I have 2003 V6 XE xterra with 142k miles, besides oil changes and batteries I done very little and the truck has been great.

Yesterday driving with the gas light on for 20+ miles I pulled into my daughter school and when we came out it would crank but wouldn't turn over. I figured that I ran out of gas. Put two or so gallons in and still wouldn't turn over. I then figured it was the fuel pump. Measured 12 volts at the unit and disconnected the fuel outlet line and it was pumping just fine. I did change the fuel filter (original).

Now I got nervous, and figured it was the time belt, also original with 142k miles. Took off the dist cap and the rotor was not turning when I cranked the engine. So, I took everything apart with exception of the crank pulley to inspect in the belt and the belt looks ok but a little loose. Tomorrow I'll finish the job when I get a puller and parts.

Any suggestions?

Definitely the timing belt

I think so too. Did some more reading and it is probably has missing teeth down at the crank shaft. I'll find out tomorrow.

Unfortunately it probably took out the motor in the process. Thats why they say 7 years/100k.... Good luck

Dang!! Yeah, it is most likely your TB and crank pulley (if it is missing teeth). I recently changed mine, make sure you have good tension on the TB so it doesn't jump any teeth.

Get your TB from Courtesy Parts ->Click Here (http://www.courtesyparts.com/xterra-parts-wd22-2000-2004/maintenance/timing-belt-parts-kits/-c-532_22_523.html)

To check to see if I trashed the motor (which I'll have to fix) can I just put on a new belt and see if it will turn over without putting all the other stuff back on?

Here's an update:

I removed the crank pulley and lower timing belt cover and yes I am missing 9 teeth on the belt.

I'm thinking of just installing a new belt on putting everything back and hope and pray that it will start. If it does then I'll order a kit and redo the installation.

I read through the service manual and it seems fairly straightforward as aligning the marks on the three pulleys (no. 1 cyl at TDC on compression stroke), put the belt on and set the tension. Am I missing something?

This may come in handy :)
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/xterra/2003_Xterra/

A thread on timing belt replacement.
http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2751


Good luck man, I hope it works out for ya.

thanks! I already got the service manual downloaded from a sticky in this forum which is awesome by the way. And I've read through that DIY-HOW-TO. One of the pictures shows the three alignment marks along with the lines on the belt.

Well I got thing back together and it started and runs beautifully. I consider myself lucky. Now... to take care of other deferred maintenance.

Lucky INDEED!!