Posted: Apr 09 2010 at 4:20pm | IP Logged

2003 Crewcab XE 2wd 3.3 V6 (74k miles)

Lately, I've noticed a rattling, chattering noise coming from the distributor area of the engine.  My original thought that the noise was coming from under the timing belt cover (possibly from the tensioner or another pulley), but after using a piece of hose to listen to specific things in that area, it almost sounds more like it is coming from the distributor itself.  I pulled the cap thinking I'd find some play in the shaft tugging on the rotor, but it feels tight. 

Seems like the timing belt could go a bit longer than 74k, right?  I hate to start guessing and replacing things that don't need replacing.  Any ideas??

Thanks

Posted: Apr 18 2010 at 7:32pm | IP Logged

hey guys, i was strolling through the world wide web and came across your problem. i have the exect problem. Did u find that when you put ur finger on the distributor and reved the engine that it made it feel like there was something wrong with the unit. well i did and based on that i went and bought a new distributor. put it in and nothing changed, the problem persisted. so i am very interested to see if this timing belt change will work on fixing them problem.

thanks,

nathan

p.s. i am new(hey) from the great white north and drive a semi modded xterra.

Posted: Apr 21 2010 at 4:39pm | IP Logged

Yep - sure did annnnnnnd I'm right in the middle of fixing it.  It's the timing belt as Frontierguy suggested above.  I decided to dig into it and when I pulled everything apart, my belt was really loose.  I cannot believe it hadn't slipped off yet.  Anyway, I purchased the kit from Courtesy Nissan (great place) and am replacing everything now.  I hope that helps.

Frontierguy or anyone who can help, I have a question.  Regarding the way the 2 washers go on (what order do they stack) when putting your tensioner back on. There is a real thin one (blackish in color) and a normal sized one (bronze in color).  I cannot remember if the black one goes on first (sits against the tensioner) and the thicker one goes on over it followed by the nut or if the thick one goes on first (against the tensioner) and then the thin one over it followed by the nut??  The reference material is not clear.