First things first, I took my 01' SE to nissan for the fuel pump sending unit recall after it died on the interstate. Now, a month later and it dies again! So back to nissan to see if they messed something up. They tell me that my timing belt is bad and I need a new motor due to bent valves. I'm can believe this but want to know how common this is. Has anyone gone through this and what are the odds of having to replace valves with my timing belt and water pump?
Also,If i need to replace valves can the head be pulled with the motor still in or does it have to be pulled?
Thanks in advance!!!!!!

well the timing belt is suposed to be changed every 105k miles im 12 mi from the big 100k on my 02 but in terms of how common the issue it is... every 00-04 xterra that dosnt change their timing belt at this interval its on the verge of failing.

187,000

I bought it with 120,000. and was told all proper maintenance had been done. I bought from a cop so i though I could trust him.

at 187k it was bound to fail if it didnt get replaced at 105k. and you can leave the block in the truck and just pull the head if you go for the repair it your self rout. i cant think of any issues there.

bummer dude, did you change the timing belt at or around 105k? if not, I am surpised that you made it to 187k. if you did have it changed that's real unlucky that it went.

I bought it with 120,000. and was told all proper maintenance had been done. I bought from a cop so i though I could trust him.

if you knew where the thing had supposedly been serviced you could have them pull the records to see if the tb was done. In any event it changes nothing and you are in for major motor work and it appears that you'll have to foot a big bill. Sorry man.

well def gonna do it my self. Anyone have any leads on a new motor in the Cincinnati area if it comes to that. I always like to have a back up plan, cause this my every day driver and need it up and running as soon as i can.

So does your Xterra run? If so, then your timing belt is not broken or stripped.

Get a second opinion dude.

So does your Xterra run? If so, then your timing belt is not broken or stripped.

Get a second opinion dude.

nope ... had to have towed to nissan. This really sucks! 5 days before christmas too!

Well, as said before, you really just need to redo the heads. No need to put a whole new motor in. I'm guessing the pistons may be scuffed a little but OK otherwise.

Check ebay. I've seen VG33 engines pop-up for sale there on several occasions. You might get lucky on that part. Definitely sucks though man. Hope you are able to straighten it out yourself without letting the mechanics take you to the cleaners.

Sorry to hear that - check out craigslist or ebay.

Looks like there are 4 on eBay now.

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=VG33+engine&_sacat=0&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_dmpt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&_odkw=VG33&_osacat=0

Any info on an engine swap?? just curious.

i know some one swaped an 00 into an 02 and had issues getting all the codes to clear...

What exactly did they say about the Timing belt? Worn? snapped? stripped teeth?

yea if your timing belt went and your valves are bent just get a complete set of heads with valves and your set. if you can do it yourself then do it. the stealership will rape you on this one. your better off doing just the heads cause trust me you don't want to pull the motor:

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk158/mene62374/3.jpg

mike those pictures are as good as a 1000 words

What exactly did they say about the Timing belt? Worn? snapped? stripped teeth?

They told me it had stripped teeth. Not sure yet, just order new timing belt and water pump. Get them tomorrow and digging in on Christmas day. Will keep ya posted, so every one can share my pain. LOL

Again, unless your engine was already shot such as bearings or rings, I would go for a head swap.

Also, make sure you also get a new tensioner, spring, & stud while you are in there.

Just because it has stripped teeth does not mean that the engine is bad, or the valves are bent.

They told me it had stripped teeth. Not sure yet, just order new timing belt and water pump. Get them tomorrow and digging in on Christmas day. Will keep ya posted, so every one can share my pain. LOL

good luck

Sorry it took so long But I wanted to share the good new!!!
I replaced the timing belt, tensioner, and water pump and its running like champ.
Also came across few issues i want to bounce off you guys.
The crank pully.....I had to pretty much break it into pieces to get it off. Is this normal or was mine just giving me a hard time. And yes I did have the proper tools to pull it off, puller, ect.
And i changed the spark plugs and WTF is up with that!
I pulled three that were still factory!!! (189,000 on motor)
And in changing them i could see why... go go gadget arm LOL
but all in all, Total expense $500 and about a full day in the garage.
Not too bad considering that Nissan wanted to rape for $800 just for the timing belt change. Not sure if that would have included the pully and water pump and tensioner.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q84/wasky0313/IMG00009.jpg

Sweet last post there;) You need to use the IMG code, not the a href

Are you sure that you had the factory ones in there, or did you have the same kind as stock? That is totally abnormal with the crank pulley. I have always just gone left and right and left and right, and wiggled it out of place. I hope you caked it with anti seize!

Do you mean the harmonic balancer or the crank gear for the timing belt? The harmonic balancer uses the bolt style puller (like a steering wheel puller) and I usually see either older Maxima and Quest crank gears get like that. If I'm going to replace the seal, I use some heat from a blue wrench to get it off or drill it and use a wedge drift to crack it to wiggle it off. They get a bit of rust in there if the last guy didn't put some anti-seize on it to prevent it from rusting.

But good job on not taking their word on the bent valves and fixing it yourself. Good job indeed!

glad all ended well!

187k miles and you're still towing it to the dealership? when you obviously have the skills to do fine work yourself?

glad everything worked out well for you but you should find youself a good independant mechanic. Good dealer mechanics are few and far between and they charge an arm and a leg.

hi five!!

Yeah man, good job! Smart move coming here for advice, and god job getting it done yourself.

Awesome. Glad to hear it all worked out.