89 Maxima engine problems, V6

[RoadW3]

Hello all. I am at my wits end here. I have an 89 Maxima with the V6 and an auto trans, the problem or problems are as follows. The car is hard to start, when it starts it sometimes has an erratic idle. When driving it bucks and shimmies. Now the kicker is the problems are not always present. It will come and go. There is no check engine light.

I have done a complete tune up; cap, rotor, wires, plugs, all filters and fluids. Next was a new fuel pump and injector service. Again, did not fix the problems.

Well last week I was rechecking everything and noticed my rotor would turn about 1/4 the way by hand. Took out the rotor, loosened the screw, removed the cover and noticed the metal disk (with alot of small spaces cut in it) was wollowed out and round. Called the Nissan dealership and was told that item is called the "packing disk". Ordered that and dont you know, it is on backorder until the 8th of Oct. While I was there I checked over the mass air meter. I guess since it sits right next to the battery the connector was corroded and one of the wires was hanging on by one strand of copper wire. I took that apart, cleaned and soldered the connectors, and put it back together. The car has a remanufactured MAS on it. The MAS has 4 pins but my harness has 5 wires, does anyone know if that is the norm or not? Does anyone have he wire color codes and where on the MAS to plug they go. I know I got them correct when I removed and cleaned them but do not know what all has been done to the car as I bought it used. It ran great for one day, then the problems are back.

It feels like it has no power, almost like it is either not getting enough fuel or air. I checked timing and it is dead on. I checked the plugs and could not see anything amiss with them. Could it be the MAS? I am sure the damaged packing disk has something to do with it but I dont think that much. I do not want to throw parts at it hoping to fix it, so any help or hints would be great.

Sorry my first post is like a book, Eric
Modified by RoadW3 at 11:56 PM 10/3/2007

[MinisterofDOOM]

Welcome!I'd be willing to bet the rotor fix will solve the problem.

I'll see what I can find on the MAF connector wiring.

[RoadW3]

Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it.

Eric

[RoadW3]

That didnt fix it. I am going to read the codes, even though there is no check engine light there might be something there.

Any other suggestions?

Eric

[vernk]

the metal disk with the slots in it is the Crank angle sensor if that is messed up the ECU is not going to know when to inject fuel if i was you i would just get a new distributor you should be able to find one in a junk yard easy (remember almost all VG motors are the same) one out of a Pathfinder or 300z sould work if you cant find a maxima or I30, so just find a nissan with a VG30E (even a Quest) and pull it. more then likely cheeper then the part from the dealer.