97 pathfinder - new owner questions

The truck has TWO antenna's, and the system chooses which one is receiving the best signal to provide for best reception.

You definitely should change the timing belt. A break can have catastrophic results.

Willy

Here's where I'm confused. The 99 Nissan Quest has the VG Motor as well but it is non-interfering, I.e. if the belt breaks the engine stops working but no harm (other than the belt) is done to the engine. Did Nissan have 2 version of the VG motor, one which was interfering and one which wasn't?

CD

Yes, different design. Yours definitely has a belt, it will trash the valves if it breaks, and you are on borrowed time.

This is not the same engine set up as the Quest. You definitely need to change the belt or you could be faced with enormous repair bills.

Willy

Willy, thanks so much for the answer. So you are saying my engine is the type that if the belt breaks it will really damage the engine? what is that ...interfering? or non interfering??

thx, Tim

Willy wrote:

Interfering means that the valves come down far enough that if the belt breaks, they'll "interfere" with the piston. Higher performance engines have higher lift valves and hence interference. Minivan engines are typically lower performance. My mom broke a timing belt in her car (Chevette, I think), no problem, low performance, low lift, no interferance. But I know people who basically destroyed a motor if there was interference.

Basically, if the timing belt breaks, chances are your valves will make contact with your pistons, which could easily render the engine unworthy of repair.

Willy

In other words, your VG motor inside your 97 Pathfinder is an interfering design.

CD