[rickterra]

2004 3.3 SE
This is the sound I have after changing out the distributor. Smoke coming out around the manifold area. Timing is perfect and I did the relearn sequence that was required. The additional annoying sounds is the AC compressor bearing I believe. Any help is appreciated!

January 21, 2023

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[M-U-R-P-H]

Did it quit before you replaced the distributer?

Is it throwing any codes?

How long has it been since the timing belt was replaced?

 

[rickterra]

MURPH thanks for the questions. I replaced the distributor and the starter quit at the same time. Replaced both and had more codes. Fixed those and still have the knocking sound. I only have knock sensor codes now. Timing belt was done at 161,000.

 

[M-U-R-P-H]

I'm thinking something is wrong with the timing.

I'm not sure what you mean by the re-learn sequence?

And if you're sure the timing is correct I would pull the top of the timing belt cover and see if it jumped. .

 

[MeToo]

There is something very wrong inside that poor engine. The knocking is almost certainly a rod knocking on the crank. The "squish" sound could be from compression that has nowhere to go from failing to open one or both valves, or possibly from one cylinder just not firing.

Getting to the t-belt cover will mean pulling all 3 belts off, along with the fan and brackets, but you should be able to leave the harmonic balancer on. However, one nice note on both of the times that I've done the t-belt (2001 and 2004), each of the new harmonic balancers slid on and off with just my hands once the original was off, so you might be able to remove fairly easily it to gain a full view of the t-belt.

 

[XT2015]

MURPH thanks for the questions. I replaced the distributor and the starter quit at the same time. Replaced both and had more codes. Fixed those and still have the knocking sound. I only have knock sensor codes now. Timing belt was done at 161,000.

From what I'm reading here is the knock sound wasn't there until you replaced the distributor. Seems the motor didn't fail while you were replacing the distributor but you have the distributor installed and set such that your timing is now so advanced that it's got preignition knock.

 

[rickterra]

I'm thinking something is wrong with the timing.

I'm not sure what you mean by the re-learn sequence?

And if you're sure the timing is correct I would pull the top of the timing belt cover and see if it jumped. .

I tried different settings with the distributor and on tooth off means it wont start or run. I starts and idles fine. The belt was done by a Mitsubishi dealer. I cant imagine the belt jumping but not ruling it out. Will I be able to tell if it has jumped by removing the stated cover? After replacing the distributor the is a sequence to the tps to relearn where it should be. Thanks again for the inpuit.

 

[rickterra]

From what I'm reading here is the knock sound wasn't there until you replaced the distributor. Seems the motor didn't fail while you were replacing the distributor but you have the distributor installed and set such that your timing is now so advanced that it's got preignition knock.

I found tdc on #1 and set the distributor. Also purposely tried it on a different tooth but it wouldn't run then. I totally get what you're saying though.

 

[rickterra]

There is something very wrong inside that poor engine. The knocking is almost certainly a rod knocking on the crank. The "squish" sound could be from compression that has nowhere to go from failing to open one or both valves, or possibly from one cylinder just not firing.

Getting to the t-belt cover will mean pulling all 3 belts off, along with the fan and brackets, but you should be able to leave the harmonic balancer on. However, one nice note on both of the times that I've done the t-belt (2001 and 2004), each of the new harmonic balancers slid on and off with just my hands once the original was off, so you might be able to remove fairly easily it to gain a full view of the t-belt.

Me too thanks. That doesn't sound like fun but I'm in it to get back on the road. Could you see the smoke in my posted video coming from down around the Manifold? Could this not be the knocking sound?

 

[M-U-R-P-H]

Me too thanks. That doesn't sound like fun but I'm in it to get back on the road. Could you see the smoke in my posted video coming from down around the Manifold? Could this not be the knocking sound?

I'm thinking that's just oil from the valve cover gasket running onto the exhaust manifold.

And it won't throttle up or anything right? Not that you should though.

@MeToo do you known anything of this relearn sequence, cause i sure would like to know about it.

 

[rickterra]

I'm thinking that's just oil from the valve cover gasket running onto the exhaust manifold.

And it won't throttle up or anything right? Not that you should though.

@MeToo do you known anything of this relearn sequence, cause i sure would like to know about it.

It could be and I did remove and reinstall the valve cover on the passenger side. I inspected the gasket and reinstalled. I dont see where any oil is leaking from to run down onto the headers. I'm going to get a mirror to see if I can locate the source. It will rev up and is part of the relearn sequence. Page 601

 

[XT2015]

I found tdc on #1 and set the distributor. Also purposely tried it on a different tooth but it wouldn't run then. I totally get what you're saying though.

Is your TDC on the compression stroke when both valves are closed? Has to be this TDC. Are you measuring compression to be sure? That's easier than knowing if the valves are closed.
Factory Service Manuals - NICOclub
page EC-601

 

[Lord_Jesus_Of_Pringles]

It could be and I did remove and reinstall the valve cover on the passenger side. I inspected the gasket and reinstalled. I dont see where any oil is leaking from to run down onto the headers. I'm going to get a mirror to see if I can locate the source. It will rev up and is part of the relearn sequence. Page 601

Hello! I had a similar issue with my xterra sounding like a diesel if you want to hear what mine sounded like -->Xterra diesel My problem was the rapid tapping sound was the valve colliding with the piston ultimately ruining my intake valves.. I would look more into the timing and make sure it's fully aligned.. I myself thought my chain was fully aligned and in order but boy was I wrong.. I can't give to much info though as I got the 2.4l instead of the 3.3l

 

[rickterra]

Is your TDC on the compression stroke when both valves are closed? Has to be this TDC. Are you measuring compression to be sure? That's easier than knowing if the valves are closed.
Factory Service Manuals - NICOclub
page EC-601

I used a wood dowel rod to determine TDC. I guess I could go buy a compression tester to be sure.

 

[MeToo]

I'm thinking that's just oil from the valve cover gasket running onto the exhaust manifold.

And it won't throttle up or anything right? Not that you should though.

@MeToo do you known anything of this relearn sequence, cause i sure would like to know about it.

I have not done it on mine, but might end up doing so soon. I'll be replacing all 6 injectors, FIPR, and plugs. While there, I plan to do both valve cover gaskets.

I'm sure there's something weird that has to be done, so doing the relearn will just be more for me to learn before getting this thing back on the road.

The FSMs should have the procedure.

 

[rickterra]

I have not done it on mine, but might end up doing so soon. I'll be replacing all 6 injectors, FIPR, and plugs. While there, I plan to do both valve cover gaskets.

I'm sure there's something weird that has to be done, so doing the relearn will just be more for me to learn before getting this thing back on the road.

The FSMs should have the procedure.

There is a specific voltage that the TPS has to be set too (4.6) if you remove it. Lots of videos for that.

 

[rickterra]

Hello! I had a similar issue with my xterra sounding like a diesel if you want to hear what mine sounded like -->Xterra diesel My problem was the rapid tapping sound was the valve colliding with the piston ultimately ruining my intake valves.. I would look more into the timing and make sure it's fully aligned.. I myself thought my chain was fully aligned and in order but boy was I wrong.. I can't give to much info though as I got the 2.4l instead of the 3.3l

Thanks LJP. I'm guessing its something simple that I'm missing thats causing the noise.

 

[XT2015]

I used a wood dowel rod to determine TDC. I guess I could go buy a compression tester to be sure.

Only trouble there is the wood dowel doesn't know the difference between compression and exhaust.

 

[rickterra]

Only trouble there is the wood dowel doesn't know the difference between compression and exhaust.

Agreed. I have to have it bassackwards.