New Member, New Nissan Owner

[Sayer]

Hi all new to the board and (actually owning) a Nissan truck. Just purchased a 1988 Nissan Desert Runner that doesn't run (needs timing belt replacement according to seller) so I may be posting later in tears

Started lusting after this truck on another forum but never thought I'd have the opportunity to get my hands on one.

[the x kid]

Welcome to the club.


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[Miner]

What motor is in it? Can't say I'm overly familiar with 80's Nissan's.

[Snafu]

Welcome!

Hopefully the belt was not broken or skipped some teeth and simply needs replacing with tensioner and whatever else is lurking under there (ex. water pump).

Mayhaps in the olden days they actually used a chain instead of these dumb belts???

[Sayer]

:pics:

What motor is in it? Can't say I'm overly familiar with 80's Nissan's.

These came with a 3.0 V6. The 4s had the timing chain. Not certain, but I think the motor might be in the VG Engine family.

Edit: It's a VG30

[the x kid]

Awesome.

[Sayer]

Here's the original commercial for the truck:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RKyWJAEAGA

[Bow_Tied]

Welcome! Great rig, love it. IIRC the VG3.0 is the same engine in that era pathy predating the 3.3L

[the x kid]

Here's the original commercial for the truck:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RKyWJAEAGA

wow! Now I want one.


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[Miner]

Awesome.

x2

[Sayer]

Anyone know a garage near Waterdown that will do the brakes/lines on such an old truck?

[Bow_Tied]

Anyone know a garage near Waterdown that will do the brakes/lines on such an old truck?

The service manager at Milton Nissan, Mike, is admin here, I'd recommend you talk with him. He treats members here well.

[Sayer]

Anyone know a garage near Waterdown that will do the brakes/lines on such an old truck?

The service manager at Milton Nissan, Mike, is admin here, I'd recommend you talk with him. He treats members here well.

Thanks, what's his handle?

[the x kid]

@Morpheus


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[Morpheus]

PM sent

[Sayer]

Well. Motor is toast. Zero compression, so best assumption is timing belt failed at speed and all the valves are bendy. If anyone has a source on an engine rebuilder or a second hand VG30i, I'm all ears. Got quoted $6500 already for a rebuild. Even if I pick up a second hand $1000 motor and have the dealership install it it'd still be cheaper than that.

[the x kid]

Sorry to hear that. Hope you find a motor and get it in there.


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[Miner]

VK56 swap, or Cummins Crate Engine.

[Sayer]

Anyone want it?

[Drizit]

Anyone want it?

Don't tell me you are giving up on your baby already. If it's not your dd this is the perfect time to learn to wrench on things. Check out car-part.com and look for a used motor then spend the money you would have put into labor on tools and swap it yourself. Sure it may take time but you don't exactly have a deadline.