Engine Replacement coming, and pitfalls or advice??
Engine Replacement coming, and pitfalls or advice??
I have a 2000 Xterra, 3.3l VG33E. She has 162k on her and I lost the timing belt. I have started the timing belt job and I am really hoping there is now serious damage...but everwhere I turn for advice, i am hearing bleak reports. I think the best thing for me to do is replace the motor with a nother 3.3l from one of those Japanese Motor sales places. I am afraid of rebuilding the top half of the motor and then still having a bottom half with 162k on it. I 4x4 pretty hard in this Nissan and I have been super inpressed with the durability of my Nissan. I have alot of money invested and I love the rig. Before i replace the engine, does anyone know any pitfalls or real headaches? I can turn wrench, but i have never replaced a motor on a car this modern. Thanks for any help you can provide me on my first post, this place is awesome and it seems the most knowledgable folks are here.
Re: Engine Replacement coming, and pitfalls or advice?? (xterrible)
...I guess not. I will assume it is pretty straight forward. When i am complete I will post here how it went and share information and help with any one else who might be doing a similar job. I thought that was the reason for forums? Maybe i am mistaken?
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Desert Rat
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Re: Engine Replacement coming, and pitfalls or advice?? (xterrible)
162k on a VG bottom end is nothing really provided regular maintenance has been done on the motor.
That said, the swap isn't bad either. pull the radiator, unbolt the exhaust, and start unplugging wires. Nissan made this easy in the sense that no two plugs are the same, so you can't screw up reconnecting everything, though some of the plugs can be a bugger to get separated.
If you are swapping, it's a good time to bolt up new exhaust manifolds, water pump, and replace all belts/hoses. Most accessories (PS, AC, etc.) can be unbolted and laid to the side and tied up with zip ties to prevent having to remove them completely. I know you can get away with this on the 4 banger, and it looks like you can on the PS on the VG as well. AC I'm not sure, but it would save you having to dump freon and recharging the system if you can get away with it.
Obviously it's easier to get everyting out after pulling the radiator and shroud out as well. The crank sensor on the back of the engine should be removed and tied out of the way carefully, especially when you drop in the new motor, as it's easy to smash it between the block and the bellhousing.
I would also replace your motor mounts while you're in there as well.
That said, the swap isn't bad either. pull the radiator, unbolt the exhaust, and start unplugging wires. Nissan made this easy in the sense that no two plugs are the same, so you can't screw up reconnecting everything, though some of the plugs can be a bugger to get separated.
If you are swapping, it's a good time to bolt up new exhaust manifolds, water pump, and replace all belts/hoses. Most accessories (PS, AC, etc.) can be unbolted and laid to the side and tied up with zip ties to prevent having to remove them completely. I know you can get away with this on the 4 banger, and it looks like you can on the PS on the VG as well. AC I'm not sure, but it would save you having to dump freon and recharging the system if you can get away with it.
Obviously it's easier to get everyting out after pulling the radiator and shroud out as well. The crank sensor on the back of the engine should be removed and tied out of the way carefully, especially when you drop in the new motor, as it's easy to smash it between the block and the bellhousing.
I would also replace your motor mounts while you're in there as well.
Re: Engine Replacement coming, and pitfalls or advice?? (Desert Rat)
thanks. I know 162k isnt too much, but it is weay more expensive to rebuild the top half then to just replace the engine. I want to spend no more then 2500. I was hoping on some performance mods like headers better clutch. the motor only costs 1400. I will probably replace the timing belt as well! first i have to replace the belt and make sure that everything is in fact damaged. It seems pretty straight forward...thanks for the tip about the shrowd as well. I think it will be a fun long weekend project. I had to buy my girls Jeep off her to use as my primary transportation since my Nissan went down...I need to get done quick, the Jeep is way uncomfortable.
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MufflerBearings69
- Posts: 11
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Ever consider doing a leakdown test?
As far as valve to piston hit and valve damage, the immediate leakdown would tell ya that. Like, loses pressure instantly.
If the valves still seal, then you will find out what condition your rings are in- an added bonus!
I would rather do a leakdown test than try doing the entire timing belt job to find out- hell if ya paid someone to do the leakdown test you would still come out ahead!
As far as valve to piston hit and valve damage, the immediate leakdown would tell ya that. Like, loses pressure instantly.
If the valves still seal, then you will find out what condition your rings are in- an added bonus!
I would rather do a leakdown test than try doing the entire timing belt job to find out- hell if ya paid someone to do the leakdown test you would still come out ahead!
Re: (MufflerBearings69)
If I knew how to do a leak down test i would do it...save me time and money...I will research that. I read somewhere that if you are going slow the likelyhood of damage is less...i was going like 1mph when it broke, so maybe all i need is a belt? either way i would be and replace the motor so i could rebuild the old motor as a hobby and still be able to drive my Nissan.