The Nissan Path

Can the crank be replaced without removing the heads?

Can the rods be replaced without removing the heads?

2001 Pathfinder 3.5L

Thanks.

The crank can be replaced without moving the heads, but you will have to remove the engine, front cover and at least the primary timing chain...along with the oil pan, of course. In order to replace the rods, you will need to remove the pistons, which requires removing the heads.

How would I go about finding a good used or new crank?

You probably won't find one new; it's a discontinued part from Nissan and I'm not aware of any on the aftermarket. For used, try a salvage yard. You could search for one at Car-part.com. Have you considered installing a used engine? It'd be less hassle in the long run and a reputable salvage yard would provide a warranty.

The problem is that:

The engine I need is only in the 2001 and 2002 with a manual trans.

The 2003 and 2004 wont work.

No engine from an automatic will work.


So its very hard to find a motor that will fit, and the ones that will are like $1200. Plus I would have to pay $350 for installation, plus extras like fluids and spark plugs. If I put $1500-$2,000 into it, I have approached the value of the vehicle. They only sell for around $2500 max in this area.

Try Car-part.com. They let you search for a VQ35DE w/ M/T. They have some in the $350-$500 range.

I tried calling some, but they either don't ship engines, or the shipping is way too much. Do you know of any other resources?

I use Lacey Auto Parts in Virginia, but I don't know where you are located so I don't know if that's close to you or not. The do ship, however.

http://www.lacyauto.com/

I called your parts place. They said $1250 for the motor. I said it was too expensive. He said "how does $1050 sound", I said no thanks. He said it could be delivered to Washington State for $200 shipping.

Got any other ideas?

All I can say is try Ebay, Craig's list or see if a local salvage yard can locate one for you at a reasonable price.