2000 Nissan XTerra Dead

[Nattie2004]

Problems began when several weeks ago when I started the engine. It made this loud screeching noise and had excessive bluish white smoke coming out of the tail pipe. I immediately turned off the engine. But when started the engine seconds later, the noise and smoke didn't occur. Thinking it probably needed an oil change, I drove it maybe 20 miles to the nears Wal-Mart where it stalled in their parking lot twice. That night had it towed home where it started immediately. Now this is where it gets sticky. Two weeks later, after coming from vacation, I drove it to work. I noticed the vehicle had a somewhat shaking sensation. Coming from work the shaking sensation became worse, so I pulled in the nearest parking lot where she died completely: never to start again. It has be iterated to me that it maybe the fuel pump in the gas tank. Has anyone outthere experience this or something similar?

[Big-Bird]

Problems began when several weeks ago when I started the engine. It made this loud screeching noise and had excessive bluish white smoke coming out of the tail pipe. I immediately turned off the engine. But when started the engine seconds later, the noise and smoke didn't occur. Thinking it probably needed an oil change, I drove it maybe 20 miles to the nears Wal-Mart where it stalled in their parking lot twice. That night had it towed home where it started immediately. Now this is where it gets sticky. Two weeks later, after coming from vacation, I drove it to work. I noticed the vehicle had a somewhat shaking sensation. Coming from work the shaking sensation became worse, so I pulled in the nearest parking lot where she died completely: never to start again. It has be iterated to me that it maybe the fuel pump in the gas tank. Has anyone outthere experience this or something similar?

Blusih white smoke is caused when excessive amounts of oil get burned in the cylinders. This is not a good thing at all. It would be premature for someone to tell you there is a fuel pump problem without doing a proper diagnosis.

Burned blue - Excessive Oil in the cylindersWhite with a sweet smell - Coolantblack smoke - burning rich...too much fuel or incomplete burn.

Shaking voliently: Engine, transmission, or driv train issues..But since you mentioned the loud screeching and the vibration I would be getting than engine checked out.

some things a reputable shop can do to find out what is wrong.

Drain the oil and look for metal particles in the oil.Do what is called a compression test. (Testing each cylinder for wear)Leak Down Test: Tests the valves and cylinders for wear. Also a good test for investigating head gasket damage.

The last thing to attempt would be to try and get it running again and listen for the noises....But even I won't guess as so to whats wrong.

[Desert Rat]

wonder if you blew a headgasket.

The shaking/bad running, and then ultimate dying could have been a timing belt going, going...GONE!

[Cyclemut]

How many miles are on it? How long have you owned it? Have the recalls been done to it?

Check your oil, does it look OK or does it look like chocolate milk?

Pop the radiator cap, is it full?

When you turn the engine over, does it spin pretty fast, or slow?

If you're mechanically inclined, then take off your distributor cap and engage the starter (or have a friend bump the engine over with the cap off briefly). Look at the rotor and see if it turns. If it does, then your timing belt is still intact. If not, then find an engine.

If it does turn, then you need to have further diagnosis performed.

A compression test would only tell you if the valves were bent or a ring failed. If the timing belt is broken, then you can bet on engine damage. If it's not, then the chances of a 3.3 coming apart are slim. If a shop wants to sell you a compression test right away, don't get it. A leak down test will tell you more, after a lot of other stuff is checked out first.