Posted: Aug 08 2011 at 8:55am | IP Logged

2002 Frontier S/C ~100K

I recent bought this truck from a private seller knowing I had a few issues to fix.  Unfortunately I'm finding a few more on top of the ones I had known about.  It's a good truck and I want to get it in the condition it should be in.

My first issue is a "grinding" sound coming from the engine compartment.  On first thought I presumed it was a tensioner pulley bearing of some sort but after further reading I'm suspecting a timing belt.  It has never had the TB replaced.  My questions are these: Is this sound representative of a TB issue?  If not, what else could it be?  I've heard changing the TB is a real pain due to how tight everything is, is this true?  Do I really need to replace the Water Pump if it is working now, I realize the seals need replaced but the pump itself as well? 

My second issue is my SES light.  I had the code read when I got the truck aligned and was told it was a EVAP leak.  I believe it was a P0404 but I'll check later and be sure.  I did notice the light was intermittent but not it is on all the time.  I noticed the smell of gas outside the truck, inside would be very bad, when the tank is full.  From the reading I've done I'm assuming it could be the VCV stuck open?  I dont have the air rush when I open the gas cap and I do tighten the gas cap every time.  Is there a sticky for VCV related work on the forum as I couldn't find one?

Thirdly, I have some simpler questions on projects I'm concluding on the truck.  I need to replace some of the exhaust. This is one part of the car I tend to avoid working on but this problem seems easy enough.  Are there any good places to purchase exhaust parts (muffler)?  Also, I am on the hunt for tires as well (P265/65R17).  Any suggestions on a place to shop for them?

Any and all help given is greatly appreciated.  I am not the worlds most experienced or best mechanic but I can read directions, I have an aptitude for how to treat parts and how systems work, and when all else fails I have people willing to help me figure it out.