canyoncarver
05-23-2006, 10:11 PM
I'll contribute a couple of previous posts here. I'm posting this in the n/a section because that's what I have and I didn't see another appropriate place. It could be just another post, but hopefully some people will find this helpful. Anything that I might have missed, or might be in error, please correct me.
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General Maintenance
This is basic Z maintenance. If you don't know when any of the following items were last done, they should be done now.
If you don't have any ecu codes, all of your sensors are generally in proper working order. If you read the ignition timing from the ecu, with a ConZult or equiv., that is only the programmed timing. You still need to check your base ignition timing with a timing light at the crank pulley and adjust it, if required, by rotating the CAS.
Replace Spark Plugs
Check base ignition timing
Clean air filter
Replace fuel filter
Replace PCV valves
Vacuum test the EGR valve, fuel pressure regulator & damper
Clean the throttle bodies and IACV (IAV) valve
Closely check all fuel lines and clamps for leaks, tightness and cracks. If they're 10+ years old just replace them now. Leaks can cause fires, and insufficient pressure at the injectors in high rpm conditions
Closely check all vacuum lines for cracks, hardness, or being disconnected. If they're 10+ years old just replace them now. Bad vacuum lines are the cause of vacuum leaks which cause all kinds of running problems
Inspect all of the electrical connections for frayed, cracking, loose wires and make sure all connectors are tight. If there are any signs of corrosion, remove the corrosion and apply dielectric grease on the pins. Z'zzzz are famous for having problems due to corroded electrical connections.
Check the throttle cable where it connects to the linkage. 90% of the cars I've looked at, the cable is not properly adjusted. If the cable is too loose the t/b butterflys will not open all of the way. Also check for fraying of the cable.
When you change your oil, look closely at the oil as you're draining it from the drain pain. Look for water or small metal flakes in the oil. What you see, or don't see, will give you a good idea on the internal condition of your motor.
Also, keep in mind, most of the above items will not cause an ecu code if they become defective. They will cause your motor to run badly nonetheless.
I'm sure there are some things I forgot......
____________________________________________________________
Z Cooling System Maintenance
The warm season is upon us again. It is the time of year when issues come up with the cooling system and engine temperatures. I've had enough cars over enough time, while living in the SoCal desert, to learn some things. On a vehicle that seems to be running great except for the temp gage running a little higher, or an unexplained loss of coolant, do the following before digging into the motor and replacing things like the waterpump and thermostat.
1) Verify that your coolant level in the radiator is full and properly bled of air.
2) Verify that your overflow tank is filled to the proper level.
3) Verify that the hose from the radiator to the overflow tank is good and not cracked.
4) Verify that all of the hose clamps are tight and there are no leaks.
5) Verify that there is no trash, leaves, or other crap blocking the front of your radiator.
After you go thru all of the above, consider the following:
6) Your radiator cap is an integral part of your cooling system. If it is more than 4-5 years old, just replace it.
7) The proper mix of coolant and water is important. The age of your coolant mix is just as important. It is not only important for the cooling aspects, but it is also important in preserving everything it comes into contact with like your block, heads, waterpump, radiator, hoses and more. If your coolant mix is more than four years old, replace it.
8) Belts and hoses. Just like doing a 60k t-belt that you do before the belt breaks. If your belts and hoses are more than 4-5 years old, just replace them. You'll never get stuck, broke down somewhere if you replace them before they break, or spring a leak. Obviously, you get a new coolant mix when you do the belts and hoses. Your waterpump, block and heads will thank you.
____________________________________________________________
General Maintenance
This is basic Z maintenance. If you don't know when any of the following items were last done, they should be done now.
If you don't have any ecu codes, all of your sensors are generally in proper working order. If you read the ignition timing from the ecu, with a ConZult or equiv., that is only the programmed timing. You still need to check your base ignition timing with a timing light at the crank pulley and adjust it, if required, by rotating the CAS.
Replace Spark Plugs
Check base ignition timing
Clean air filter
Replace fuel filter
Replace PCV valves
Vacuum test the EGR valve, fuel pressure regulator & damper
Clean the throttle bodies and IACV (IAV) valve
Closely check all fuel lines and clamps for leaks, tightness and cracks. If they're 10+ years old just replace them now. Leaks can cause fires, and insufficient pressure at the injectors in high rpm conditions
Closely check all vacuum lines for cracks, hardness, or being disconnected. If they're 10+ years old just replace them now. Bad vacuum lines are the cause of vacuum leaks which cause all kinds of running problems
Inspect all of the electrical connections for frayed, cracking, loose wires and make sure all connectors are tight. If there are any signs of corrosion, remove the corrosion and apply dielectric grease on the pins. Z'zzzz are famous for having problems due to corroded electrical connections.
Check the throttle cable where it connects to the linkage. 90% of the cars I've looked at, the cable is not properly adjusted. If the cable is too loose the t/b butterflys will not open all of the way. Also check for fraying of the cable.
When you change your oil, look closely at the oil as you're draining it from the drain pain. Look for water or small metal flakes in the oil. What you see, or don't see, will give you a good idea on the internal condition of your motor.
Also, keep in mind, most of the above items will not cause an ecu code if they become defective. They will cause your motor to run badly nonetheless.
I'm sure there are some things I forgot......
____________________________________________________________
Z Cooling System Maintenance
The warm season is upon us again. It is the time of year when issues come up with the cooling system and engine temperatures. I've had enough cars over enough time, while living in the SoCal desert, to learn some things. On a vehicle that seems to be running great except for the temp gage running a little higher, or an unexplained loss of coolant, do the following before digging into the motor and replacing things like the waterpump and thermostat.
1) Verify that your coolant level in the radiator is full and properly bled of air.
2) Verify that your overflow tank is filled to the proper level.
3) Verify that the hose from the radiator to the overflow tank is good and not cracked.
4) Verify that all of the hose clamps are tight and there are no leaks.
5) Verify that there is no trash, leaves, or other crap blocking the front of your radiator.
After you go thru all of the above, consider the following:
6) Your radiator cap is an integral part of your cooling system. If it is more than 4-5 years old, just replace it.
7) The proper mix of coolant and water is important. The age of your coolant mix is just as important. It is not only important for the cooling aspects, but it is also important in preserving everything it comes into contact with like your block, heads, waterpump, radiator, hoses and more. If your coolant mix is more than four years old, replace it.
8) Belts and hoses. Just like doing a 60k t-belt that you do before the belt breaks. If your belts and hoses are more than 4-5 years old, just replace them. You'll never get stuck, broke down somewhere if you replace them before they break, or spring a leak. Obviously, you get a new coolant mix when you do the belts and hoses. Your waterpump, block and heads will thank you.