[Osowolf]

Hey - I have an 03 xterra 3.3 with a knock sensor code. I initially changed the knock sensor and put every back together it started up just fine but realized I had a coolant leak from the manifold gasket. Got back in there cleaned up the mess replaced the gasket, put everything back in place also replaced all the spark plugs and now it won't start. It'll crank and it wants to turn over but it just can't and there's loud thumping (not clicking or grinding) sound that seems to be coming from the manifold area. I have fuel pressure and spark and am completely lost at what the problem could be. I might be overlooking it and it very well might be the new spark plugs but I've never come across that loud thumping to be a spark plug issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[M-U-R-P-H]

Did you remove the distributer?
Is it a electrical pop, or a metal on metal knock?

 

[Osowolf]

I did remove the distributor (both times). I'm very new to working on cars so bear with me - im not familiar with electrical pop - it's like a rubber mallet hitting on the inside. It doesn't really sound like metal on metal (no real resemblance of any kind of clank sound that's common with metal to metal). The teeth on the distributor look fine (if that helps)

 

[Osowolf]

Did you remove the distributer?
Is it a electrical pop, or a metal on metal knock?

I did remove the distributor (both times). I'm very new to working on cars so bear with me - im not familiar with electrical pop - it's like a rubber mallet hitting on the inside. It doesn't really sound like metal on metal (no real resemblance of any kind of clank sound that's common with metal to metal). The teeth on the distributor look fine (if that helps)

 

[M-U-R-P-H]

Is it rhythmic, like constant?

You could have the distributer 180⁰ off.
Even though you have spark, it doesn't mean it's at the right time.

 

[M-U-R-P-H]

And your sure you didn't drop anything down the intake😃

 

[Osowolf]

Is it rhythmic, like constant?

You could have the distributer 180⁰ off.
Even though you have spark, it doesn't mean it's at the right time.

It does seem rhythmic
I'll definitely look into the distributor and let ya know how it goes.

My goodness i hope i dropped nothing down the intake 😬😳!!
I don't think so but fingers crossed

 

[Osowolf]

Is it rhythmic, like constant?

You could have the distributer 180⁰ off.
Even though you have spark, it doesn't mean it's at the right time.

The issue was it not being timed properly! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!!!