2002 pathfinder fuel damper, hard to warm start.

[djengr]

I am in the process of diagnosing a hard to start when warm on the pathfinder (starts great when cold or hot). Finally changing out a leaking rocker cover gasket. I was thinking a leaky fuel injector or maybe a couple of them leaking. Intake plenum had a heavy smell of gas. Pulled out the fuel rail and pressured the system. No leaks however there was fuel coming out of the fuel damper vacuum hose connection. I am 90% sure the damper is bad, but wanted to verify here.

Does this sound like a bad damper? This is a dealer item and will have to pick it up on Monday.

There is not fuel so far leaking from an injector nor the pressure regulator vacuum line connection.

thanks, just verifying.
David

2002 pathfinder, 140K miles, 4WD, 3.5 engine.

BTW, taking off the intake plenum is not hard, but tedious. Need band aids or smaller hands.

[atraudes]

Yes, fuel coming out of the vacuum hose connection on the fuel damper is definitely a bad fuel damper. The same rule applies to the fuel pressure regulator. The intake plenum smelling like gas would definitely be explained by this.

You shouldn't need to go to the dealer for a replacement though. I was able to find them at both of my local parts store for $100.

Good luck!

[djengr]

thanks Atrauds

Got everything back together and started it up, shut it off and pulled the vacuum line off the intake, routed it to a plastic container. After about 1/2 hour or so about a half teaspoon of gas was in the container (some evaporated away as well) nothing came out of the pressure regulator so it is still good. I will try the local parts places. I looked on the Auto zone website and did not find it listed, but i will make a personal appearance to see. There are a couple on the way to the dealer so if they don't stock I can always pay the stealership price.

Thanks again.

[greengumby]

You also may wanna try NAPA or advance auto ... Until i aquired my pathy i never set foot in these stores been an autozone lifer from the tahoe days.. But apperently these locations may have the parts you need before resorting to the stealership.....

[atraudes]

I had luck at the local O'Reilly and Napa. The part did need to be ordered, but it was available later that day.

I had a similar problem with the fuel pressure regulator where it would sometimes work and then be on the fritz again the next day. I think it's because it would sometimes not seal right as it opened and closed as the engine was started and stopped.

[djengr]

Atraudds and Greengumby

Thanks for the suggestions, I went to the O'Riely it was $87 and 5-7 day delivery, AutoZone was a no go, just a part number was all they had. The dealer was $115, 1 day wait. I have to go drink beer and set up deerstands etc etc. on Thursday (roadtrip) so while the price was 30% higher I went ahead and ordered from the dealer. Install looks fairly straight forward.


thanks for the help and good luck always
David

[greengumby]

I have to go drink beer and set up deerstands etc etc. on Thursday (roadtrip) <---- Being able to enjoy the beer worth it right there