Hey all, I'm trying to help my ex with my ex-xterra. It just shut off on her in line to pick the kids up today. The battery was covered in corrosion, but it checked out ok at the parts store and has been cleaned up, but now it cranks good but will not start. Thanks for any ideas!

How many miles are on it? If you're at 100K+, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I'm afraid you might be looking at a snapped timing belt. Does it turn over when you start but doesn't fire? When you try to turn it over, does the starter seem to turn much faster than normal? If so, 99% chance it is a broken timing belt. :(

Yeah I read a lot of posts last night about timing belts going bad after 105,000 miles. Not sure how many miles are on it but it's surely past that and has had no major incidents that I couldn't fix until now. She had it towed to the shop this morning and the belt is what they are telling her.

I'm trying to help my ex with my ex-xterra.
LOL.
broken belt or missing teeth.

i hate chains....i'm gonna look into a gear drive kit.