90 Q45 Started, ran 2 sec's, then quit.

[rk4tots]

Folks,

I got a '90 Q45 with 200K miles at auction. It was still purring like a kitten for 4 months. One afternoon went to start it and it ran about 2 seconds then died, kind of like a cold start (weather was mild). I tried again and got no fire. The engine turns over fine.

I checked all fuses and relays I could find, good. I pulled the fuel hose after the filter and it squirts plenty with the key on. I've read here about the crank angle sensor and will check it when I find it, any hints?

I've ordered the factory manual, but it's on back order. I'm a novice, but need this car running. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Rich :help

[Q451990]

Do you hear the fuel pump run when you first turn the key to the "on" position? Also, squeeze the fuel line, then turn the key to "on" and compare. It should feel much more firm when the key is on. If you don't hear the pump or feel the pressure in the line (check under the hood between the fuel filter and fuel rail) then you don't have fuel pressure. My guess would be a bad fuel pump and/or controller, but it could also be the dreaded chain guide failure....

Welcome to NICO!

Heath

[timatt]

Sounds like a fuel pump or controller to me also. My '91 did this also, twice back in November, first thing in the morning (cold) both times. Each time I was able to get it started by pushing the pedal all the way to the floor and cranking for a while. Once running it was OK, but I could hear my fuel pump at idle.

I replaced my fuel pump in December and checked out the solder joints on the controller (they were OK). I haven't had the problem since.

timatt

[DAEDALUS]

When it died, did it die all of a sudden, or did the RPMs slowly drop?

[rk4tots]

I have fuel pressure. Hear the pump fine with key in run position and fuel lines get firmer and fuel squirts from hose after the fuel filter when pulled. Don't know about at the fuel injectors. Are there any I can get to that aren't under the plenum and how would I know they're working?

It died pretty sudden. This is the first fuel injected car I've owned, but it died kind of like a carbeurated car does on a cold start. So symptomatically like a fuel problem by sound.

I've put a Fluke meter on the leads at the modules on the decorative rocker panel covers and don't get anything recognizable. I beleive these are for ignition. Only manual I've been able to get ahold of so far was a cryptic Chilton's at the library. Everything started with "Remove negative lead from the battery, then pull engine." Anyone know what readings should be?

Sorry about the slow response time. Live in the sticks and have to use the computer at work. Thanks again for your help.

[DAEDALUS]

Did you check all the fusible links under the hood and fuses under the steering wheel? If you have a timing light, you can clamp on to one of the wires on the driver's side just to see if you're getting spark. You will need a FSM though. The biggest fear is that you've had a timing chain guide failure as Heath mentioned. Sounds like the fuel might be fine, so hopefully it's ignition-related.

[maxnix]

Shouldn't hear pump at all if it is not failing. You may have a case of insufficient pressure due to a failing pump. A fuel pressure gauge would be a great help.

[rk4tots]

I've checked the fuses under the dash and all fuses and relays I could find under the hood. All fuses are good. The relay coils ohm good, but I haven't applied voltage to confirm the switching. Will do over weekend.

The Factory Manual is on back order ($75) from Nissan Publications. I have a friend who is going to lend me a fuel gauge tomorrow, but he said I would need to find the Schrader valve.

I haven't been able to get the covers off that fit over the spark plugs and coils. Can't get allen wrench in the last two allen bolts next to the firewall. Passenger side looks like best bet. Do I have to take out the brake system or is there another tool I should be looking for? Am I just too ham fisted?

Where will I find the crank angle sensor?How about the Schrader valve, if there is one?Should I get some kind of reading with a voltmeter at the modules on the rocker cover panels, while cranking?

I'm still in denial over the timing chain possibility. Going to try mashing the pedal to the floor and cranking when I get home, be back tomorrow.

[DAEDALUS]

There's no fuel schraeder valve on your Q. You'll have to T off the line that goes from the fuel filter to the fuel rail. But for various reasons I doubt it's the fuel pump that's preventing the car from starting. No need to remove the ABS system! Get an allen socket if possible and use a ratchet to get the ornamental valve covers off.The CAS is attached to the driver's side head, just in front of the exhaust camshaft. There are procedures in the manual for checking the transistor pin-outs on the valve covers. But they're pretty in-depth.

[rk4tots]

Thanks for the leads. I'll be using the T to hook up the fuel pressure gauge this weekend, might as well check it while I've got the tool. Stopping at the tool store for metric allen sockets tomorrow. Will also try to borrow a diagnostic tool from AutoZone to get the fail codes.Left the key on last time I was tinkering so didn't get to try pedal to the floor move yet. Likely to be gone till Monday. Will let you all know what I've found then.

[rk4tots]

Hey all,

Recharged battery, put pedal to floor, and cranked for about 45-60 seconds before engine coughed to life. Has started every time since. Sounds like Maxnix was right about the fuel pump by what I read on another thread. I'll review what was done there and chase it down. Thanks again for all your help. With this site I should have this car back to health again pretty soon.

[Q451990]

Check eBay for the FSM as well. Here's a 1990 manual that's on there now. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...61604

I assume Nissan will let you back out on the $75 since it's backordered.

You sure won't pass yourself on the road very often in Wichita, KS! My mom grew up on a far between the huge cities of Moran and Iola KS It's unusual to see anything that's not American made around there... much less an Infiniti.

Heath

[90Q45blue]

I'm from Wichita and I'll have you know that there are 4 Infinitis on our block: My 91 Q, neighbor's 2004 G35 Coupe, other neighbor's 2004 Q45, and yet another neighbor's 2001 QX4.

Nick

[90Q45blue]

P.S. I have a FSM for a 90Q I don't need anymore. I'll sell it to you for $35 plus shipping. E-mail at [email protected] if interested.

[rk4tots]

Also I've seen two other 90 Q45s driving around Wichita. Missed a chance at a donor 90 Q 'cause I couldn't make the auction. I'm looking for rear struts as well. I'll call Nissan tomorrow and see if I can back out of the order. Let you know then. Thanks again.

[Q451990]

Hmmm... maybe Wichita is a bit more advanced than Moran and Iola

Heath

[90Q45blue]

Yeah, we DO have an Infiniti dealership there.

Nick