1997 Nissan Pickup 2.4L 2WD - Going Dead

[helpMeeee]

First post,
I have a 97 Nissan Pickup 2.4L 2WD five speed and I am having issues. I have just got done paying a mechanic $600 to replace the timing chain and all of its components. Ran fine for about a day and started to have a rough start out of 1st and 2nd gear. Essentially tries to go dead unless I gas it pretty hard and hold the clutch down in the process and it just gets worse the longer I drive it. But also seems to be intermittent and does not happen every single time I come to complete stop. I have ran a bunch of tests and replaced the distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs, and wires. I feel like the problem may lie in the distributor but not certain. Any help will be great on this matter.

[helpMeeee]

Cranked up the timing really high on the distributor and the truck ran fine, what does this mean??

[whomadewho]

Possible the distributor is one notch off or a chain issue. Make sure you have a good ground source. Make sure the fuseable link is not corroded. Check for engine codes. Have the coolant temp. Checked. A lot of sensors are activated by coolant temp. A bad thermostat or radiator cap can effect performance. Being that the truck ran fine I don't think the distributor is off. Need to check sensors with a meter. Have the injectors tested. Most of the time when diagnosing engine issues it's like throwing a pair of dirty shorts against a wall with hope they will stick. After spending $600.00 in repairs I would find a mechanic with a better aim.

[helpMeeee]

Thanks. I believe the issue lies within the chain or distributor no codes are being given and have unplugged a few to see if engine light comes on and it does. Bought a distributor going to install and see what happens.

[whomadewho]

Good luck!! Keep us updated. Just wondering why was the chain replaced? Did it go when the engine was running??

[helpMeeee]

No I came outside after a long weekend of it sitting at the house. Ran a bunch of test to try and determine what is was, could not figure it out. Took it to a mechanic and he said that was the issue has not ran right since, I don't know if he just didn't know for sure if that was the problem and/or just got a lot of money out of me.

[helpMeeee]

*Wouldn't crank was why I took it in the first place

[whomadewho]

For a excellent online resource try - Nissan factory service manual - Nico Nissan. Go to section EC. Three checks to preform before doing anything. 1 - Do a compression check. Possible if the engine was running when the chain went out 1 - valve could have hit the top of the piston causing a broken piston. Could also have a bent valve. If you find more then one cylinders with low compression - might indicate timing chain issue. Before taking compression disconnect the plug at the dist. To prevent damage. 2 - Bring the timing mark to - TDC - pull the dist.cap making sure the rotor is pointing to number 1 position on the firing order. (Or number one wire) note the position of the dist. When adjusting timing the dist. Should not be turned to far to the left or right. If this happens could indicate the dist. Is off one or more notches or might indicate the chain is off a link. 3 - Hook up a vacummn gauge - should be getting between 18 - to 22 inches plus at idle. Try cleaning the throttle plate. With the engine off hold the gas pedal wide open using what ever object. Take a tooth brush and a throttle plate cleaner and clean both sides of the plate. A common Nissan hardbody vac. Leak is the lower hose on the EGR valve. Might want to jack the truck up - remove the passenger side tire - carefully remove the flap on the inner fender - Makes it easier to inspect vac. hoses. With the online manual - with a meter you should be able to inspect sensors - injectors or whatever. Should also have a vac.hose diagram on the hood. You could try to to erase the engine codes - drive the truck for awhile and recheck for codes. A lot of part stores perform free checks.