1987 Nissan Pathfinder VERY Loud Clicking

KODIAKCOASTI3

MEMBER
1987 NISSAN PATHFINDER
6 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
216,000 MILES

My name is Matt. I bought this Pathfinder in immaculate condition. Everything worked on it until one day I left it running and came back outside and it was spewing anti-freeze everywhere. The radiator broke. So I replaced the radiator. Soon after I started to notice a quiet clicking noise on the left side of the engine. It continued to get louder and louder and some said it sounded just like a diesel. Well I am in the Coast Guard and live on an island in Alaska in Kodiak and there is only one mechanic but lets just say he's not the brightest in the world. So I kept driving it and today without warning it completely broke down. The engine didn't freeze up (I don't think) and I didn't throw a rod. It still rolls over but it doesn't fire up. There was no oil or nothing. I know it wasn't the transmission because if it was a throw rod then the clutch would've gone all the way to the floor. Help please!

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Hi Kodiakcoasti3, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

It still rolls over but it doesn't fire up. Check what's missing fuel or spark? Do below

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, If you can hear the fuel pump come On- check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure tester designed for your fuel system to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pick-up strainer/fuel pump/pressure regulator and also listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light and see if it flashing, If you don't hear the fuel pump, check the fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay-Depends on what type ignition system is yours, No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, camshaft and crankshaft position sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply to your vehicle disregard it meaning if it doesn't come with one ignore it and continue testing

If both fuel and spark is present-check the valve and ignition timing, this will lead you to problems
with compression and valves opening and closing at the wrong time/broken or jumped timing
belt/chain