help with missing elec connector on head...

carrerascat · Aug 31st, 2007, 01:51 AM

My boyfriend just went through some nuckle busting to swap out the engine in our 1988 Pathfinder (6 cyl)...he was almost done when he realized that the wiring harness on the truck (original) has a plug/connector that goes to the head. Now, the engine he just put in, has no connector on the head! I don't know, but I am guessing it would have something to do with the computer/brain. Please advise, might this engine run without this damned plug? or did he just waste a whole lot of time and money...?...Thanks...

golfer · Aug 31st, 2007, 08:39 AM

What year is the engine and from what ??

carrerascat · Sep 1st, 2007, 01:42 AM

It is supposed to be a '93 6cyl pathfinder engine.

smj999smj · Sep 1st, 2007, 02:41 PM

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smj999smj · Sep 1st, 2007, 02:42 PM

It would help if we knew what sensor it is....would it be the coolant temp. sensor for the computer (aka "cylinder head temp sensor")?

88 Paths had the VG30i engine and 93's had the VG30E. I remember that some early VG engines had the head temp sensor screw directly into the cylinder head. In 93, the sensor was installed in the pipe (or "goose neck") that connects the upper rad hose to the engine. If my memory serves correct, they elimated the heat temp sensor provision on those heads of later engines. You don't mention if he is just using the "long block" of the 93 (which is what it sounds like he is doing) or if he is converting the 88 to the VG30E and retaining the multi-port injection of that engine.

If he's keeping the 88's throttle body injection, and if it is the head temp sensor we are talking about, he will need to come up with some type of modification as the temp sensor is required for proper operation of the engine management system. I'm not sure if you can swap over the "goose neck" from the VG30E and lengthen the harness to the sensor; that would be the easiest way. ANother idea might be to fabricate a metal pipe with a "bung" to provide an access hole for the temp sensor that you could by cutting the upper rad hose and splicing in the pipe. Nissan used a pipe on some of the VG trucks in the lower hose near the thermostat housing that you may be able to modify for this purpose. You would also have to lengthen the harness, as well for the sensor.

The other option would be to swap the head, but that's a big pain and not a necessary option.

carrerascat · Sep 1st, 2007, 10:17 PM

smj999smj...
Thank you so much for your input...I realize my post was vague, but i will get more details. Thanks! I will be back with a post...

carrerascat · Sep 2nd, 2007, 02:17 AM

Yes, he using the '93 long block and keeping the '88 throttle body. When I read your post to him, his eyes did light up a bit and he said that sure made sense! Anymore input you may have would sure be appreciated...Thanks again for your help.

carrerascat · Sep 2nd, 2007, 05:03 AM

CORRECTION; I just found the receipt for the engine he put in. It's a 1995 Pathfinder engine. I don't know if that makes a difference or not.

**88pathoffroad** · Sep 2nd, 2007, 02:46 PM

AFAIK the only things attached to the head electrical-wise are ground wires. You sure it's not a knock sensor in the center of the engine under the intake? The only differences between an 88 and a 95 VG30 engine are knock sensor and perhaps a few other little things after the block is stripped down. An 88 does not have a knock sensor.

smj999smj · Sep 3rd, 2007, 03:54 AM

And if my memory is correct, the coolant temp sensor is located in the front of the manifold on the 88. The VG's that had the temp sensor in the head were usually installed in Maximas.

If you could post a couple of pics, it might help.