audiwhore

Yes, I indexed the driveshaft before removing. It went it exactly like it came out. I'm taking to a local driveshaft shop to see if they can fix it for me.

Replaced the U joints with aftermarket Precision brand units. The U joints seemed to be just a bit too big but we managed to get them installed. Installed the driveshaft and noticed a lot of vibration. Has anyone had this problem with aftermarket U joints? Is it common to have the DS balanced after U joints installed? I'm wondering if it would have been better to pay a little more for the OEM parts. I've found that most aftermarket parts either do not fit correctly or fail after a short time due to crappy materials or design.

Had a little bit of fluid trickle out.

Will this be a problem?

So, I understand the factory equipped security system has a bunch of problems. One issue I've ran into is it wants to arm itself when I lock the vehicle and shut the doors even though I have it set to "off" on the center console toggle switch. Can someone explain to me why it is arming with the switch turned to "off? Is there a easy way to basically disable or otherwise remove the system?

UPDATE.... Things are good now. Replaced the thermostat with OE Nissan type. Fan clutch is fine. Flushed the coolant, added new fluid and heater and temp are working good. Temp gauge goes up to about 1/4 which is twice what it was before. Got hot air out the vents. Must have been a faulty thermostat.

Dealer said they don't use gaskets anymore. Told me to use RTV sealant like you guys suggested. Thanks!

Did the timing belt this weekend and decided to replace the t-stat with a Federated 170 degree unit. The T-stat came with a round black rubber gasket that is obviously not designed for the t-stat housing. I tried to install it anyway to see if it will hold a seal but no such luck. I'm getting ready to visit the dealer to for a OE t-stat and gasket but I want to know if anyone on this forum uses a different method to seal it. Liquid gasket maker? OE gasket?

KYB is very similar to Monroe in respect to making mostly OE replacement shocks. Very good company if you want a simple, reliable shock to replace the OE stuff.

Don't use cardboard. When the outside temp gets warm all that snow/ice will cause the cardboard to get wet and nasty. It will fall apart over time which means a mess in the radiator fins. Instead, go to Home Depot and get yourself a sheet of thin clear plastic. Cut to fit the radiator face and zip tie in place by drilling a few small holes in the sheet. Works great, can't see it, easy to remove and install, and won't turn to mush when wet.

Mine too.

Just got back from the Nissan dealer. Looked up the VIN on his computer and it shows build date of 6/93 which puts it right around the switch from the old square tooth to the newer round tooth design. Mine appeared to have the newer style so I got the round tooth belt. We double checked with one of the service techs who confirmed it has the newer style.

Does the VG30E motor have provisions for a block heater?

I checked the cooling fan clutch by spinning the fan when the engine is cold....it spins very free with little resistance. Could the fan clutch be shot? The fan seems to run all the time.

Is there a coolant bypass hose or any other item I should replace as well?

Thanks for the info. Heading to the dealer today.

I know. I've been driving it around in +3 feet of snow praying it won't break on me. Been keeping the revs low just in case it does snap. Heading to the dealer today to buy the belt and other assorted parts. What parts do I need to replace while I'm in there?

Eh, no big deal. I decided to do a timing belt job on this rig along with the t-stat later this week. The last timing belt change done on the vehicle was at 63K miles.....it now has 211K miles.

So, can you tell by the VIN the build date and whether or not it has round vs square?

Nope. Bought a 180 T-stat but haven't had time to install it.

Can someone educate me on the timing belt type used on a 1993 SE model....is it round tooth or square tooth? Is there a way to tell via the VIN?

My friend says the same thing about his other Nissan cars/trucks. They always seem to run very cool. He warned me it might not heat up if you don't block the radiator...and he was right. But I think some of it has to do with the T-stat staying open. Anyone know what the temp rating of the T-stat should be for a 1993 model?

Coolant is flowing. Hoses are pretty warm but not hot.

Yeah I was thinking the T-stat might be bad. How difficult is it to change? I'm heading to the auto parts store later today for a few other items and could get a new T-stat while I'm at it.

Just wondering if the Nissan tends to run cold when the weather is below freezing (32*F and below). I tried blocking half the radiator using a piece of clear plexiglass but didn't make it run any warmer. Temp gauge reads a little above "C" even when driving for extended period of time. Coolant level and condition are good. Cabin heater doesn't get real hot, so I'm guessing the coolant is not getting up to operating temp. Advice?