1987 Nissan Pathfinder VERY Loud Clicking

1987 NISSAN PATHFINDER
216,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • MANUAL
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KODIAKCOASTI3
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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!!!!!
Aug 20, 2010 at 5:41 PM
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RASMATAZ
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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
Aug 20, 2010 at 7:06 PM