I got the P0300 and P0021 codes last Wednesday. Multiple Misfires Bank 2 and Intake Valve Timing Control Performance Bank 2. P0021 showed up first, car seemed to drive ok. Cleared the code. Parked it overnight, started it Thursday morning. P0021 and P0300 codes and the engine was idling rough. Got on YouTube, others
had same problem.and replaced the Variable Valve Timing solenoid (Driver's Side). So I ordered the solenoid (Hitachi p/n:VTS0003 $88 and change from Rock Auto;
no cheap ChiCom crap auto parts from Amazon for my G35). I pulled the Variable Timing Cover (on the G35X there is a small pipe inlet and the lower radiator hose in the way so you can't just pull the solenoid), called the local Infiniti dealership for the timing cover gasket ($13 and change) and then at the last minute decided to change the intake cam gear seals as well. Infiniti will not sell you just those seals for the VQ35HR motor. they WILL sell you the entire Variable Timing Cover assembly for about $600. BUT Nissan will sell you the intake cam gear seals (Nissan Part #: 13042-3HD0A) for about $9 and ZR1 Motorsports lists them for $6.39. The thing that gives Infinti Parts a bad rep is, they will sell you the seals, if you just give them the Nissan P/N, for $13 and change BECAUSE the VQ37VHR engine uses the exact same seals and the VQ37VHR manual lists them as a separate replaceable part. I called the Nissan dealerships in the area, they could only come up with two seals, but the Infiniti dealer had 22 on hand. Go figure. So after buying $43 worth of seals ($13x3 + tax) from Infiniti, I finally had all the gaskets, seals and solenoid to effect the repair.
After replacing the seals, installing the solenoid in the timing cover FIRST, and installing the timing cover back on the engine, I fired the G35 up and...NO CEL and the smooth idle was back!
I fired up NDSIII Lite (this app uses the Consult 3 protocols to talk to the engine ECU) on my phone, connected to the bluetooth BAFX OBD2 adapter and verified no codes. I ran the Exhaust Valve Timing Control reset procedure (turn OFF ALL accessories, headlights, and AC. With the car in PARK, run the idle speed up to 2000 RPM for 20 seconds.)
I then ran the car out on the interstate with no issues at all. Total cost, about $165.
I know, I could have saved more money by ordering all the seals and timing cover gasket from ZR1 Motorsports and if/when I do the Passenger side variable timing solenoid I will order those parts and a Hitachi VTS0005 (passenger side solenoid) from Rock Auto. I was in a hurry to have my G35xS back on the road.I could have put some ChiCom slave-labor produced crap from Amazon on for about $15 but the variable valve timing solenoid is a mission-critical part and if it fails there is a slight change the motor might jump time if you have to drive it miles to get home. That will be a dealer fix for most people and $1000 x ???.
So for about $165 I repaired a failed solenoid that some poor guy on YouTube got a dealer quote for almost $1200. He didn't get shafted by the dealer either.
The reason I posted all this is to make G35 owners aware that they can repair this issue (P0300 & P0021 driver's side solenoid or p0300 & p0011 if it is the passenger side solenoid) themselves, to not be suckered into buying a $600 valve timing cover when they can buy 3 x 6-8-13 dollar seals, and that the repair has nothing to do with the dreaded oil gallery gasket issue some VQ35HR engines have.
FYI, the pages of the 08 FSM (Sept 08 edition) regarding the variable valve timing cover are: EM 49 and EM 63. Pay attention to the removal instructions for the valve timing cover. DO NOT DROP the cover or let the the Magnetic Retarder fall from the cover. If you do, you will be buying a new $600 valve timing cover assembly. The torque spec for the timing cover bolts IS 8 ft-pounds.
BTW, my variable valve timing solenoid failed at 102,140.
replaced the parking brake shoes. first time doing that and it was a total pain. still need to fine tune them but now it doesnt have any slop. its going to rain for the next week so i cant clear coat my bumper which has finally been painted.
Had to replace tires before I could make up my mind on an aftermarket wheel setup. So I threw the GTR Black edition Rays on to see what they look like. I'm not in love, but I don't hate them on the G.
Stock height because I live in the land of crazy intersections and my exhaust kisses my driveway at stock unless I hit an angle on entry/exit.
Had to replace tires before I could make up my mind on an aftermarket wheel setup. So I threw the GTR Black edition Rays on to see what they look like. I'm not in love, but I don't hate them on the G.
Stock height because I live in the land of crazy intersections and my exhaust kisses my driveway at stock unless I hit an angle on entry/exit.
After getting the missing piece to my exhaust puzzle from Borla a week or so ago, I was able to install it over the weekend. CZP was really good resolving this. They got back to me within hours on a Saturday and kept sending updates every couple of days. Apparently it had been shipped from their Borla distributor with the missing part.
My initial impression is... well it 's a lot quieter than I expected. I almost think it's quieter than stock. I wasn't looking to be heard a quarter mile away, but I think it may be too quiet. Maybe it will change a little after break-in.
After getting the missing piece to my exhaust puzzle from Borla a week or so ago, I was able to install it over the weekend. CZP was really good resolving this. They got back to me within hours on a Saturday and kept sending updates every couple of days. Apparently it had been shipped from their Borla distributor with the missing part.
My initial impression is... well it 's a lot quieter than I expected. I almost think it's quieter than stock. I wasn't looking to be heard a quarter mile away, but I think it may be too quiet. Maybe it will change a little after break-in.
art pipes would give you a great sound inconjuction with the borla
finally installed battery cover for the clutch and brake master cylinders... No way I was drilling into metal as the instructions recommend, ALOT of trimming, more trimming, some hidden zip ties and a bit of crazy glue and got it installed with ZERO holes drilled.
new alternator (real pain to replace, especially the bolts in the rear):
Finally got around to installing an oil cooler I picked up probably 2 years ago in the classifieds:
oil cooler peaking through the nismo bumper:
Finished up the brake ducting and trimmed the plastic in the wheel well so that everything is nice and clean and fits around the new ducts. And YES, I absolutely need new rotors. If only Z1 would run a sale on their 2 piece rotors....
More fit and trimming of front splitter. Super happy with how well and tight it fits with the sway bar. I absolutely MAXIMIZED the available space around the sway bar :
