Nissan Murano Z51 - a crossover with character, but even its reliable engine VQ35DE not immune to problems with the intake manifold. This unit is responsible for the uniform distribution of air among the cylinders, and its malfunctions lead to a drop in power, increased fuel consumption and even detonation. Owners Murano the second generation (2008–2014) are often faced with clogged channels, cracks in plastic elements, or broken geometry change system valves.

In this article, we will analyze the design of the collector, the symptoms of its malfunctions, and give step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and repair. We will pay special attention typical problems Z51, which are not always obvious: from air leaks through gaskets to valve malfunctions Tumble Control Valve. If your Murano Acceleration became worse or the dashboard light came on Check Engine with an error P0171 (lean mixture), the material will be especially useful.

Intake manifold device Nissan Murano Z51

Collector on Murano Z51 with engine VQ35DE - a complex system combining an aluminum body, plastic channels and electronic dampers. Its key elements:

  • 🔧 Main building — cast aluminum, attached to the cylinder head with a gasket. Channels for air and coolant are integrated inside (on heated models).
  • 🌀 Dampers Tumble Control Valve (TCV) - plastic or metal blades that regulate flow turbulence at low speeds for better mixture formation.
  • 🔄 System for changing the length of channels - on some versions Z51 mechanism was installed Variable Intake Manifold (VIM), which optimizes cylinder filling.
  • 📡 Sensors — MAP sensor (inlet pressure) and IAT sensor (air temperature), the signals of which affect the operation of the ECU.

Feature Murano Z51 - use plastic TCV dampers, prone to breakage due to contamination or temperature changes. On engines after 2010, Nissan partially modified the design, but the problem remained relevant. The manifold is also equipped with a crankcase gas recirculation system (PCV), which becomes clogged over time, reducing performance.

📊 What engine is installed in your Murano Z51?
  • VQ35DE 3.5L
  • VQ25DE 2.5L (for some markets)
  • Other
  • I don't know

Typical malfunctions: symptoms and causes

Problems with the intake manifold on Murano Z51 appear gradually, but ignoring them is dangerous - this leads to overheating, detonation and even damage to the catalyst. Let's look at the main features:

Symptom Probable Cause Error code (if any)
Power loss at low speeds Damper jamming TCV or clogged channels P0171, P0174 (lean mixture)
Popping sounds in the intake tract when releasing gas Air leaks through cracks or gasket P0300 (misfire)
Increased fuel consumption (+1–2 l/100 km) Sensor malfunction MAP or vacuum leak P0106, P0108
Noise/whistle from under the hood when the engine is running Cracks in plastic elements or loose clamps —

The most common problem is Damper failure TCV. Their plastic axles dry out over time, and the blades break off and block the channels. This leads to an air imbalance between the cylinders and errors in the lambda probes. Another common problem is air leak through gasket between the manifold and the block head, especially after unqualified repairs.

⚠️ Attention: If the dashboard lights up Check Engine with an error P0300 (misfire), do not rush to change spark plugs or coils. First, check the manifold for cracks or clogged valves - this could be the root cause.

Intake manifold diagnostics: step-by-step instructions

Before disassembling the collector, perform preliminary diagnostics. It will help narrow down the range of problems and save time:

  1. Check for air leaks. Start the engine and spray carbcleaner around the junction of the manifold and the block head. If the engine speed increases temporarily, there is a leak.
  2. Visual inspection. Remove the air filter and inspect the internal manifold passages for oil deposits or plastic debris.
  3. Checking the dampers TCV. With the engine off, manually rock the damper axles - play or resistance indicates wear.
  4. Sensor diagnostics. Connect the scanner (for example, Launch X431) and check the readings MAP sensor at idle (normal: 28–32 kPa).

For in-depth diagnostics, removal of the manifold will be required. This is a labor-intensive process, but without it it is impossible to assess the condition of the channels and valves. Pay special attention to:

  • 🔍 Gasket between the manifold and the block head - often tans and lets air through.
  • 🛠️ The state of the dampers TCV - cracks, play or debris.
  • 🧹 Polluted channels - oil deposits indicate problems with the system PCV.

Disconnect the battery|Drain the coolant (if the manifold is heated)|Remove the throttle body and air filter|Disconnect all vacuum hoses and electrical connectors-->

Cleaning and repair: what you can do yourself

If the problem is contamination of the manifold or valves TCV, they can be cleaned without replacement. For this you will need:

  • 🧴 Carburetor Cleaner (For example, Liqui Moly Vergaser-Reiniger).
  • 🧽 Soft brush (not metal!) and rags.
  • 🔧 Socket wrench set for dismantling.

Step by step cleaning:

  1. Remove the manifold (instructions below) and dismantle the dampers TCV.
  2. Soak the plastic parts in the cleaner for 15–20 minutes, then carefully remove the residue with a brush.
  3. Blow out the manifold channels with compressed air (pressure no more than 3 bar!).
  4. Check the mobility of the dampers - they should open/close without jamming.

If the dampers are broken, they can be replaced separately (part number for Murano Z51: 14028-AL50A or 14028-AL50B depending on the year). Cracks in the plastic elements of the manifold can sometimes be repaired with epoxy glue (for example, Loctite Hysol), but this is a temporary solution - it is better to replace the unit as soon as possible.

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After cleaning the manifold, be sure to replace the gasket between it and the block head. Even if the old one looks intact, it could be deformed and leaking air.

Replacing the intake manifold: instructions with nuances

Complete replacement of the collector with Murano Z51 required for cracks in the aluminum housing, system malfunction VIM or if the dampers TCV collapsed and their debris fell into the canals. The process takes 4–6 hours and includes the following steps:

  1. Preparation. Disconnect the battery, drain the coolant (if the manifold is heated) and remove the throttle body.
  2. Dismantling. Disconnect all vacuum hoses, sensor electrical connectors and fuel lines (on manifold injection models). Unscrew the 8 bolts securing the manifold to the cylinder head (tightening torque for reassembly: 25 Nm).
  3. Installation of a new collector. Use a new gasket (part number: 14035-AL500) and tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern.
  4. Reassembly. Connect all hoses and connectors, fill with coolant and reset the throttle adaptations through the scanner.

Features for Murano Z51:

  • 🔧 On models with the system VIM when installing a new manifold, it may be necessary to calibrate the valves through Consult-III Plus.
  • ⚠️ When removing the manifold, do not lose the small springs and damper clamps TCV - they often fall out.
  • 📌 After replacing, be sure to check the tightness of the system by starting the engine and spraying a soap solution on the joints (bubbles will indicate a leak).
What happens if you don't replace broken TCV dampers?

Ignoring the problem leads to uneven distribution of air across the cylinders, which causes:

- Increased fuel consumption by 10–15%.

- Detonation at low speeds (knock of “fingers”).

- Overheating of the catalyst and its failure (replacement will cost 50–80 thousand rubles).

- In rare cases, damage to the pistons due to a lean mixture.

Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues

When replacing the manifold or its components, owners Murano Z51 are faced with a choice: original parts from Nissan or analogues from third-party manufacturers. Let's look at the pros and cons of each option:

Part type Original (Nissan) Analogs (Denso, Hitachi, Febi)
Intake manifold assembly

✅ Exact geometry match

✅ Warranty 12–24 months

❌ Price: 40–60 thousand rubles.

✅ The price is 2–3 times lower

✅ Acceptable quality (e.g. Denso 14028-AL50A)

❌ Possible problems with sensor placement
TCV dampers

✅ Durability (plastic with reinforcement)

❌ Price: 8–12 thousand rubles. per set

✅ Price from 3 thousand rubles. (Febi 14028)

❌ Often worse than balancing
Manifold gasket

✅ Optimal thickness (1.5 mm)

✅ Resistant to oil and temperature

✅ 2 times cheaper (Elring 140.350)

❌ May tan at low temperatures

For critical components (for example, the collector itself), we recommend the original, especially if the machine is operated in difficult conditions. For consumables (gaskets, dampers), you can consider high-quality analogues from Denso or Hitachi. When purchasing, check the article numbers:

  • 📋 Collector assembly: 14028-AL50A (before 2010) or 14028-AL50B (after 2010).
  • 📋 TCV dampers: 14028-4M000 (set of 6 pieces).
  • 📋 Gasket: 14035-AL500.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing analogues, avoid parts without packaging or with a suspiciously low price. Counterfeits Denso or Hitachi often made from low-quality plastic, which crumbles after 10–15 thousand km.

Prevention: how to extend the life of a collector

Intake manifold service life at Murano Z51 depends not only on the quality of the parts, but also on the operating conditions. The following measures will help avoid premature breakdowns:

  • 🔄 Regularly replacing the air filter (every 15 thousand km). A clogged filter increases the load on the dampers TCV.
  • 🛢️ System control PCV. Replace valve PCV (item: 11810-AL50A) every 50 thousand km to avoid oil deposits in the manifold.
  • 🚗 Using quality fuel. Bad gasoline leads to the formation of carbon deposits on the valves and sensors.
  • 🔧 Checking fasteners. Once a year, tighten the clamps of the air pipes - vibration weakens them, which leads to air leaks.

If your Murano often operated in conditions of high humidity or temperature changes, pay attention to intake system tightness. Plastic elements of the collector lose elasticity over time, so inspect them for microcracks every 2-3 years. For prevention, you can use silicone lubricant (for example, CRC 5-56) for sensor O-rings.

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The most common cause of TCV damper failure is ignoring symptoms at an early stage. If you notice unstable idle speed or "jerking" during acceleration, do not delay diagnostics. Repairs at this stage will cost 3–5 thousand rubles, while replacing the collector assembly will cost 40–60 thousand rubles.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the intake manifold Nissan Murano Z51

Is it possible to drive with broken TCV flaps?

Technically it is possible, but this will lead to:

  • Increased fuel consumption by 10–15%.
  • Unstable engine operation at low speeds (jerking, vibration).
  • Risk of damage to the catalyst due to uneven air distribution.

If the valves are destroyed and their debris gets into the channels, the collector must be removed and cleaned.

How to check the intake manifold gasket without removing it?

The easiest way is to test with carb cleaner:

  1. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature.
  2. Spray cleaner around the junction of the manifold and the cylinder head.
  3. If the engine speed temporarily increases, there is air leakage through the gasket.

Also pay attention to oil leaks around the manifold - they often indicate gasket damage.

How much does it cost to replace an intake manifold?

The cost of work depends on the region and complexity:

  • Moscow/St. Petersburg: 8–12 thousand rubles. (work only).
  • Regions: 5–8 thousand rubles.
  • Additional costs:
    • Replacement of gasket: +1–1.5 thousand rubles.
    • Cleaning the throttle valve: +1.5–2 thousand rubles.
    • Error diagnostics: +1 thousand rubles.

In total, including spare parts (original manifold), the budget will be 50–70 thousand rubles.

What ECU errors indicate problems with the manifold?

The most common codes:

Error code Probable Cause
P0171, P0174 Air leaks through cracks or gaskets, clogging of channels.
P0300 Misfire due to uneven air distribution.
P0106, P0108 Sensor malfunction MAP or vacuum leak.
P2004, P2006 Problems with dampers TCV (jamming or breakage of the control circuit).

If the scanner shows several errors at the same time (for example, P0171 + P0300), most likely the problem is in the collector.

Is it possible to disable TCV dampers programmatically?

Technically yes, but this not recommended. Dampers TCV optimize cylinder filling at low speeds, and turning them off will lead to:

  • Deterioration of traction at the “lower levels” (up to 2500 rpm).
  • Increased fuel consumption in the city.
  • Possible ECU errors due to discrepancies between actual and expected parameters.

If the valves are broken, it is better to replace them or the manifold assembly. Disabling via firmware is a temporary solution that may cause additional problems.