Which Engine do I have?

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Sep 24, 2024
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I recently purchased a 1988 Nissan Pathfinder with a blown head gasket. The previous owner said that the original 3.0L engine had been replaced with a 3.3L engine. He didn't know what the 3.3L came out of. I have noticed in all of the videos I have watched that the oil filter on the 3.3L engine is in the front of the engine on the drivers side. On my engine, the oil filter is on the passengers side. If you take off the passenger side front tire, it's right there. Of course before I order everything I need for the head gasket replacement, I need to know what I'm ordering. I was wondering if anyone knew what year 3.3 had the oil filter over to the passenger side? Any help would be appreciated.
 
My condolences. The 3.3L intake is a nightmare of hoses and pipes and never recovered from PSTD working on one. I don't recall where the oil filter was.

I would highly recommend finding another engine vs trying a HG job on an existing engine. The parts costs for new / reman / resurfaced heads plus all the gaskets vs another engine will be about the same or very close to a wash.

Also, since you bought a Frankenstein of sorts, expect nonsense workarounds or adaptations. A Nissan forum for Pathfinders will probably suit you better.
 
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Nissan made both a VG30 and VG33. Photos available on the internet.

Wikipedia even has a page. Photo shows VG30 with oil filter on the RH lower side.
 
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