I recently got a 2020 Nissan frontier with the new 3.8l V6 paired with the new 9 speed Jatco transmission that has 55,000 miles on the odometer. So far It has been a great truck. My only real concern is that there is not a lot of information about the new 3.8l V6 engine when it comes to preforming repairs, while the 4.0l and 3.5l have tons of guides and videos covering a lof of repairs. My question is, would I be able to follow those same repair guides and videos for those engines and apply it to the 3.8l? (Specifically when I eventually have to change the spark plugs and the water pump when it goes.)
information about the new 3.8l V6 engine when it comes to preforming repairs, while the 4.0l and 3.5l
3.8L VQ38DD
4.0L VQ40DE (a bigger VQ35DE)
Nissan made at least three 3.5L engines, but to my knowledge none went into a Frontier.
All are 60º V6 DOHC all-aluminum engines (VQ family).
'DD' series engines (direct injection)
Newer design. Smaller but higher compression engine.
special heads with centered spark plugs and angled injectors near intake port
No exhaust headers (single port)
camshaft driven high pressure fuel pump.
Three timing chains (variable). water pump is on main chain
electronic throttle body
Plastic intake (upper & lower)
Plastic valve cover
Internal water pump. Replacement is extremely involved.
DE engines (port injected).
cable actuated throttle body
Three timing chains (variable)
aluminum (lower) and plastic (upper) intake
Plastic valve cover
It's easier to replace the engine than the timing chain driven water pump.
would I be able to follow those same repair guides and videos for those engines and apply it to the 3.8l?
Probably not the answer you wanted, but: I doubt it.
Spark plugs will be different for sure.
Personally I would find the service manual for my particular vehicle.
Well those are generally very good engines, as long as they are maintained because if not they often end up burning oil. If taken care of, they can last quite some time unless some Maniac owned it previously and beat the heck out of it. Any mechanic like myself can tell within an hour of analysis would shape. It's in if you wanted an in-depth analysis of that particular vehicle
@scottykilmer I see, I’m not worried about anything particular at all the moment, the only thing that concerns me is the chain driven water pump, though I’ve seen several people claim that theirs have last well over 200k miles before it needed to be replaced and by then I’m sure there will be a guide showing the replacement of those pumps on the 3.8l.