2005 Nissan Xterra VQ40DE Engine Replacement - Removing The Old Engine

Due to operator error our 2005 Xterra ran low on oil and started making noise. With 17 years and 233,000 miles of reliable service I figure a rebuilt engine is in order. Ordered up a rebuilt crate engine and got to work.
This video is opening the crate and removal of the old VQ40DE from the Terra

[@HotSneks]

The noise sounded like the rattle from the timing chains older VQ40s develop over time. My 2006 Pathfinder started having them around the 150k mark, but I'm honestly surprised yours went all the way to 233k. I actually replaced the timing chains/guides/tensioners myself over a year ago, it's been running great ever since. Though I will say it must feel awesome to have a brand new engine lol

[@i2edeye]

The timing chain made a supercharger noise at startup for a long time before this. The guides probably self destructed with no lube when I let it get low. The new engine is awesome just over 2000 miles on it now.

[@HotSneks]

@@i2edeye Ah yes, I do remember the timing chains first started making a supercharger like whining sound at first. When it started rattling and ticking like that I just knew it was time to do it 😅

[@i2edeye]

@@HotSneks Good plan haha.

Nice work. Love the xterras. Got a 19 frontier thats been good so far.

[@i2edeye]

Thank you. My brother has an 09 Frontier that is still going strong.

[@CNArea51]

Nice Job-- That's a lot of work

[@i2edeye]

Thanks it was

[@howdiggity1977]

Wasn’t there a low oil pressure light on to warn you?

[@i2edeye]

This one has a pressure gauge, that is now fixed :)

[@jasonhoward2285]

Where did you order your engine? I need to order one for my son’s 2007.

[@i2edeye]

VQ40DE Rebuillt Crate Engine
Steve Ricehouse
Engines Direct Distributors LLC
1-800-998-2100 ext 102
[phone] local
[phone] fax
[e-mail]

[@BrwnShinobi]

Is that a fresh NEW engine?? nice! Gonna start a new savings account lol

[@i2edeye]

Freshly rebuilt, yes. It was less than buying another Xterra haha.

[@NissanNut74]

Nice work. Surprised you can pull with radiator still in. I like to remove airbox, battery and radiator on any major engine work. Just for the clearance it provides. Nissan don't waste any space. I want to buy a 521 next. I was considering installing a vg40de since I love the one in my d40. Only issue I had in 11 years of my 04 Quest vq35de was a broken timing guide. But it was the first year. Love these VQ motors. Do you think I vq would fit in a 521?

[@i2edeye]

Thanks, yeah I had initially planned to pull the radiator but there was so much room it wasn't needed and I didn't have to crack open any other systems.
It will fit but the starter is a bit of an issue from when I was checking it in a 620 frame. If things stop breaking I can get back to that project lol.

[@lawsofhumannature2049]

Where did you purchase your engine? What else did you replace besides the engine?

[@i2edeye]

VQ40DE Rebuillt Crate Engine
Steve Ricehouse
Engines Direct Distributors LLC
1-800-998-2100 ext 102
[phone] local
[phone] fax
[e-mail]
I replaced all the sensors and water pump.

[@i2edeye]

I go over some of this stuff in this video.
czcams.com/video/0CB3vQ6GBuc/video.html

[@lawsofhumannature2049]

@@i2edeye thank you!!

[@i2edeye]

@@lawsofhumannature2049 No problem

[@CNArea51]

The snails killed it 🐌

[@i2edeye]

Was crazy to see them in there lol

[@mucialmichaud8020]

I like where you put the chain to lift the engine up. I would have afraid these small bolts

[@i2edeye]

Yeah, not many good options for lifting the VQ. They are M8 bolts with heavy washers.

[@mucialmichaud8020]

@@i2edeye I would try the headers instead

[@i2edeye]

@@mucialmichaud8020 Same size.

[@mucialmichaud8020]

@i2edeye OK 👍, Respect bro. Keep up the good work

[@i2edeye]

@@mucialmichaud8020 Will do, thank you.

[@user-ml5jn6wn2n]

عمل جيد احتاج الاتبديل محرك سيارتي نيسان باذفندر

[@i2edeye]

It is a bit of work, but well worth the effort.

[@madnigerian]

Update on engine ?

[@i2edeye]

Almost 10,000 miles and running great.

[@palaciosphotography1]

The obvious question is how much was the new engine?

[@i2edeye]

It was about $4500 which seems like a deal to me considering how much we like our Terra and it being about the same cost to replace the whole truck with another one and then not know the history.

[@ASpero989]

May I ask how long it took you to pull the engine?

[@i2edeye]

It was probably about 6-8 hours total, but it was spread out over a couple days. Still working on the install video.

[@juanhernandez5547]

Thank for the video.Where did you get the engine?

[@i2edeye]

Engine Direct Distributors llc, I am just finishing up a parts review video.