I have a 98 pathfinder and it’s due a timing belt.
1. What are all the parts that I should change to maintain reliability?
It’s 181k miles and it runs great but i’m worried of the belt snapping.
2. It also has an oil leak I suspect from the valve covers but also from the oil pan. In that scenario, should I get a OEM gasket or just use silicone gasket maker?
@jerry16
Lucky you! Hundred-eighty-one thousand miles and timing belt didn’t snap yet? [ it’s an interference engine and when it snaps, … bye, bye engine!]
Anyway, … it is not a difficult job - and not expensive in parts, but time consuming one - if you do it yourself, that is. Lots of disassembly and reassembly required. All straight forward, though. It took me a week to do it. Dealer, on the other hand, quoted me well over a grand - don’t remember exactly, since it was about 15 years ago.
Job itself: … beside the belt, I would change cam seals, tensioner, water pump, gaskets.
Of course, what condition is your truck? Is it worth more than cost of actual job?
Mine - ‘97 SE model, four wheel drive, I sold it about 10 years ago, … but I still see it running around - sold it to a guy several blocks down from me. It had 198 thousand kilometres on the clock at that point. In fact, it was probably the best vehicle out of all vehicles I owned. Never needed any repairs, … even a stupid battery was never changed! FWIW, …
Best,
F.S.
I always believe that good Maintenance will not leave you stranded side the road if you want to keep the car you will need to do the timing belt "shop on line " you can find some good deals if you take the time to look. As for your oil leak I always use gaskets when available
This motor is exactly the same as the 84 thru 89 300zx but with a bigger oil pan and crank. The original belt does wear and crack with age ... regardless of milage. I would recommend replacing the timing belt. These cars are getting older and older. Its not like they were 10 years ago because the rubber was 10 years younger. I have owned my 300zx for 9 years and replaced the timing belt right when I got it. Even though it said it was replaced 100k miles ago it was still cracked and worn. It now has 300k miles and runs amazing.
Also fel pro gaskets are just fine as long as they are installed correctly. I.e proper torque and silicone where needed.
Don't waste the cash, the car itself isn't worth the cost of the timing belt replacement with labor cost considered. Also, I have seen these go well over 200k with the original timing belt. However, this model does have an interference engine so if the timing belt does break then the motor is done. But also consider you will probably need to change out the water pump if you change the timing belt so figure that into the cost as well!
@toylex420
As for the labor it’s free cause i’ll do it myself, but thanks!