1991 240sx idles and dies when I give it gas

[carspizz]

I need major help. Okay so I bought the car about a month ago. Previous owner told me it needed to be set to time and install the fuel pump. I did so, and the car idled but when I gave it gas it would die. I replaced MAF and then the ECU and now when I turn it on the first try it idles and dies when I give it gas. The second time I turn it on it idles very very low RPMs. Then I try it again and it idles at 1.5k RPM and runs. Its always on the third try. This is on a cold start. I repeated that process for the past three days, and its the same thing over and over. I am lost, No clue of what could be going on. I set the timing, correctly how many people have told me to do so. Set at tdc then align the notches on Distributor and place it in. I messed with the IACV thinking it would do something to my idle but it did absolutely nothing whats so ever. Please help!

[Rogue One]

Welcome to NICO! I've revised the title to reflect your problem.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

So you're "setting the timing" by trying to just line up the distributor by eye? Not using a timing light?

You should also look for vacuum leaks. If you key-on for a few seconds before cranking over and starting, does it get better? You might have some kind of severely clogged fuel filter or something.

[Hijacker]

If you're pulling the distro and resetting it to the timing marks on the drive shaft of the assembly and the TDC marks on the pulley, that honestly gets you in the ballpark. 9 times out of 10, you'll find that while you should be 15 BTDC, you're more like 30 and you need a timing light to pull it all back in properly. The issue is that the gears never seem to sit properly and end up a tooth off, which means you're not in time. Always double check a timing reset with a light.