Some Mechanical Questions about the V6

I tried to search for this info but came up in a Honda forum?? Please bear with me if this has already been discussed.

Does the Xterra 3.3L V6 have a timing belt or chain? If it's a belt how often should it be changed? Finally, is it "interference" or "non-interference"? Interference meaning if the timing belt snaps it takes out the valves.

Also how many quarts of oil does the V6 hold?

How often should the front wheel bearings be re-packed with grease? 30K miles?

Thanks in advance,

Soon to trade TRD Tacoma in on 2002 Xterra.

The V6 has a belt.

The 4 that comes in the X has a chain.

Yes the search feature is weird. The one at the top of the page searches every forum that's why you got Honda info.

3.5 quart oil capacity
Inspect front wheel bearings at 15K intervals and repack at 30K intervals

Do not be concerned that the 3.3L V6 has a measly 3.5 quart oil capacity. This engine is based on the 3.0L VG30 engine that has been around since the mid-80s, including duty as a 300 hp twin-turbo in the 300ZX and has proven its durability. The oil capacity is sufficient, trust me.

Brent

The dealer tells me that the timing belt doesn't need to be changed until the 105,000 mile mark, but they could not tell me if it was an interference or non-interference engine design. Does anyone know of a corporate Nissan number I can call to get this info?

BTW, I'm going to pick up my 2002 SE 4x4 Thursday night. They had to locate a black one for me.

Originally posted by Toy4x4Guy
BTW, I'm going to pick up my 2002 SE 4x4 Thursday night. They had to locate a black one for me.

I think I saw somewhere that it is an interference type engine. Let me be the first to congratulate you on your new X.

Originally posted by mudflap


I think I saw somewhere that it is an interference type engine. Let me be the first to congratulate you on your new X.

Many thanks! I think I'm going to really like it. The truck was originally purchased for off roading, but I'm going to get a trail vehicle for that and the X seemed like a nicer daily driver as far as ride and amenities.

The Nissan mechanics I talked to said they didn't know if it was interference or not. I hope it's NOT as that is a BAD thing if the belt ever breaks. The mechanics did say they had NEVER seen one break though, that's why they weren't sure.

The old 3.0 IS and interference motor, so I will go out on a limb and say that the 3.3 is too.

When I had the Timing Belt changed on my Pathfinder (VG30E engine, very similar) at 120k miles it still looked like new, some of the teeth were a little more rounded that the others but only by hundredths of an inch.

I'd say stick to the maint. schedule in the owners manual and you'll never have to find out if its an interferance engine first hand.;)

Originally posted by Toy4x4Guy
[BTW, I'm going to pick up my 2002 SE 4x4 Thursday night. They had to locate a black one for me. [/B]

I have the black one as well and really love it. Congrats on the new X.

SarnX.

Originally posted by an1malch1n
so I will go out on a limb and say that the 3.3 is too.

As you can see several posts up, OffroadX is out on a limbl! :hehe: He better get off before Paul Bunyan wakes up ...

how much does it cost to have on replaced. parts and labor

Varies, try calling your dealer or trusted mechanic and asking...