[3dog]

I've read mudpunisher's article on the 3.3l timing belt, but I guess the post is old and the pictures are no more.
Timing belt 3.3 V6 | Nissan Frontier Forum (clubfrontier.org)

I still have one nagging question. @152k miles, I find no record where the company that owned my truck previously changed the timing belt. Should I be worried? Should I buy the water pump, gaskets and timing belt now and get it done as soon as it thaws here?

I know this is subjective, but I'm asking for the opinions of the community. I know what the service manual says, I want to know what you say.

 

[Cusser]

I'd change the timing belt immediately as you have zero documentation stating that it has ever been done.

 

[3dog]

I'd change the timing belt immediately as you have zero documentation stating that it has ever been done.

That’s what I thought. 🥳🤦‍♂️

Looks like I’m placing another order with RockAuto.com.

 

[smj999smj]

I usually go with the Gates Timing Belt Component Kit w/ Water Pump. That'll give you the belt, water pump & gasket and tensioner. I'll also get a thermostat and two, front camshaft seals and one, front crankshaft seal from Nissan. If replacing the drive belts, as well, I usually go with Bando brand from Rockauto or genuine Nissan. It's also a good time to replace the bypass hose, which requires removing the rear timing belt cover (which will be required if replacing the cam seals). If you do that, get the bypass hose from Nissan.

 

[3dog]

I usually go with the Gates Timing Belt Component Kit w/ Water Pump. That'll give you the belt, water pump & gasket and tensioner. I'll also get a thermostat and two, front camshaft seals and one, front crankshaft seal from Nissan. If replacing the drive belts, as well, I usually go with Bando brand from Rockauto or genuine Nissan. It's also a good time to replace the bypass hose, which requires removing the rear timing belt cover (which will be required if replacing the cam seals). If you do that, get the bypass hose from Nissan.

See the "build" thread...
All the other "while you're in there" parts is great information.

 

[3dog]

Timing belt and water pump and accessory drive belts replaced 2-19-23 at 152465 miles.
Removed the wiring harness to the front for better access. I don't think those connectors have EVER been unplugged in 20 years.
It took forever to figure out how to unbolt the crank pulley. I don't know who this guy is and comments are disabled on his video, but dude saved my bacon. I used the same process on the opposite side to torque that sucker to 150 Ft/lbs.
Inspected cam seals and front crank seal, neither were leaking.
Another PITA that no one mentions is burping the cooling system. I'm working in the garage and coolant is puking everywhere as the top end warms up. (facepalm)

Job done. No exploding on startup. As you can see, I wrote the date in paint marker on the belt along with the underhood sticker that Gates provides for documentation. I bought paint markers just for this job and now I'm kicking myself for not buying them sooner. Incredibly useful and inexpensive.

 

[paulforeman02]

Nice work! The paint makers are a nice tool for sure. Glad to see someone putting so much work into a 1st gen!

 

[Cusser]

Nice pictures, for sure.

My two Frontiers have timing chains, so I don't need to be concerned with this, but my 1988 Mazda truck does have a timing belt, which I have changed.