91 240 won't start. Help!

[Liquidus]

1991 Nissan 240sx won't start. Here's what has happened.

About 3 weeks ago my car wouldn't start. When i turned the key there was a weird chrunign sound comming from the engine, which sounded really bad. I was pretty worried but just before calling to have someone pick me up it just started up. All, was fine for about the next 3 weeks.

Until 2 days ago. Car wouldn't start. This time, there wasn't any noise from under the hood that i could make out. Had to get picked up and car was left. Came back the next day in a different car and car started up.

So i came back later with someone else so i could pick it up and it started again. Drove home, now its dead again.

The only thing i can make out that doesn't really make any sense is a strange humming sound that seems to come from the right rear of the car.

What would cause my car to randomly not start, maybe its dead permanantly now, or maybe it will start up again in 20 minutes, based on past experiences who knows?

Please help me!

Thanks,Rob

[180fan]

Does it need a jump to start? The weird sound, did it sound like a starter that was still engaged?

[Liquidus]

no it definantly didn't. It was a very quite churning sound from the engine(like i said that only happened the first time, now theres nothing).

On another message board someone suggested i check for a loose ground wire or other loose connection. Probably makes sense since it only happens randomly.

Do you agree? Any tips you can give me for doing this.

Thank You

[gothmunkie]

That weird humming sound sfrom the right rear of the car may have been ur fuel pump, that is if it runs for a few seconds and then shuts off. It's just the pump priming ur fuel system.

I'm having similar problems with my car. I was driving it ahd it would just die, at first, it would sputter and then die, then it graduated to just dying. now it won't start at all.

G-Munkie

[NISTECH]

Next time it wont start get a helper to hold the key in the start position. While you grab a long metal rod [tire iron,pry bar,or even a hammer] give the starter a good wack. if it starts you have bad contacts in the starter solonoid. Replace the starter.