The problem that I am trying my best to troubleshoot may be connected to a fuel pump motor that stalls w/o a reason. Is there any statistics or smthn that could prove or disprove that idea?

It looks like regular current that computer drives thru the pump motor sometimes can not start it. I have exhausted any other reasons that would explain why the pump would not work: there is +12V coming to the pump bracket and the other end is grounded to the car chassis and it still does not work from time to time.

Appreciate your help fellas!

If it is a good ground, your pump motor is taking a dump on you. Take it out and bench test it. Maybe the pickup is blocked or something.

To answer your question: YES, there is a known problem with 3rd gen fuel pumps. Oh, let me add to the list:

VTC's
Alternators
Exhaust studs
Injectors

Nissan is on my list. Here is the Nissan USA customer service number:

1-800-647-7261

File a formal complaint on these items if you want, I did.

after 10 yrs you think nissan really cares about how the 3rd gens are doing?
let me file a complain to nissan that my Datsun 510 is rusting.

Nissan: Nissan customer service how may i help you?

Me: I'd like to report a problem i'm having with my fuel pump.

Nissan: What kind of car?

Me; It's a 91 Nissan Maxima

Nissan: Well what kind of problem are you experiencing.

Me: Well it seems to have failed

Nissan: Let me transfer you to your nearest Dealership Parts Dept. and they can help you out.

Me: Excuse me?! The part should be warrantied or something. It shouldn't fail and I would like compensation for this! What are you guys going to do about it?

Nissan: Bwahahahahahahaha....Click

Trust me, I went over that same thought in my head. But, it made me feel better to vent. And that was worth the phone call.

Besides I am mainly referring to the exhaust stud problem found on Maximas, Quests and Pathfinders. Given the fact that I am drilling into what seems like Iron Ferite right now, I am a bit more prone to complain. Will anything ever come of it? Probably not. Will I ever buy a Nissan again, probably not. At least they know that now.

if it makes you feel any better then by all means call. they are going to take that complaint and file it under "G"

it's steel..and probably not strong enough for the heat cycling..but you know what..it took 8-10 years to determine that the studs are failing.

are u the orig owner of the car?

No, I am not the original owner. I know that especially wont get me anywhere with Nissan. Oh well. I am going to fix it and sell it, and someone will get a good car because all the problems have been fixed. I guess that's the way it goes sometimes.

I am wondering if its a motor mount or manifold problem. If the mounts get worn, the torque of the engine under load will "pull" on the exhaust system. Do that a few hundred thousand times over 10 years with weak exhuast studs and eventually you have a break. Some guy said the manifold shrinks on these motors, causing stress on the studs. I dont know about that one...

Your right, Nissan will file this one. The moral to the story is that this stud wont come out, and its agrivating. I have the whole front end dismembered, yet I cant drill into the stud. Let me know if you have any idea's besides titanium drill bits and a make-up case mirror to drill this hole.

there is??? 200k miles on mine and no probs....

My pump is fine..never been an issue. As for the studs..it is definately related to motor mounts as well as the stud itself. Overtorquing them is a sure way to have them break on you too. The mounts are soft as pillows, even brand new. I even filled the gaps in mine with polyurethane and they still bounce around cruising in low gears. Actually, it seems to be the tranny mount more than anything. I took a look at mine after about 5k on them and they all look good escept for the trans mount..the rubber I poured in id pushing out an it looks like hell. Not broken, but sure is bouncy. When I do the turbo motor, I will engineer a new mount for sure. Maybe supplement it with an additonal mount. I have never been happy with the way the mounts feel. Truly a love-hate relationship here!

get a new set of drill bits.
if you're having that hard of a time then i recommend bringing it to a specialist.
if the slug won't come out..your best bet is a helicoil. the mirror and drill thing is extremely difficult to do..so i wish you good luck.
you drill at a bad angle and it's bye bye head.

The 3rd gen Maxima fuel pump is a known problem item. I never said that 100% of the vehicles' pumps would fail.

That's awesome you haven't had to deal with it. Enjoy your "extra" $500, I know I would.

Umm, $500..I am knocking on wood as we speak! You know, a little Marvels mystery oil is good fo rthe pump

how did you come to this conclusion???

and paying $500 for a replacement pump = taking it up the *** from a horse!

Walbro low-pressure replacement will run you $90-100 and a few hours install.

how did you come to this conclusion???

1. Consumer Reports (Fuel System)
2. Spoke with Head Mechanic at Kirkland Nissan for 12 years
3. Dealer told my wife that
4. The .ORG - Just do a search on "Fuel Pump" or "Fuel System" and take a look at all the problems people have

and paying $500 for a replacement pump = taking it up the *** from a horse!

Yes, I consider Nissan/Infinity dealers "horses" sometimes.

My fuel pump has been good for 142,000 miles. But I'm putting in a Walbro 255 hi flow unit shortly.
My alternator has been flawless for 140,000 miles but it's finally whining now. That's next on the list.
Studs is a problem.
VTCs is a problem.

You're a NWster? Post in the NW forum and introduce yourself! I'm in Newcastle. You? I hear Kirkland Nissan has few good Z mechanics.

hmmmm...I dunno...still can't say that I've heard the fuel pump as being a chronic problem on our cars. and yeah of course you'll run into fuel system problems, but even searching the archives there are now major repeat occurances of fuel pump failure!

My maxima burns fuel all the time while I'm driving. That's worth a recall dammit. OK that was pretty bad, but anyway, things break..deal with it. Manifold studs and crappy motor mounts are one thing, but ALL cars will eventually break something like a fuel pump. THink about it, that thing is cranking for hours and hours. You can't even count miles b/c it is running when you are idling too. So the fact that one of those little pumps lasts 10years is pretty respectable.

Jeff-

That's awesome, I know exactly where Newcastle is. My parents first house was in Bellevue/Robinswood (BCC).

I grew up in Redmond. 3 years ago I moved to AZ and "married" into the Maxima seen (wife owned an SE, cool huh?)

I have customized cars and terrorized the Kirkland strip most of my driving life, until I got older and moved. I also used to spend some time at SIR with my SOHC all motor 95 SI.

I dont know if the NW forum would be appropriate considering my current location in AZ. Dang I miss that place.

The Kirkland Nissan Tech I am speaking of actually retired to go into the speed/sound business. Last I checked he was working at Audioworks. Great guy, very knowledgable. Talk to ya later!

I am sorry, I forgot to mention in the beginning that I have a brand new fuel pump installed about 10Kkms ago (4 months) and I still have the same problem as with an old pump.
The reason I am asking about the pump is that I have almost nothing else to blame as the electricity comes all way to the fuel tank top plate.
By asking that question I am trying to decide whether I have to deal with the contacts on the plate (that look suspicious enough: small prongs holding a losely seated washers). I am leaning towards just soldering the bottom (inside the tank) end of the contacts on that plate. Basically I am going to solder the washers to the prongs. And this is my last resort, as the wires that go from the plate to the pump are bolted to the pump leads, which means that there may be no issue at that point.

i have a fuel pump works 100% from my 94 gxe that im parting out im selling for 120.00 shipped