I got my baby back today, she runs like a champ again, but starts like a wimp. It fires up, then sputters off. If I gas it about 1/4 throttle it will fire up and stay running.

The nissan mechanic hooked up that tester to the fuse panel, and said it wasn't showing anything wrong with the other part of the fuel system that may be leaking.

He said the way to test the fuel pump for leaks is to hook a guage up to it and if the pressure stays at 30lbs over night it is not leaking. Does anyone know how to do this?

I think it is the fuel pump since I can't ever remember the last time it's been replaced. The dealerships last record of it is at 90,000 miles; I now have 130,000.

Questions, comments, anything else. Thanks.

 

Do a search. There is a write up by DBM on how to do this. IT is also in the various manuals, ie: Haynes, FSM, etc.. You'll need a t-fitting and a pressure gauge. Good luck.

 

I have an OEM fuel pump off my 1999 if you want. I'll let it go cheap since it's just sitting in my garage.

 

Toolrocks, I don't think I want to attempt that procedure because I am scared since I am the one who damaged my car in the first place doing something I wasn't totally sure how to do. I am not ready to try something with directions that vague again.

1MAX2NV, thanks for the offer, I have a 95 ya know - will it fit? How many miles on it about? And how much are you looking for?

My car has been starting fine all day, after sitting a few hours in between starts, it's just the initial morning start that stalls unless I gas it. So I am going to see how the pressure holds up overnight. If it drops again, I'll PM you for the arrrangements to get the pump if you still wanna sell it to me.

Thanks again you two.

 

The fuel pump is not something you change at a certain mileage like the spark plugs. You only replace it when it has a problem and usually it lasts the life of the car. Why didn't your mechanic check the pressure for you?

The next time you start the car, leave the key on the 'key on' position for 10 sec. During this time, the fuel pump is on will be pumping gas into the fuel lines. Start the car and see if you still have the same problem. If it is still there, then it is not related to the fuel pressure.

 

About 30k miles, how about $50 shipped.

 

I have the ssame problem on my 95 maxima. after the car sits there overnight is wont start onless I gas it. I tried everything, new spark plugs and throttlebody cleaner. I had no diffrence in idle with the spark plugs but the throttle body cleaner has made it run at 750rpm. my ilde is cool now. my problem is those starts, after the car has started it drives like a dream. I have noticed tons and tons of people are having this problem. I am starting to get irritated seeing this happen to so many people. obviously nissan ****ed something up but didn't recall it. any help would be approcoated.

 

No thats not the same problem. My car starts, then sputters off within 2-5 seconds.

Gabuchu- I tried that, same thing happens. Are you sure about what you say to try?

 

check the gas cap 1st thing in the morning - before starting the car,. If there is evidence of pressure (psssttt), then the fule line is holding pressure.

 

This is an excellent test to see if you fuel system loses pressure over night. Turn the key to the on position, actually I think you might have to crank for a split second, then let it sit until you hear the pump come on. Then crank it normally, it should start perfectly.

 

I am 100% sure. Open the gas cap and put your ear near the gas filler. Have someone turn the key to the on position and you can hear the fuel pump come on.

Did you change the spark plug when you hit 120k? Check if your throttle body has carbon build up and if the coolant temp sensor is working properly. These are some of the things that can cause a hard start in the morning.

 

My spark plugs are new, coolant temp sensor is ok as far as I know??, and throttle body is nice and clean you know that .

I hear the fuel pump come on, but if its not workin to good how do I hear that.

Can I get a confirmation that a 99 fuel pump will fit in my 95.

Thanks for helpin me.

 

I'm 90% sure it will fit. Who else is using the Walbro pump in a 95? Because I have an aftermarket walbro pump in my 99.

 

Hey RIT,

I don't think that my fuel line is holding pressure. I never get the pressure release when I remove the gas cap. I have heard of doing a fuel pressure check, but not sure how to do it. I don't have any problems starting or anything, but always thought it was strange?? Should I even worry about it?

Thanks

 

I've skimmed thru this thread hastily. Has anyone mentioned the feul filter?

DW

 

This is an old thread, so I doubt any of the originals will reply. For info purposes, the original problem sounds like a broken fuel pump diaphram causing the pressure loss and hard starts. The initial key on before cranking exercise does work to determine this is the problem BTW. If it were the fuel filter, it would probably be rough throughout the entire time or even at every start up before the crud inside gets to be moved around.

 

I had the same problem with my Maxima. The way I fixed it was unscrew the adjustment screw on the throttle body one full turn. You'll notice the rpm will go up on the initial start.

Try this and get back with me on this. If it doesn't work, back it out additional 1/2 turn.

Frank