My car cranks when it wants to. It will turn over but sounds like a lawnmower when it chokes down. Once it does crank, it runs perfectly fine. Any ideas? Also, any suggestions as to when the timing belt needs to be changed? I keep hearing several different answers.

 

Hmmmmmm...I thought you guys were more knowledgable than this.


Anyway, she found out that the fuel filter was clogged, and they are saying the plate is corroded. Has anyone else had to replace the plate in the fuel system. I wouldn't think it would get corroded unless it was exposed to water, which can occur when you get bad gas.

I meant to tell you on the phone also that a trick to getting the car started would have been to disconnect the vacuum hose from the fuel pressure regulator, and then it goes to full pressure, which would have temporarily fixed the hesitation in starting problem.

BTW...welcome to the board, and you will usually get a quick answer to a problem here.

 

Oh yeah, as for your timing belt, 95+ Maximas have a timing chain so it should be fine at 80K miles. The mechanic was probably talking about your underdrive belts, which should be relatively cheap to replace. Probably around $16 for the belts and one hour of labor.

 

Actually the timing chain should last the life of the engine.

 

This is curious, as I have the same problem. The car cranks when I want it to, but every once in a while it hesitates while cranking. Once the car turns over, it runs and idles fine. I know its not a chipped flywheel cause I know what that sounds like. It may be my fuel filter. But if anybody else can shed some light I'll be happy.

 

I have the same problem.. Try turning your key to the ON position for 10-15 seconds before you start the car, if it starts fine, then that means your engine is not getting enough fuel.. I think that means either the fuel filter needs replacing or the fuel pump is bad..

 

Thanks for the advice! I tried doing that and it has worked a few times. A local mechanic changed my throttle plate which he said was corroded from my K&N filter and also cleaned the fuel injection system. However, three days later I still have the same problem and now my check engine light is on. IN response to other's possible ideas: My fuel filter was just replaced last April. Is it typical to be out so soon? I have not looked into the fuel pump idea yet. It also seems to be hesitating between gears, especially 2nd & 3rd as well as 4th & 5th. Any other ideas?

 

Have you ruled out the starter/solenoid? We just replaced the starter on our '95 GXE. It sounded a little suspect prior to going south... a little like a lawn mower when starting. Then one day it wouldn't start. After we replaced it, it sounds fine. My son works at Autozone. We got one there and he installed it in the garage.

 

He said the K&N filter was responsible for corroding the plate, that sounds very odd. I wouldn't be too sure about that. I would really like to see your car to check out what its doing.

BTW, my cat went bad in mine, having it replaced on Monday. Its runs like I have a banana is stuck up the tailpipe right now...lol.

Let me know when its convenient for you, I think you know my schedule.