Nissan Repair: Engine Knock, nissan xterra, temperature gauge

Question
Hi, as i was driving i realized my car was shaking on the hood any time I'd slow down (lights, corners, etc).  I decided to take it to the mechanic and on my way there, my heat stopped working and the heat pointer went about 3/4 then back to half way.  When I got there, he told me he thinks my engine knocked and I'd need a new enginer for my 2000 nissan xterra which would cost me about $3000.  I've deligently taken for oil changes, etc.  it had antifreeze and all other oils.  any advise?


Answer
Pinkberry,

What you describe is an engine overheating.  If the vehicle has run out of water or the thermostat stuck and that is what it sounds like when you say the heat when to cold and the temperature gauge did what it did leads me to that conclusion.  If the engine has a knock from the overheating it will require a rebuild or replacement engine.  $3000 is quite expensive and I would go with a wrecking yard motor with low miles from a wrecked Xterra.  That would probably get the cost down to $2000 for an engine swap with labor included.