[old-school]

Hi ALL,
New Xterra owner here.
Gilbert,AZ.
2002
138,000 miles
4x4
3.3 v-6 not sc
Auto
Couple of questions
1-Does this motor have a timing belt or chain? I live in a world of 3 VW beetles that need the timing belts changed at 80-100,000 miles or kaboom and need to know if this needs to be changed asap.
2-Seeing post out there for changing out the radiator with a newer model radiator?
3-I am getting 17.5 to 17.9 mpg is this about right? running 70 mph I am pulling about 2700 rpm again is this about right or is the OD not working
OD light does not come on/off when button pressed.
Any tips on "look out for this or need to change that" would be appreciated.

Sincerely,
old-school

 

[redxfromnj]

For your questions:
1 a 2003 has a timing belt
2. changing radiator to a newer model dealt with the SMOD which occurred in 2005+ where the coolant mixed with the transmission. You could upgrade the radiator to the supercharge radiator for your year but not a requirement
3 not sure should wait until someone else chimes in.

 

[VTCMart]

1. If you have no record of the timing belt change DO IT ASAP! I bought one with 145k on original timing belt. When I tore into it the belt had over 2" of deflection (looseness) but somehow had not skipped a tooth. Spec is only 15mm deflection. Ran much quieter after replacement as well.

3. Does your OD light illuminate at key-on before startup? If not maybe the bulb is just burned out.

 

[carid]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Glad to have you here. There is a ton of information about our platform with supporting vendors who can get you where you want to go. Be sure to reach out if there something we could do to help!