The Nissan Path

I was pulling a small u-Haul style enclosed trailer down the interstate and the passing gear engaged, we were doing about 55MPH, and all of the sudden, the engine went dead. No strange sounds, just as if someone shut off the key. I got the truck pulled off the highway, and it started to stink. Bad. Not sure what it smelled like, but it smelled hot. I tried to restart the engine, and it turned over really, really fast, but no attempt to start.

I had the truck and trailer towed home.

My questions: timing belt? head gasket? burned piston?

The engine turns over fast, but does not even try to start. Coolant looks normal, as does the motor oil. I'm leaning towards timing belt. If it's the timing belt, I guess I'm looking at bent valves and holes in pistons?

Thanks to any who can help.

1996 Pathfinder 4WD 3.3L V6

how many kms on your pathfinder? The timing belts are good for 180000kms. I had mine replaced at 155000, and the belt looked brand new so I would think you'd have to have high miles for it to go.