Estimates of damage...

[carlj139]

Hello all.I have a 2001 Nissan Xterra SE that has been POORLY taken care off. It has about 100K and recently has had the temp gauge skyrocketing at idle and then returning to normal during motion. Well today it picked up a new trick...

Driving home, started a quiet tick from the engine, lost about 60% power and started billowing white smoke out of the exhaust.

Got it home (I was close) Now, when it starts it puffs a cloud of white and then idles, when I apply gas in neutral it does okay but when I let off it puffs a cloud of white smoke again.

Now I know this is serious and I will be taking it to a shop, but any ideas on what it is and ju$t how deep i am in it...

Thanks.

[Desert Rat]

Most likely a blown head gasket. Labor is the killer on that one.

[Big-Bird]

NM50 can give a better $ value. He is a Nissan Tech after all.

But I concur with Desert Rat. Sounds like a head gasket. The white puff is coolant being burned in the combustion chamber. The loss of power is most likely related to poor compression caused by a damaged head gasket.

The aluminum heads may need to decked (made level again) which will cost a small amount. The payoff is slightly higher compression! But not enough to notice on an engine with 100,000 on the odometer.

Has the timing belt ever been replaced? If you are unsure it would be a good idea to have it replaced while they repair the head gasket. The belt is about $40.00 and is only good for 96,000miles. With 100K on your unit this would be good insurance.

[carlj139]

thanks guys. I've got a guy so hopefully that can keep labor down a bit, and I'll good call on replacing that timing belt at the same time.

Thanks!

[Desert Rat]

With that much of a tear down, do the water pump, thermostat, hoses, and belts too.