Meet OpaD942 – The old man going through his catch up years: Amateur Radio, Model Rockets, Model Trains, and the desire to travel more. Kind of an 80’s flashback. I hope you will enjoy this blog of my Nissan xTerra adventures and I promise to share the good, the bad, and the ugly.
However, a reminder meant with all due respect….
As noted on page one of any of my blogs… “These are MY thoughts and opinions, and any time two people agree on everything, well one of us wont be necessary. My opinions may not always match the conventional wisdom, and as such we can still have non- hostile exchanges when we do differ. So let’s play nice shall we. In the end, I am always open to civilized discussion and comment – But know who you are dealing with. Again, this is MY site.”
Remember you are along for the ride,
So Let’s Get Going!
Readers digest condensed version: My beloved 2000 Toyota – still humming along at 334,600+ miles – has been a joy but I felt it was time for a change. And after a few shenanigans’* working to acquire a newer “BIG Pick Up Truck” like a RAM or FORD 150 it occurred to me that I should choose a different direction and in the end I found this Nissan Xterra X. (9/9/2024) in north east Atlanta.
I know, I know, What were you thinking Opa D?
I was thinking newer, roomy, functionality of a truck, ability to seat 4 plus, and if the bug ever bites me to do some off road adventures – the option to do so is there. Also, the illusion that I was getting a very good deal on a not so project truck. Ok Ok you can stop laughing now, wait for the punch lines. Had the discussion with many regarding “used / abused” purchases that you’ll put in double the cost at the end of the day – and oh I have been right on this one. So far, still ok with it……
A few photos from Day One….
Now, be patient, I will fill in the blanks, but now I need to skip forward. You see I bought it on the 9th, then we took a 2 week trip to Virginia that Friday. Just got back in town late on the 24th. A number of things have happened, but gonna get to today the 29th and maybe back track later……
2024-09-29 Fortunately after coffee but Today the radiator had a catastrophic failure. Fortunately I was close to home, had run to Advance Auto in Byron to grab something simple, and took the scenic route home. As I pulled up to a stop sign at Dunbar Rd and route 41 steam was billowing from under the passenger sides hood so I whipped into the parking lot of the abandoned ‘Nut Facility’ there (how appropriate ha ha). No indication on the display of over heating, turned off the Xterra and popped the hood. That sweet sicky smell of antifreeze coolant evaporating off the hot metal and plastic of the engine.
Tim was fortunately available, brought some water, we checked over what we could, no sign of burst hose or anything else. So we took the risk and made a purposeful dash for home – that was a long two mile journey – at least in my head. Parked it outside of Tim’s garage to let it cool down completely. Time to grab our ladies and go to Georgia Bob’s for lunch……
Later we rolled up our sleeves, did some diagnostics, and found the radiator split at the top on the front seem. Fortunately that meant no ‘SMOD’ Strawberry Milkshake of Death (that’s when radiator failure results in mixing of coolant and transmission fluid and can literally be the death of your transmission in a snap) and the 05-10 Xterra’s are notorious for that. If there is a silver lining to this it is that replacing the radiator provides an opportunity to replace the thermostat, overflow reservoir. Not required – but I had ordered those parts ahead of time. Mind you, “The Road to Hell is…” and I am sure that was what Tim was thinking as I broke the Heater Core connection while trying to remove a hose……
‘Well Damn – Gonna Need More Parts”
Got back on focus, and when we were finished for the day had removed the battery, engine fan, shroud, cooling fan, radiator, and front skid plate. Productive.
*** Tonight I orders all the needed replacement parts from RockAuto, …. More updates to follow. ***
2024-09-30 Monday….
Today was productive – did a series of minor upgrades including
– Updated all interior bulbs to LED (LED Interior Light Kit Package by WLTATBUA)
– Updated rear tag lights to LED (Same as above)
– Added 2″ Blind Spot Mirrors to the side mirror’s, a staple of all our vehicles.
– Replaced Rear Hatch Shocks Struts Lift Gate Support Gas Springs as the others barely lifted the hatch
APS 5″ Running boards came in today, look forward to installing soon.
More parts coming in on Tuesday and Wednesday.
2024-10-01 Tuesday ….
Today was average
– Dealership to pick up a transmission plug crush washer
– Replaced the positive battery terminal
– Spot cleaning around engine department
Next on list
– Replace radiator (Done)
– Replace Thermostat Assembly (Done)
– Switch Assy- Transfer (25536-9BH0B) 2WD/4WD Select Switch (pending)
– Driver door regulator and motor assembly (Done)
– Finish replacing coil packs and plugs (Done)
– Upper intake plenum gaskets (Done) Feb 2025
2024-Oct-11&12
So much going on,
I have the feeling my plugs could possibly be the ORIGINALS (yes turns out they were). I did a deep dive on the Carfax report – no indication of ‘tune up, spark plugs, etc’
2007 NISSAN XTERRA X / 4 DOOR WAGON/SPORTUTILITY / 4.0L V6 F DOHC 24V / GASOLINE / REAR WHEEL DRIVE W/ 4X4
Today I got back to work on replacing 2/4/6 on the right side (easiest to get to). Sprayed lubricant, let sit for a while, then did it again as the plugs did not want to give. 2 & 4 were a bit of a struggle to start but then came out without challenge, here are the photos. Got number 6 out the next morning. Applied liquid wrench and ran the engine long enough to heat it up. Struggle but success. 1, 3, 5. # is starting to misfire, but these are the biggest struggle to get to. Plus having many online discussions online I have determined these are the original plugs – damn, 225K miles on original plugs. That’s messed up.
Never seen plugs in this shape before.
Number 6 is resisting. I turns but its a struggle. Been trying to nurse it along.
Chatted with my dad a bit tonight, he is very experienced with auto repairs, him and my son Tim are amazing resources of wisdom.
Hopefully positive updates tomorrow.
2024-Oct-12
Carwash, general cleaning, applied some decals.
I also have spent time studying the manual, exploring the First Aid Kit, and like I said above – Decals. Couldn’t hold back, a “Darrell Vehicle” with no decals, ‘That’s just not right’. So Liberty, Star Trek and HAM radio is where I begin.
2024-Oct-20
Replaced oil cooler o-ring today, hopefully that will resolve leak issue. Tomorrow will remove skid plates and do a proper degreasing under the tranny. Plus removed the upper spoiler/storage unit from roof. Nasty under there. Been a long time since it was cleaned, still work in progress. Been watching way too many youtube videos, soon will remove the cabin heater’s blower motor and sanitize the interior air system. Who knew it would need more than just a new filter.
2024-Oct-21
That was interesting, removed the upper spoiler/storage unit from roof. Good cleaning and confirmed all is in good shape.
2024-Oct-23
Today was an excellent day. Finished replacing all spark plugs and coils. Very satisfying. Also reinstalled front two skid plates, and the roof top storage box – looks like new. Having an ongoing challenge with the left rear hatch strut. Keeps popping out of its support knob.
2024-Oct-24
Poor man flush on power steering fluid. Turkey baster and AT fluid. Step one, plan to continue with several such flushes vs. full drain and fill.
2024-Oct-26
Replaced front driver door Power Window Regulator with Doorman 741-348. straight forward install and cheers to TRQ via Youtube for an excellent step by step video. Glad to be able to order at the drive thru without having to open the door ha ha.
2024-NOV-13
Been a bit distracted. After getting what I thought was basically “everything” done that needed to be done a few weeks ago, P0300 error messages, multiple misfires, drops in power, tapping under the hood, etc. Kind of at a loss, videos and reading suggest could be a number of things, this really sucks because I am ready to enjoy the xTerra. But more to follow. Also opened up this web page today from private to public, no password required, and unfortunately NO Comments. As much as I would really appreciate feedback – most post end up being porn, links, and dating. And NOPE – so I have no idea how this page is being received, I do it for me I guess.
2025-01-13 thru 17th +/-
Did some diagnostic work with my son’s instruction. Pressure testing at the front catalytic sensors on both side. Drivers side definitely confirmed flow restriction. Also found clear indications that the valve cover gaskets are leaking, and leaking bad. With all the other issues time to get serious about these repairs.
LAUNCHING INTO 2025 IN THIS AUTOMOBILE JOURNEY
2025-01-20
Dropped off the X to have the valve cover gaskets replaced, that’s outside of my comfort zone. Don’t get me wrong, did it before when I had my 78 MGB/GT but with these modern cars its a different ball of wax. As I am writing this after the fact, drop off went well, they would start the next day, unfortunately that night we had the first strong snow storm in a decade and we all agreed – let the staff go home ha ha, the next few days were off for all of us, but I told them : This is NOT life or death, the repair can wait.
2025-01-23
Picked up from Byron Tire. Wow they do great work. Replaced my valve cover gaskets without having to replace the valve covers (common issue), installed my replacement upper intake plenum gaskets, fuel injector cleaning service, replaced coil #2 while researching, and even added some fuel as it was running low. After all that still getting ‘Check Engine Light’ and they confirmed he catalytic converters completely clogged (which I had already ordered and was waiting on) being proactive.
2025-02-03
Parts finally being in hand, I reached out and had the X towed to Byrd Automotive in Macon, GA to start the work on the converters. Followed the tow truck and spoke with the shop owner to be sure we were on the same track. Good exchange, good ole boys, in good hands. You might ask, so why not just have your trusted mechanics in Byron do the install. Normally I would do it myself. Honestly, I had checked with a muffler shop, the great people at BT, and Buddy @ Byrd. Finances being what they are, Byrd could do the install for 1/3 of what the other two needed. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t extreme, but sometimes when I believe I cannot do the repair myself – gotta find the best option.
2025-02-07
Tim gave me a ride to pick it up from Byrd Automotive today. Buddy and Jay finished up installing the Catalytic Converters (Autosity) and 4x Oxygen sensors (Higherbro). Took a few extra days, the original RILONH converters did not properly fit and the second set from Autosity needed one of the pipes to be extended 2″. But Buddy is an old school mechanic, had the contacts to get it resolved and get it all installed. Mind you, on further review I will have to reroute the sensor wires – sloppy on the reconnect, but all things considered – I will utilize them in the future.
2025-02-08
Treated myself for my upcoming birthday, installed the Kenwood TM-261* (HAM / Amateur Radio ) and Comet CA-2X4SR Mobile VHF/UHF Vertical Antenna. Getting the connector through the firewall was a little tough, and now I need to properly ground the antenna. Fingers Crossed.
*Special thanks to the MGRA Middle Georgia Radio Association, Mike ‘KB0NOV’ provided the radio as he was upgrading ( I just have to work around a speaker issue ), and the antenna was a legacy item that I have used to connect my Baofeng uv-5r as my entry radio to the hobby. MGRA is an excellent support team and full of amazing Elmer’s.
2025-02-09
Cleared the error codes (P0153 / P0133) then Barbara and I took off in the Xterra for a Sunday drive through the Georgia country side. 140 + miles amazing smooth ride, good control, feeling blessed. Later in the evening – my first time driving it at night. Really am just getting to know it from a driving perspective. Still having to work through codes. Researching on ClubXterra.org and thenewx.org – amazing resources.
2025-02-11
Hard to believe its been 5 months since this purchase and I only have 800 +/- miles under my belt. So many things have been happening both personal and on my Xterra (still haven’t named it). Took it out for a quick run testing to see if the Check Engine light would come on, just a roll of the dice – NOT this time. Keep fingers crossed.
Need to fill in the GAP – Thought I had
2025-05-03
Took her out to stretch the legs again. Today was up through Barnsville, GA – Milner, GA – Juliette, GA and back round the edge of Macon, GA.
– Mr Shirely’s just south of Milner, GA has an amazing selection of Military Surplus. He’s a ‘good ole boy’ so don’t expect BS or politically correct comments to be tolerated. Milner, GA (old Railroad town), with a great diner restaurant.
I’m likely gonna make a sub page gallery for travel as I like to get photos at unique locations and this page is primarily about the Xterra maintenance adventure.
As the adventure continued we made it to High Falls State Park, Jackson, GA. A Beautiful Georgia State Park and we look forward to going back.
Then to Juliette, GA (Film location for the blockbuster “Fried Green Tomatoes”
