[adamu51]

Hi guys, long time lurker, first time poster! My name is Adam and I live in Denver, CO.

i'll try and make a long story short, but its kind of a long story.
Black friday of last year i bought an '02 SC MT 4WD Xterra, 138k (currently at 143k) miles.

A few months ago, the water pump seized up on me on the highway about 75mi from home. I had it towed to a local midas for repair. They replaced the water pump/belt & thermostat, the timing belt, and the alternator belt. Since that "repair" the truck hasn't been the same. Its GROSSLY underpowered; To the point that the motor strains to pull (and overheats) on the smallest neighborhood hill, will barely do 55 on the highway (downhill with a tailwind i can do 57), She overheats at the slightest whim, and has regularly stranded me in the worst places to be stranded in rural Colorado.

So before you ask, heres the breakdown:
Replaced the fuel pump/filter/ fuel sending unit.
Replaced alternator.
Replaced water pump/belt, thermostat, timing belt, alternator belt.
Full tune up. plugs (including #6 !) wires, full Dizzy.
Replaced CKP sensor (still throws P0335 - CKP CEL)
Replaced/relocated Knock sensor.
I'm pretty sure the SC is trashed. it knocks and pings and clatters like a somofa... (SC wastegate isnt currently in bypass)
Truck as always had 91 (Premium in CO) Gasoline.

Im at the end of my rope with this thing and if i have to sink much more money into it, Im going to light it on fire and push it into a river where ever it strands me next.

The ongoing CKP CEL is making me wonder if the timing (albeit correct on the dizzy) is off a tooth/tooth+ on the belt itself, causing any/all my problems? has anyone seen that?

HAAAAALLLP!

Signed,
Grasping at straws

 

[ProfitOfDoom]

If timing is off it will ping away and make little power for sure. I would have that checked,Sounds like the Midas guys may have not done a good job,and maybe didnt set it right?
I would also check to make sure you put all the plug wires in their correct location and didnt cross any up on accident.

 

[beef tits]

First of all, I wouldn't trust Midas to change my oil, let alone a timing belt. It sounds like they missed something major.

Check your oil and coolant for cross contamination. Do a compression test on all cylinders. If your pump came apart its possible there are pieces still in the engine clogging up areas. Also possible that Midas(s) didn't do the belt right - could be off a tooth.

Honestly, take it to a reputable shop (not Midas or any other chain) I see you are in Denver, try Downing St Garage.

 

[adamu51]

Thanks Guys.

Normally I wouldn't trust midas either. unfortunately I was passing through one town on my way to another town in southern CO when this happened, and my knowledge of shops in said town is nil. midas was the first return when i googled "mechanics near me". since I had to be towed, "near me" was the best i could do.