1987 NISSAN MAXIMA

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: rattling/slapping noise from front of engine on cold start, noise quiets after 10-15 seconds as oil pressure builds, eventually becomes constant rattling, check engine light with timing-related codes if equipped

Fix: Front cover removal, timing chain set replacement including guides, tensioners, and oil pump drive chain. 8-12 hours labor depending on AC/power steering bracket complications. Critical to replace all guides—plastic deteriorates with age even at lower miles on neglected oil changes.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust, coolant loss with no visible leaks, milky oil on dipstick or cap, overheating episodes, rough idle or misfires

Fix: Head removal, surface milling typically required (VG30E heads warp easily), new gasket set, timing components inspection while apart. 14-18 hours labor. Often discovered after radiator or water pump failure was ignored too long.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: oil pooling on top of exhaust manifolds, burning oil smell, oil drips under front of engine, visible oil seepage around valve covers

Fix: Valve cover gasket replacement both sides, camshaft seals while accessible, clean mating surfaces thoroughly. 3-4 hours labor. Use OEM-quality gaskets—cheap aftermarket sets leak again within 6 months on these engines.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 130,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: delayed engagement into drive or reverse, slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear under load, flare-ups during shifts, burnt transmission fluid smell

Fix: Jatco E4N71B transmission rebuild or replacement. Internal clutch pack wear, worn bands. 12-16 hours for R&R and rebuild. These transmissions are robust IF serviced every 30k—most haven't been. Used replacements from junkyard are gambles.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,000

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: fuel smell in engine bay especially when hot, hard starting when engine is warm, rough idle, visible fuel seepage at injector bases, fire risk if severe

Fix: Remove fuel rail, replace all injector o-rings and seals, clean injectors while out. 2-3 hours labor. Age and heat cycles harden the rubber—original seals are 35+ years old now. Always do all six at once on V6.

Estimated cost: $300-550

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: coolant leaking from radiator seams or tanks, overheating in traffic or at idle, visible green stains on radiator face, low coolant warning if equipped

Fix: Radiator replacement, system flush, new hoses recommended at same time (they're the same age). 2-3 hours labor. Original radiators are long past service life—plastic becomes brittle. Do NOT ignore even small leaks; VG30E does not tolerate overheating.

Estimated cost: $350-650

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: clunking over bumps, steering wheel doesn't return to center smoothly, creaking noise when turning steering at standstill, uneven tire wear on front

Fix: Strut mount and bearing replacement both sides. 2-3 hours labor. While in there, inspect struts themselves—originals are beyond shot. Common to do full strut assemblies at this age rather than just mounts.

Estimated cost: $400-800