[Xterra2017]

Hello,
I have a 2000 Xterra that runs and drives fine when it starts up I can drive it non-stop without a problem.The problem occurs when I stop somewhere and shut the engine off and restart it it runs like it's missing and has a hard time getting to 45mph.I don't have a check engine light but there is a PO325 code,knock sensor.I have replaced plugs NGK,wires,cap and rotor and fuel filter. I will be working on it this weekend replacing the valve cover gaskets(leaking) and upper plenum gasket along with all vacuum lines and possibly the fuel injectors.
Any help on this problem would be greatly appreciated!
Xterra 2017

 

[Craigc]

I'm a complete noob with the xterra, I just bought one a week ago not running. If I were you I would check the distributor, there is many posts about how to check it on this site. Apparently the bearing in the distributor fails which is quite common. It doesn't cost anything to check it and at worst will show a future failure. I've read posts on this site that say to remove the distributor cap and look for loose / missing parts and black dust. its supposed to be very clean inside and if not it maybe wearing out. Grab the shaft of the distributor and try to move it up/down and side to side. Also I'd check the fuel pressure if you have the equipment to do so. Just an idea. Hope it helps

 

[GaMudsLut]

I'm a complete noob with the xterra, I just bought one a week ago not running. If I were you I would check the distributor, there is many posts about how to check it on this site. Apparently the bearing in the distributor fails which is quite common. It doesn't cost anything to check it and at worst will show a future failure. I've read posts on this site that say to remove the distributor cap and look for loose / missing parts and black dust. its supposed to be very clean inside and if not it maybe wearing out. Grab the shaft of the distributor and try to move it up/down and side to side. Also I'd check the fuel pressure if you have the equipment to do so. Just an idea. Hope it helps

Yeah the distributor is one of the weak spots in the old engine design. I had a similar issue with my 04 X, it started with the distributor and ended with timing belt change.. when it rains it pours.

 

[Xterra2017]

Thank you both for your replies.I checked the distributor for movement and didn't find any.The way it's acting I'm wondering if it isn't more likely fuel related.

 

[kms1990]

Thank you both for your replies.I checked the distributor for movement and didn't find any.The way it's acting I'm wondering if it isn't more likely fuel related.

doubt it, the distributor really is a major issue with the 3.3 v6, i would start by changing this before doing anything else as theyre under $300 and easy to change yourself

 

[miskywhisky]

Sounds exactly like mine when the distributor went out. Are you having a hard time reving up the engine too? When you pulled the cap was there a reddish brown dust in there? If so thats a sure fire bad bearing, very common but cheap fix. Clean it up replace the $2 bearing and you'll be good.