking dark at the 2,000 mark . Pretty much feel like it’s the killer of this engine and the major cause for all the major VQ problems.
Can agree these v6 VQ35 engines are bulletproof, owned since high school, and still runs to this day (Yes with 1-2 repairs/YR throughout the years). Even Scotty Kilmer says these engines are bulletproof.
@@CadillacDriver ive got a 98 Cedric Gran Turismo, there are only 10 registered in new Zealand lol and only 3 like mine, i have the vq30De. old mate in my town had a cedric with a vq3odet, Cedrics and glorias and cimas are rare but nz has a few of each, Lots of jdm imports from jpn
Internal water pumps are unfortunately quite common these days. Audi, Chrysler and Ford all use them to name a few. Probably one of the most common engines in North America (the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost V6) uses an internal water pump
Fun fact about the oil galley gasket job on the secondary timing cover....when I worked for Nissan, you couldn’t buy just the gasket....you had to buy the whole timing cover. That oil leak was usually what caused most of those chain tensioners to lose their tension and resulted in the chain rattling on cold starts.
Good explanation of this engine. The biggest issue on them is the plastic guide on the tensioner. The top of the arm snaps off and allows the plastic guide to slide down off the tensioner. I had to replace the chains and guides on my Quest. The tell tale rattle on start up that goes away after warm up really gives it away. I was told the engine needs to come out but it DOES NOT. I did it myself.
Yo dawg, we heard you like timing chain covers, so we put all sorts of covers on your front timing cover and put a rear timing cover behind your front timing cover. Even Ford puts an external weep passage for their internal water pump so you don't get a milkshake.
@@MISTER__OWL Actually, pretty much all modern Hondas and Toyotas use timing chains(With The exception of Hondas J-series V6). Also, its considered SLIGHTY more acceptable to drive a water pump with a timing belt vs chain. Since you have to have the belt serviced every 80k, you can have the water pump replaced at the same time. Timing chains are supposed to be left alone, but since manufacturers do this crap, now you have to pull the timing cover, mess with the timing chains, worry about resealing the cover etc. Just to do a water pump.
I'm sorry I assumed we were talking about v6 engines. I have a Honda k24 with a timing chain. Just hit 50k. Used to have a 2012 j35 with 121k. Had the belts replaced at 90.
My first Nissan product is a Infiniti m37....the best part of the car is the VQ37VHR! That exhaust note leaving a red light makes me smile each time...best sounding V6!
@@luisamoa2500 I agree, VR6 is probably one of the best sounding engines, after V10, thanks to its unique single head design and uneven length intake and exhaust runners. I love my VQ too but VR6 is special when it comes to sound 🙂
Nope, it mows like a cow I have the vq35de and have owned an 3.0v6 Alfa Romeo Busso and that one made the best sound! And looks also a tenfold better by the way...
Recently purchased a Frontier with the VQ40, not knowing a lot about these engines I found this video very informative and well put together. Nice to listen to someone who really know their stuff👍👍
@@abrame8750 An engine is more than just its displacement or power per cylinder, the Mazda engine doesn't make as much power because it's design is focused to reduced emissions and fuel economy. That said I agree Nissn is arguably the best mass producer of 6 cylinder engines in the world.
I actually did alot of Toyota and Honda videos initially. But when it comes to teardowns Nissan cars/parts are easier to find cheap. I know them like the back of my hand now haha.
I've owned a VQ30 and now own a VQ40, 25 years difference and they still make this motor. Oil burning wasnt too common on the 35's but it definitely relied on maintenance from the owner.
The early vq35 did burn a bit of oil but it wasnt a huge issue until late in life and easily addressed with good oil and exhaust mod. Think my 02 altima only took 1/5 a liter every 2 months at around 200, 000km.
The VQ engines came out when Toyota introduced the MZ engines. I remember Nissan using the VQ30DE engines for their Maxima back in 1999 (3.0 Liter was the standard class for car and minivan V6s back then) and the VQ35DE is just an upsized version. I’m glad Toyota created the GR series to replace the MZ since the MZ couldn’t keep up with most competitors.
My 2003 Pathfinder with 245k has the oil leak from the valve covers, drips onto the exhaust manifolds and smells bad while burning off the oil. Are you saying in the video that replacing just the valve cover gaskets won't work, that you should also replace the valve covers as well?
Just a note here, the water pump weep hole is captured and sealed off from the rest of the engine by a pair of o-rings, when they leak, it goes outside the crankcase, not inside, or it would be a huge design flaw. Carry on!
Preface: Good video, always like your stuff. Gotta clear up a few misconceptions about the VQ35DE though. The oil doesn't mix with the coolant when the water pump fails, there is a little hole drilled in the side of the block just outside the pump, that's the traditional "weep hole". All DE motors have it both the RWD and transverse. Also the front galley gaskets inside the timing chain cover never had an issue leakingon the VQ35DE as you mentioned. That problem was almost exclusively on the VQ35HR motor which is a COMPLETELY different motor with basically zero interchangeable parts to the DE. Just to clarify, the HR is not just a beefed up version of the VQ35DE, it's an entire ground up rewrite of the ENTIRE platform with zero interchangeable parts, it has more in common with the newest VQ35VHR. "VQ" just means "variable cam timing, dual overhead cams, electronic port fuel injection". Hence why three generations of engines all start with VQ. The biggest issue with the valve covers is not warpage which I've literally never even heard of. The problem is the spark plug well tube seals are built into the valve cover and not individually replaceable. When they fail it typically involves getting entirely new valve covers. There is a way to drill out the existing and replace with ones that sort of fit but it's quite a pain. The buildup on the pistons is almost ALWAYS caused by the poor quality piston rings used in the DE, the cause excess blowby gas to the crankcase which increases oil vapor consumption through the PCV system, in addition to just sucking it off the walls of the cylinder, these engines do have oil squirters so there's plenty of oil to suck... Typically the lower plenum (which you had already removed from the engine, the part with the injectors is actually the intake manifold) will have a massive amount of oil in the center galley section.
Speedkar99, This is a great overview. I have had to change the valve cover once on my 2002 Maxima to resolve one of the oil issues that you have pointed out. As you pointed out I also had the oil leaking into the spark plug socket but that was resolved after the valve cover was replaced. After 16 years of ownership the car is still solid and feels like new. My car is a manual and it really is still a joy to drive.
I have a 2008 Infiniti G35x with the HR V6. Its such a snorty animal and feels faster than my ecoboost mustang. I really love the car; im out back struggling with the alternator; finally quit at 250k.
Amazing breakdown of this engine. I had a g35 aero 6mt and it literally drank oil. I had all bolt ons with a light weight fly wheel stage 1 clutch and a stillen exhaust with headers. Pushed out 300rwhp on the dyno. One day didn’t top off the oil and like you said, spun a bearing instantly.
250k Miles later a coolant pipe on the top part of the engine craacked while driving cross state and it blew the head gaskets i cried for that it was still a good strong engine.
About the waterpump. You’re wrong there,buddy. This design has separate seals on oil and coolant systems with outside drain betwin. If any system leaks,they’ll never mix together,but will drain outside tru the drain passage. Werry good design,despite it’s Nissan. On my Xterra it takes around 30 min to change the waterpump,but the engine positioned longside,on front wheel drive maybe a pain in rear end (engine positioned sideway)
@@DaytonaBlueHr Blocks are nearly identical,same concept. HR (high response) are used in Z’s and Infinity’s with rear wheel drive setup,if i’m not mistaken.
Sam S Hr and De are not almost identical. They have about 80% different parts used and none of the parts on the DE can be bolted on to an Hr. ruclips.net/video/2_oIAcN5syY/видео.html ^ watch this video and it explains it all
Sam S and no Hr’s dont have the piston ring problem that caused the Rev-up engines to consume oil. My Hr doesnt burn any oil at all between oil changes and i do drive the car pretty hard
the CVT is not the worst CVT ever made. hindered by it yes but ive seen and felt worse. owned both an auto and manual z. I think theres a reason they did it. was so that enthusiasts and normal people could enjoy it along with cost savings. There are people with supercharged auto trans running 2020 10 speed 5.0s so id say its good for what its worth as long as youre not chasing crazy power.
We've had 4 VQ40s, still have 2 at the moment, the other ones would still be with us if the vehicles that carried them hadn't each eaten a massive T-bone. One was over 400 with nothing but oil changes. 1 07 X auto, 2 14 X P4X manuals, 1 14 Frontier auto base 4wd. We lost 2 Xs to getting T-boned, walked away without a scratch and both ran and drove, too much body damage and frame tweaked. One was a dump truck towards rear passenger flying over a hill, no brake light in footage. The other was a junkie sleeping through a country stop sign into my driver side when I was going 50 on a two laner.
My 2010 Xterra has the 4.0L engine which is not as smooth as the VQ35 and once it reached 100K miles something happened, like 100 additional HP’s were released. It got super powerful all the sudden. Great engine.
Currently at 130K. Replaced sparks plugs (preventative, they were in good shape) and right hand side valve cover gasket because of dust accumulation looking dirty.
Hey, I own a 1996 infiniti i30 with a VQ30DE engine, and I would love to learn more about these engines, what are some good upgrades, etc. .... Thank you!
Dont know and have experience with too many nissans, but i did valet for 6 years and damn, certain nissans get to a point where the whole car just feels out of wack.
I have a 2006 frontier with 190k miles on it yes consumes oil like a MF but I have a 2013 VQ40 sitting in my garage ready for replacememt with 50k miles
I work on cars all day everyday, this video was great! I watched the entire thing. It was very informative and very well articulated. Thank you for taking the time to post this.
Why the Nissan VQ V6 Engine is Still Being Sought After, 20 Years Later, said nobody, literally nobody, absofuckinglynobody until this dude made this video.
Amazing video. I own a 350z which i turbocharged myself in a garage box. It was my first real experience with the engine itself and i learned so much out of it. This video helped me alot to understand visually most of the things ive worked on the past months under my car and it gave me confidence and enthusiasm for the vq which i adore. My next goal for the coming time is to reinforce and rebuild the engine in my z, which was very loyal to me for over 5 years now. These engines are just amazing in my opinion.
Because it was designed when Nissan was still Nissan and engines weren’t over engineered for maximizing fuel economy at the cost of simplicity, reliability, and long term durability (although they still do make excellent power) Cheers
The oil builds up on the top of the pistons and valves thanks to emissions. The pcv positive crankcase ventilation valve is vacuumed back to the lower plenum and on the driver side valve cover the extra pressure is ventilated into the intake tube. It also allows fresh air into the crankcase. I just installed an oil catch can and I have both banks running to a baffled set up. It's a closed system so it ventilates back to the lower plenum vacuum. It collects about an ounce of vapors, oil, blow by, etc month. I checked my plenum and it's clean as a whistle. Before when I installed my plenum spacer it wasn't too bad. But it did have oil residue throughout the plenum going down the intake manifold and into the intake valves. A made sure to run a can of seafoam through the brake booster vacuum into the plenum. Then while I did a tune up and changed the sparkplugs I squirted some sea foam down the spark plug hole onto the pistons. I moved the crank to move the pistons a bit. Squirted a little more sea foam and let it sit over night. I then cranked it up and it burned all of that carbon off the pistons and valves. It made a world of a difference and the OCC does do its job. I just got a cheap $20 one off ebay it has two inlets for both banks with a baffled filter set up. Then an outlet that you can either vent to atmosphere or run as a closed system running back to the plenum. I highly recommend doing this if you just purchased a higher mileage G35. Your engine will run so much smoother and stronger.
He’s right, stock SOHC VGs can handle up to 480whp reliably according to the Z31 guys if the motor is healthy, and apparently a tuner in Florida made 780whp on a stock bottom end.
@@usmc29er44 depends on who makes the Gasket. BMW doesn't make gaskets. OEM for all Euro cars are by shit company Elring made with union labor. Get something else
Awesome, entertaining video. Your delivery and editing are brilliant whether it's intentional or not. There's always someone's old shirt to do the cleanup with which I find hilarious. So I do want to mention one thing, as someone who owns an Xterra (VQ40DE, just a bigger-bore version of the 3.5) and has been through nearly every possible situation from harness to head gasket to "how the hell did a nut get into my combustion chamber"... You mentioned that it's "mandatory" to remove the rear timing cover when doing head work, when in fact it's not required at all. The short 10mm bolts that sit behind the timing sprockets are all that you need to remove. Some go into the cam bracket, some go directly into the head, but it's evident when one gets that far as to which ones must be pulled. That's it! Save yourself a couple of hours.
Is this similar to the 09 murano? I'm going to desamble mine because a fkn night from the top intake fell inside the holes of the valves and it fell inside the cylinder and it chipped the piston Do you know if I can buy a book step by step in desambling it
Packed with comprehensive engine information and conveyed by someone who REALLY knows these engines. The edits are excellent and there is no showmanship or extraneous commentary. This production should be the model for every video on RUclips. I look forward to watching more of speedkar99's other presentations. Well Done!
My 97 Infiniti I30 I put 300k on it (VQ30) and it still never burned oil sold to a friend 7 years ago and he still driving it at almost 370k , So i bought an 03 Infiniti I35 drove for 5 years (vq35) and sold @ 180k and it was an oil burner !! So bought an 04 Toyota solara 3.3v6 that now has 240k and never burns oil and it rides so smooth surprising torque for a small car and no speed governor 04 only 😆
I had a 2004 Infiniti G35 6MT with the VQ35DE motor. I put 169K HARD miles on that car and the only issue I ever had with it was the camshaft position sensor failed. It's an easy repair (if you can reach it) that doesn't cost much to do. Never burned a drop of oil. That was perhaps the last generation of decent Nissans.
Oh wow, awesome video! I had a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder with this engine. We bought it used as a lease return with 80,000km’s. In 2006. Just traded it in with 300,000km’s for a new Tacoma. The engine and transmission were still going strong. I did regular maintenance with oil changes every 5,000kms. IF I floored it, it would still get up and go. Burned about 1 litre of oil between oil changes. Not bad for a vehicle with that many Km’s. Also, drove it hard through the coastal mountains 8-9 times every year during the summer. Only had one real issue with it and that was the throttle body failing at 120,000kms. Cost me 1k to fix. Other than that just regular maintenance. Came with the 4spd Auto. Auto trans fluid was changed just once from the dealership at 120,000ks. No problems with it. Must have been the trans cooler it came with.
@@speedkar99 the main failure point of a pump is the bearing which leaks into the weep hole. Always with the “what ifs” to be right 😂 if anything past the bearing weeping fails like the shaft somehow snaps or shears off, you’ve got jumped time and coolant in oil would be the least of the concerns
Sought by who?? I got stuck paying out of pocket for the known defective timing chain components on two 3.5 equipped Nissan vehicles I purchased new. There are more old 2.5's on the road for this very reason. Add to that ,these engines are oil starved by the tiny oil filter and both of my 3.5's started gradually consuming more oil once past the 50k mark. I'll never own another Nissan as long as I live. Even the sheet metal is thinner.
Alot of people are using this motor for builds Nissan themselves have been using this motor time and time again Besides the timing chain and oil consumption issues these motors were generally reliable but you gotta feed it well
My apologies for the background noise in this video. I live ~1km from the runway of Canada's largest airport.
It's really surprising how stupid newer VQ35 engines. I believe older VQ water pump was outside the timing cover. At least before Renault destroyed Renault reputations
How I wish to visit you someday
@@rondhole 1995-1999 VQ on the Maxima was inside the timing cover. Not sure about the VG series.
Pearson airport? Fellow Torontonian?
Yeah !
This man literally took the whole engine apart in a day for our entertainment. You sir, have earned my sub and like!
That's how I am. It's one thing to talk about it, but when you see it, awesome!
@@speedkar99 for real , can you make one putting it together
Looks to me he took only a half hour or so to completely disassemble this engine
Agreed this has helped me out sooo much
And he Promotes Dental Hygene..You da man!
I’m an Infiniti tech.
I can confirm the only time I’ve seen a VQ fail was from lack of maintenance.
They are insanely strong engines.
Yep they are strong but when they burn oil and people run them low, they blow
Do the new maximas also have a VQ V6 ?
@@kjk4795 yes they do
@@spideym35i nice, is it the VQ35DE ?
Sure is!!
No music, graphics or any other unnecessary BS. Extremely informative and well done! You should give lessons on how it's done. Bravo!
Completely agree except for the wrong head removal bolt sequence and using a pry bar to remove stuck components from the block. This guys a good backyarder and I appreciate the time he's taken but he may need some finesse if he ever builds something to last.
@@mechtechau I think he’s just doing it like that for the sake of time and because these are trashed motors for the most part.
i couldn't agree more.
@@bradleyewoodworth agreed.
Agreed. No fluff or BS just straightforward information.
It’s not leaking oil it part of the design feature to help prevent the undercarriage from rusting 🤣
Well if it helps sure...these do have an aluminum block so there isn't much to protect
Lol.
@@speedkar99 he’s joking lol
This is part of the reason why the Front subframe on old Minis last a lot better than the rear ones do.
Good one! 🤣🤣🤣
I like the various amounts of your family’s items are used in this video
I like being resourceful
Reduce,reuse recycle.
I like using my family's old clothes as rags as well,that and wore out bath towels.
@@speedkar99 That Nike shirt looked wearable.😒😒😒😒
He uses his family's clothing in many of his videos, i just watched his CVT Transmission video other day, was using many of his family's clothes. Great videos by the way.
I can't believe no one commented on how important the tooth brush's job was in this video lol
The teach-brush
Its his brother's one
@@a.a7648 ,this one is the wife’s.
@@esphilee Maybe they're the same! lol
@@hydrocarbon82 , color is different. Not the same brush.
Everyone in your family is wondering where their clothes are😂😂😂
I’ve oddly become addicted to watching engine tear down videos on RUclips and I’ve got to say your channel is my absolute favorite. I really enjoy how you explain engine design and the benefits and drawbacks of a specific approach - I learn far more information from your videos. I can’t wait to see more!
Glad you enjoy them. I got a Toyota V6 engine coming next
"Use my wife's toothbrush," mine's more important
I have owned a 02 Altima SE with the VQ35 since new and it has proven to be one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned.
The car now has 240k on the clock and it still runs like a champ with great power available.
Synthetic oil since new and regular maintenance have rewarded me with great reliability.
Synthetic oil. Keep the oil level topped off and change every 5,000 miles. Along with regular maintenance to prevent overheating and these engines will last 200,000 miles plus. I just replaced an alternator on a 2002 Maxima, with 196,000 miles on the engine.
@@davekvisler7409ain tha bitchh to replace the alternator, the AC compressor is on the way , very little room and lots of sweat, at least for me
Ditto my 02 Altima hit 195k before she was written off in an accident, now drive a g37 and she’s at similar mileage.
The Altima wasn’t entirely problem free it had a slight oil leak from the o ring behind the oil filter but that was about it.
I just changed water pump on my step sons Altima. That shit sucks
Now I know specifically where my Z is leaking, thanks 😅
Nissan V6s are Legendary. Everything from Maximas, Muranos, & Infiniti CUVs, to Zs, GT-Rs, & Infiniti Sedans/Coupes all use them. ^_^
My Frontier VQ40 hauls Axx and sound sweet, even with stock exhaust. Unfortunately, the truck weighs 4.5k lbs.
@@1PITIFULDUDE to be expected, it has a body on frame design
Dont forget the altima 😉
Many Renaults also had them in Europe.
You're talking about the VQ35DE & HR, and the VQ37VHR
The VR30DDTT and VR38DETT for their twin turbos
And for V8 the VK56VD which is a great engine, even used in FD
I got the vq40 variant. 300k still running strong.
Nice.
Vq37vhr is my favorite I got a brand new one dropped in my q40
vq40 in my frontier! i thought it was the same as the vq35 but bored out to 4.0 L?
@@anuar.m.y those things sound amazing
@@anuar.m.y basically yes.
I’ve had a VQ30DE, VQ35DE FWD & RWD, VQ35HR Hybrid configuration and now VQ37VHR and all have been very reliable, never burned oil but 1 leaked at 200k due to valve covers. My highest mile one lasted 300k miles (VQ30DE) with regular maintenance and my moms VQ35DE also lasted 300k miles with regular maintenance. Long love the VQ
I agree the vq30 with 245k miles in my 2000 maxima is the best. Valves covers are bad still running tho
yep have a vhr myself in my 370z i’m building it
What did you do about the valve cover leak? I fixed it once but its leaking again...
@nofacewhiteshoes9209 I hd the valve covers replace and mine never leaked again sorry bro
Good sir! If I were to take a class about auto engines and others, you’d be the first on my list as a professional instructor.
I love my VQ37VHR in my '12 G37 Sedan ❤ such a reliable engine
@@abrame8750 I have a vk45de in my car too.
But can you suggest how I can make that engine in my car to sound like a sport's car? I mean the exhaust system I want it sounding sporty.
@@dxta7360 Do you drive an M45 or FX45? If so Megan racing makes a pretty nice cat-back system. If you want really loud then delete the secondary cats and just straight pipe it out to a flowmaster tip.
@@dxta7360 You might check out some sound clips from cat back systems with an H pipe crossover.
Great video I’ve owned Nissan’s all my life with this motor and alway wanted to see a break down of it. Thanks.
The semi-subliminal message from this video: use quality oil and check often.
Yes. That's my conclusion at the end of this video
@@speedkar99 Most Americans and Canadians got cheap oil change deals but most of them use nonsynthetic oil, and most people don't check oil level regularly. European paid close to $200 in their annual 5L oil change in most shop, although DIY may save 4x less. But they do check oil level more often since oil change interval is 1-2 years. Most Japanese cars has small oil sums and within 10k miles, all oil can be burned
Check mine at least once a week, same with coolant. It’s the easiest most productive maintenance you can do.
Sam S yes sirr! Oil change every 3,000 miles. If I run my G hard, every 2,500! Just hit 167,000, and drives like a dream!
give me any future updates on here , I have a 2003 g35 sedan and agree with the oil change every 2,500-3,000 . Full synthetic and the oil will get real fucking dark at the 2,000 mark . Pretty much feel like it’s the killer of this engine and the major cause for all the major VQ problems.
Can agree these v6 VQ35 engines are bulletproof, owned since high school, and still runs to this day (Yes with 1-2 repairs/YR throughout the years). Even Scotty Kilmer says these engines are bulletproof.
VQ30DE all day ❤🌿🤘
Yeap. I have a '98 Cedric Brougham with that engine, and only 38,000km on her. It's a beautiful thing.
@@CadillacDriver ive got a 98 Cedric Gran Turismo, there are only 10 registered in new Zealand lol and only 3 like mine, i have the vq30De. old mate in my town had a cedric with a vq3odet, Cedrics and glorias and cimas are rare but nz has a few of each, Lots of jdm imports from jpn
@@shanefraser7764 I'm a Kiwi also bro.
When removing pulleys" scotty killmer esc grunts"
Ehhh
I noticed the same XD
I am running this channel in the midst of many difficulties. Thank you so much for helping me and sending me forward, comrades🙏🙏
It's wild to me that they have the water pump INSIDE the engine. Amazing how many different ways there are to design a combustion engine.
Internal water pumps are unfortunately quite common these days. Audi, Chrysler and Ford all use them to name a few. Probably one of the most common engines in North America (the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost V6) uses an internal water pump
Legendary engine attached to a worthless transmissions other than the GT-R and 350Z
The GTR trans was garbage until more recent iterations.
@@greebuh You are correct and I am aware that early GTR gear boxes had problems.
there's v36 skyline too...
Forgot to mention the Nissan Frontier
Do you know if the vq37 or vq35 are still in production? All these newer cars come with 3.0tt
Fun fact about the oil galley gasket job on the secondary timing cover....when I worked for Nissan, you couldn’t buy just the gasket....you had to buy the whole timing cover. That oil leak was usually what caused most of those chain tensioners to lose their tension and resulted in the chain rattling on cold starts.
Good to know
They also don’t sell bushings for subframes they want you to replace the assembly (at least on VQ RWD chassis).
Good explanation of this engine. The biggest issue on them is the plastic guide on the tensioner. The top of the arm snaps off and allows the plastic guide to slide down off the tensioner. I had to replace the chains and guides on my Quest. The tell tale rattle on start up that goes away after warm up really gives it away. I was told the engine needs to come out but it DOES NOT. I did it myself.
I have a 2003 Infinity g35 with I think that motor. It rips and has 256,000 miles and still rips. Some say they are becoming collecter cars.
A lot of effort, really impressive, keep up the good work
Thanks
Simple develope a great engine and just keep improving it. Listen up Ford shop replacing great engines with crap ones
Water pump inside of the engine?? I'm out of here lol
Those water pumps never goes wrong
Yo dawg, we heard you like timing chain covers, so we put all sorts of covers on your front timing cover and put a rear timing cover behind your front timing cover. Even Ford puts an external weep passage for their internal water pump so you don't get a milkshake.
Is the VQ the perfect the V6 engine? Almost..... ALMOST!! Why not? Because they drive the fricken water pump with the timing chain 🤦♂️
At least it has a chain. Honda and Toyota use belts.... And they are interference.
@@MISTER__OWL Actually, pretty much all modern Hondas and Toyotas use timing chains(With The exception of Hondas J-series V6).
Also, its considered SLIGHTY more acceptable to drive a water pump with a timing belt vs chain. Since you have to have the belt serviced every 80k, you can have the water pump replaced at the same time.
Timing chains are supposed to be left alone, but since manufacturers do this crap, now you have to pull the timing cover, mess with the timing chains, worry about resealing the cover etc. Just to do a water pump.
At least the water pumps weren't a huge failure point on these
I'm sorry I assumed we were talking about v6 engines. I have a Honda k24 with a timing chain. Just hit 50k. Used to have a 2012 j35 with 121k. Had the belts replaced at 90.
@@chrishernandez2490 I was pretty sure Toyotas v6 also uses a belt.
My first Nissan product is a Infiniti m37....the best part of the car is the VQ37VHR! That exhaust note leaving a red light makes me smile each time...best sounding V6!
If you like that then you'll love the VR6 sound. Sounds like a baby GTR
Awesome VQ exhaust notes...I should have mentioned that in my video
@@luisamoa2500 I agree, VR6 is probably one of the best sounding engines, after V10, thanks to its unique single head design and uneven length intake and exhaust runners. I love my VQ too but VR6 is special when it comes to sound 🙂
Nope, it mows like a cow I have the vq35de and have owned an 3.0v6 Alfa Romeo Busso and that one made the best sound! And looks also a tenfold better by the way...
легендарный двигатель) у меня такой же, но мне кажется конструктивно более надежный это vq30de
Recently purchased a Frontier with the VQ40, not knowing a lot about these engines I found this video very informative and well put together. Nice to listen to someone who really know their stuff👍👍
Thanks! I'm glad you appreciate my work and video style.
I took care of my vq and it still shit the bed at 100k
Wow, i really appreciate you videos. LOVE it and i learn SSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoo much. Keep goinggg
Thanks. Keep learning
Good content they 99% burn oil because of bad pvc valves changed it and stopped burning !!!!!!
Today: AVAILABLE
TOMORROW: OUT OF STOCK
That sums up 2020
The VQ is older than 20 years. The platform has been in production since 1995. It's ANCIENT.
Yeah the VQ has been around for a while but the VQ35 variant has been around since 2001
@@abrame8750 An engine is more than just its displacement or power per cylinder, the Mazda engine doesn't make as much power because it's design is focused to reduced emissions and fuel economy.
That said I agree Nissn is arguably the best mass producer of 6 cylinder engines in the world.
Vq40 240k odometer strong 11/16/20
Nice
BRO i love this channel you really tend to stick to VQs and all nissan parts, dig it not many channels do that and its funny as well !
I actually did alot of Toyota and Honda videos initially. But when it comes to teardowns Nissan cars/parts are easier to find cheap. I know them like the back of my hand now haha.
I've owned a VQ30 and now own a VQ40, 25 years difference and they still make this motor.
Oil burning wasnt too common on the 35's but it definitely relied on maintenance from the owner.
Yep they need to be well fed
The early vq35 did burn a bit of oil but it wasnt a huge issue until late in life and easily addressed with good oil and exhaust mod.
Think my 02 altima only took 1/5 a liter every 2 months at around 200, 000km.
Oil throws from psv to the intake,oil can can help
I have a 2002 Maxiama with this VQ engine with 135000 miles and still runs like a top. Am I just lucky or are these engines that good.
The motors are great. The transmissions Nissan chose though 🙄
Toyota's 2GR-FE V6 is their version of the VQ35. Been in production for a very long time and still a strong, efficient motor.
anyone ask? no? didn't think so
@@kkkkkkkkkkaaaaaaable Okay boomer
Yep it's a good engine but the VQ has been around even longer!
The VQ engines came out when Toyota introduced the MZ engines. I remember Nissan using the VQ30DE engines for their Maxima back in 1999 (3.0 Liter was the standard class for car and minivan V6s back then) and the VQ35DE is just an upsized version.
I’m glad Toyota created the GR series to replace the MZ since the MZ couldn’t keep up with most competitors.
The 2GR is very similar to the VQ35 I work at Toyota and the amount of similarity is insane
My 2003 Pathfinder with 245k has the oil leak from the valve covers, drips onto the exhaust manifolds and smells bad while burning off the oil. Are you saying in the video that replacing just the valve cover gaskets won't work, that you should also replace the valve covers as well?
Some valve covers had a flaw, not sure about the Pathfinder
Great video. Very informative and funny. Keep it up, you deserve it
Thanks
Just a note here, the water pump weep hole is captured and sealed off from the rest of the engine by a pair of o-rings, when they leak, it goes outside the crankcase, not inside, or it would be a huge design flaw. Carry on!
Preface: Good video, always like your stuff. Gotta clear up a few misconceptions about the VQ35DE though.
The oil doesn't mix with the coolant when the water pump fails, there is a little hole drilled in the side of the block just outside the pump, that's the traditional "weep hole". All DE motors have it both the RWD and transverse.
Also the front galley gaskets inside the timing chain cover never had an issue leakingon the VQ35DE as you mentioned. That problem was almost exclusively on the VQ35HR motor which is a COMPLETELY different motor with basically zero interchangeable parts to the DE. Just to clarify, the HR is not just a beefed up version of the VQ35DE, it's an entire ground up rewrite of the ENTIRE platform with zero interchangeable parts, it has more in common with the newest VQ35VHR. "VQ" just means "variable cam timing, dual overhead cams, electronic port fuel injection". Hence why three generations of engines all start with VQ.
The biggest issue with the valve covers is not warpage which I've literally never even heard of. The problem is the spark plug well tube seals are built into the valve cover and not individually replaceable. When they fail it typically involves getting entirely new valve covers. There is a way to drill out the existing and replace with ones that sort of fit but it's quite a pain.
The buildup on the pistons is almost ALWAYS caused by the poor quality piston rings used in the DE, the cause excess blowby gas to the crankcase which increases oil vapor consumption through the PCV system, in addition to just sucking it off the walls of the cylinder, these engines do have oil squirters so there's plenty of oil to suck... Typically the lower plenum (which you had already removed from the engine, the part with the injectors is actually the intake manifold) will have a massive amount of oil in the center galley section.
When the water pump fails the coolant does get into the oil pan. It did on my 02 Maxima se. No fun replacing water pump.
Putting an amazing engine with a shitty transmission
Speedkar99,
This is a great overview. I have had to change the valve cover once on my 2002 Maxima to resolve one of the oil issues that you have pointed out. As you pointed out I also had the oil leaking into the spark plug socket but that was resolved after the valve cover was replaced. After 16 years of ownership the car is still solid and feels like new. My car is a manual and it really is still a joy to drive.
I have a 2008 Infiniti G35x with the HR V6. Its such a snorty animal and feels faster than my ecoboost mustang. I really love the car; im out back struggling with the alternator; finally quit at 250k.
Amazing breakdown of this engine. I had a g35 aero 6mt and it literally drank oil. I had all bolt ons with a light weight fly wheel stage 1 clutch and a stillen exhaust with headers. Pushed out 300rwhp on the dyno. One day didn’t top off the oil and like you said, spun a bearing instantly.
Ouch!!
I have a revup that drinks a quart of oil with every fill-up, I'm at 410k km and still going.
Symmetrical V6 timing chain setups always look so cool
250k Miles later a coolant pipe on the top part of the engine craacked while driving cross state and it blew the head gaskets i cried for that it was still a good strong engine.
Small thing but the high rev VQ37 wasn’t called the VQ37HR it was the VQ37VHR
Ah ok
When you make a great enigine, there is much to improve over the years. The Mitsubishi Sirius 4Gxx series lasted 37 years.
About the waterpump. You’re wrong there,buddy. This design has separate seals on oil and coolant systems with outside drain betwin. If any system leaks,they’ll never mix together,but will drain outside tru the drain passage. Werry good design,despite it’s Nissan. On my Xterra it takes around 30 min to change the waterpump,but the engine positioned longside,on front wheel drive maybe a pain in rear end (engine positioned sideway)
Is this true for both the VQ35HR and the VQ35DE??
@@DaytonaBlueHr Blocks are nearly identical,same concept. HR (high response) are used in Z’s and Infinity’s with rear wheel drive setup,if i’m not mistaken.
@@volodymyrbuchak1852 high rev
Sam S Hr and De are not almost identical. They have about 80% different parts used and none of the parts on the DE can be bolted on to an Hr.
ruclips.net/video/2_oIAcN5syY/видео.html
^ watch this video and it explains it all
Sam S and no Hr’s dont have the piston ring problem that caused the Rev-up engines to consume oil. My Hr doesnt burn any oil at all between oil changes and i do drive the car pretty hard
Great engine gets hold back by that CVT... not just any CVT, Nissan’s CVT
No thank you. I rather walk
Video coming soon on the CVT that was attached to this motor!
the CVT is not the worst CVT ever made. hindered by it yes but ive seen and felt worse.
owned both an auto and manual z. I think theres a reason they did it.
was so that enthusiasts and normal people could enjoy it along with cost savings.
There are people with supercharged auto trans running 2020 10 speed 5.0s
so id say its good for what its worth as long as youre not chasing crazy power.
Jatco*
As a 7th gen maxima owner, sadly.. I know 😒
We've had 4 VQ40s, still have 2 at the moment, the other ones would still be with us if the vehicles that carried them hadn't each eaten a massive T-bone. One was over 400 with nothing but oil changes. 1 07 X auto, 2 14 X P4X manuals, 1 14 Frontier auto base 4wd. We lost 2 Xs to getting T-boned, walked away without a scratch and both ran and drove, too much body damage and frame tweaked. One was a dump truck towards rear passenger flying over a hill, no brake light in footage. The other was a junkie sleeping through a country stop sign into my driver side when I was going 50 on a two laner.
My 2010 Xterra has the 4.0L engine which is not as smooth as the VQ35 and once it reached 100K miles something happened, like 100 additional HP’s were released. It got super powerful all the sudden. Great engine.
Lol. Just broken in
speedkar99 is this real or you being sarcastic ? Mine has 100 k and it is a vq. Lol
Currently at 130K. Replaced sparks plugs (preventative, they were in good shape) and right hand side valve cover gasket because of dust accumulation looking dirty.
I have a 2015 exterra. With a 4.0 engine. 50,000 miles runs like new. But terrible gas mileage
Nice. I just need to watch the video backwards and I'll be able to rebuild the motor.
Exactly. With a little more care than me though...haha
Hey, I own a 1996 infiniti i30 with a VQ30DE engine, and I would love to learn more about these engines, what are some good upgrades, etc. ....
Thank you!
Love my g wanted one when i was 16 saved up found one for 3800 its auto rather have a manual but couldn't pass up the deal!
Nissans are fun cars the engines make good power. And then it breaks. the end.
And then the CVT breaks haha
Agreed.. after 2 engine replacement in less than 2 years, i give up on vq.. it hates extra heat
@@jijisuka2708 Even stock b4 oil cooler, my Z ran HOT :(
Dont know and have experience with too many nissans, but i did valet for 6 years and damn, certain nissans get to a point where the whole car just feels out of wack.
@@digimon916 I owned 3 and when they are new they are fine. But they don't last at all. Chrysler and Hyundai quality.
I have a 2006 frontier with 190k miles on it yes consumes oil like a MF but I have a 2013 VQ40 sitting in my garage ready for replacememt with 50k miles
I work on cars all day everyday, this video was great! I watched the entire thing. It was very informative and very well articulated. Thank you for taking the time to post this.
You are welcome
Why the Nissan VQ V6 Engine is Still Being Sought After, 20 Years Later, said nobody, literally nobody, absofuckinglynobody until this dude made this video.
Curious, you gonna do any videos on the Chevy LS' and LTs motors?
If I can get one !
Because people love changing timing chain guides and cam and crank sensors?
Yeah! Lol
Amazing video. I own a 350z which i turbocharged myself in a garage box. It was my first real experience with the engine itself and i learned so much out of it. This video helped me alot to understand visually most of the things ive worked on the past months under my car and it gave me confidence and enthusiasm for the vq which i adore. My next goal for the coming time is to reinforce and rebuild the engine in my z, which was very loyal to me for over 5 years now. These engines are just amazing in my opinion.
Because it was designed when Nissan was still Nissan and engines weren’t over engineered for maximizing fuel economy at the cost of simplicity, reliability, and long term durability (although they still do make excellent power)
Cheers
The oil builds up on the top of the pistons and valves thanks to emissions. The pcv positive crankcase ventilation valve is vacuumed back to the lower plenum and on the driver side valve cover the extra pressure is ventilated into the intake tube. It also allows fresh air into the crankcase. I just installed an oil catch can and I have both banks running to a baffled set up. It's a closed system so it ventilates back to the lower plenum vacuum. It collects about an ounce of vapors, oil, blow by, etc month. I checked my plenum and it's clean as a whistle. Before when I installed my plenum spacer it wasn't too bad. But it did have oil residue throughout the plenum going down the intake manifold and into the intake valves. A made sure to run a can of seafoam through the brake booster vacuum into the plenum. Then while I did a tune up and changed the sparkplugs I squirted some sea foam down the spark plug hole onto the pistons. I moved the crank to move the pistons a bit. Squirted a little more sea foam and let it sit over night. I then cranked it up and it burned all of that carbon off the pistons and valves. It made a world of a difference and the OCC does do its job. I just got a cheap $20 one off ebay it has two inlets for both banks with a baffled filter set up. Then an outlet that you can either vent to atmosphere or run as a closed system running back to the plenum. I highly recommend doing this if you just purchased a higher mileage G35. Your engine will run so much smoother and stronger.
You'll see carbon build up on my next video worse than this...BMW!
I'm a honda guy, but this video was great. Great step by step
See my Honda K and J series videos
The Nissan VG30 engine had an even more robust bottom end with a full girdle crank.
He’s right, stock SOHC VGs can handle up to 480whp reliably according to the Z31 guys if the motor is healthy, and apparently a tuner in Florida made 780whp on a stock bottom end.
I have rattling sound on cold start for 1 to 2 seconds. Should I change the timing chains and tensioners and water pump?
Subarus don't blow head gasket, they leak because the BLOCK warps due to open deck weak design. No amount of head gasket will fix that.
It's a combination of that and the gasket design (and lack of maintenance)
Does the newer ones still leak?
@@usmc29er44 depends on who makes the Gasket. BMW doesn't make gaskets. OEM for all Euro cars are by shit company Elring made with union labor. Get something else
More popular? DE? As someone who owns a DE that’s not true at all. The HR is the best and most sought after VQ by far.
Thank you for the effort you put in these videos, keep up with this great work
Thanks. It sure does take alot to put these together but it's all for the learning
Awesome, entertaining video. Your delivery and editing are brilliant whether it's intentional or not. There's always someone's old shirt to do the cleanup with which I find hilarious.
So I do want to mention one thing, as someone who owns an Xterra (VQ40DE, just a bigger-bore version of the 3.5) and has been through nearly every possible situation from harness to head gasket to "how the hell did a nut get into my combustion chamber"... You mentioned that it's "mandatory" to remove the rear timing cover when doing head work, when in fact it's not required at all. The short 10mm bolts that sit behind the timing sprockets are all that you need to remove. Some go into the cam bracket, some go directly into the head, but it's evident when one gets that far as to which ones must be pulled. That's it! Save yourself a couple of hours.
Been driving VQ vehicles
for years..I love not having to change my oil 😉 (VQ owners get it)
That bad? I have an 07 Sedan that comes with the HR motor, no oil burn/ leakage at all.
Is this similar to the 09 murano?
I'm going to desamble mine because a fkn night from the top intake fell inside the holes of the valves and it fell inside the cylinder and it chipped the piston
Do you know if I can buy a book step by step in desambling it
my '02 Maxima has the 3.5 V6 - Love It !
Good car
Would be nice to see Subaru's EZ30D(ideally mk ii from 2004-2009)
Packed with comprehensive engine information and conveyed by someone who REALLY knows these engines. The edits are excellent and there is no showmanship or extraneous commentary. This production should be the model for every video on RUclips. I look forward to watching more of speedkar99's other presentations. Well Done!
Thanks! I have a few more engine teardown videos to post
Speedkar whatabout the 1995 -1999 3.0v 6 (4goodlick)
You’re like the AvE of automotive. Keep it up!
Thanks. I love doing this stuff.
He doesn't cuss enough to compete with AvE
My 97 Infiniti I30 I put 300k on it (VQ30) and it still never burned oil sold to a friend 7 years ago and he still driving it at almost 370k , So i bought an 03 Infiniti I35 drove for 5 years (vq35) and sold @ 180k and it was an oil burner !! So bought an 04 Toyota solara 3.3v6 that now has 240k and never burns oil and it rides so smooth surprising torque for a small car and no speed governor 04 only 😆
Solara 3.3 is a nice car. I have a 3.3 Camry and it runs good.
The clothes you sop up oil with are nicer than most of the rags I wear to work. 😂
Really? Nah these are worn down bad
I'm a cheap blue-collar and have little to no shame. Haha
Talks about how strong the VQ is......
Throws 10lbs of boost at it...... BOOM.
Most people forget to feed it the corresponding 10lbs of oil 🤣
I had a 2004 Infiniti G35 6MT with the VQ35DE motor. I put 169K HARD miles on that car and the only issue I ever had with it was the camshaft position sensor failed. It's an easy repair (if you can reach it) that doesn't cost much to do. Never burned a drop of oil. That was perhaps the last generation of decent Nissans.
ကမ်ရှပ်တွေကြီးနေတယ် တိုင်မင်ချိန်းတွေကွေ့ပတ်ဝေ့ဝိုက်ပြီး အင်ဂျင်အားသုံးနေတာများတယ်😊မေးခွန်းရဲ့ပြသနာဟာ အပူချိန်ကွာနေတဲ့သုံးလုံးပဲ😊ပေါက်ကွဲစဥ် သုံးလုံးအားမတူဖြစ်လာပြီ အနောက်ဘက်ခြမ်းတွေ တိုးလေမထိသလောက်ရှိပြီး မညီ မငြိမ် မညက် ဖြစ်တယ်
Wow, that was an impressive breakdown and explanation. I'm digging into a timing chain job on my VQ40DE and this was extremely helpful.
Wow, didn't know the VQ uses 4 bolt mains. Nice
Oh wow, awesome video! I had a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder with this engine. We bought it used as a lease return with 80,000km’s. In 2006. Just traded it in with 300,000km’s for a new Tacoma. The engine and transmission were still going strong. I did regular maintenance with oil changes every 5,000kms. IF I floored it, it would still get up and go. Burned about 1 litre of oil between oil changes. Not bad for a vehicle with that many Km’s.
Also, drove it hard through the coastal mountains 8-9 times every year during the summer. Only had one real issue with it and that was the throttle body failing at 120,000kms. Cost me 1k to fix. Other than that just regular maintenance. Came with the 4spd Auto. Auto trans fluid was changed just once from the dealership at 120,000ks. No problems with it. Must have been the trans cooler it came with.
They sure can take a beating!
Garcia Cynthia Taylor George Davis Michelle
Great video and explanations. Nissan used these engines in many cars, as you stated they are a very solid powerplant overall.
The weep hole on those water pumps actually butts up to a channel to leak externally not into the oil.
But what if the pump itself fails and leaks? Not just weep
@@speedkar99 the main failure point of a pump is the bearing which leaks into the weep hole. Always with the “what ifs” to be right 😂 if anything past the bearing weeping fails like the shaft somehow snaps or shears off, you’ve got jumped time and coolant in oil would be the least of the concerns
I've had several infiniti with this engine i love it
Sought by who?? I got stuck paying out of pocket for the known defective timing chain components on two 3.5 equipped Nissan vehicles I purchased new.
There are more old 2.5's on the road for this very reason.
Add to that ,these engines are oil starved by the tiny oil filter and both of my 3.5's started gradually consuming more oil once past the 50k mark.
I'll never own another Nissan as long as I live. Even the sheet metal is thinner.
Alot of people are using this motor for builds
Nissan themselves have been using this motor time and time again
Besides the timing chain and oil consumption issues these motors were generally reliable but you gotta feed it well