91 NA 5 speed cranks but won't start

[TShort426]

Hey guys, new to the Nissan/Import scene and seeing if you can help me out. Looked all over the place and can't find anyone with the same issues I have.

I bought it about 3 days ago, the guy said it didn't run but he was pretty sure it was the PTU so I borrowed one off of my buddy's 92 2+2 to see if it was the issue. I tried to start it, but it just cranked and cranked, wouldn't fire. I swapped the PTU, still did the same thing. Looked at the car throughout while I was thinking about what the issue could be and got the idea to use my best friend (contact cleaner). Sprayed the connectors on either side of the PTU and sure enough, it fired right up. I had to help it stay running until it leveled out (about 10 seconds of steady throttle), but it seemed to run great after that. I drove it around the block a few times, everything worked as it should so I went back to make a deal. Let it sit for a little bit while we talked, I kept checking the gauges every now and then and it started trying to get warm so I cut it off. Made the deal, got the the title and went to start it and leave. Wouldn't fire, yet again. Took the PTU back off, sprayed contact cleaner again, wiped the back of the unit and the bracket it sits on, fired it up and hauled a** back home (2 hour drive).

The next day, I went to leave for work and it fired up but I had to help it again until it found itself (I've had to do this every time I start it). I've found out that if you start it and leave it alone, it fires, then falls on it's face. Once you try to start again right after that, it takes a second to get enough fuel to start (it cranks, chugs and chugs, faster and faster until it finally starts, then once again, help it along the way).

Yesterday, it was the same thing; crank, fire, give it some love and sweetalk until it catches. Around the middle of the day, I finally got some time to mess with it and dig into it. I changed the oil, trans fluid, coolant, topped off brake and power steering fluid, put a bottle of some fuel system cleaner in it with a fresh tank of 93. Seemed to be doing WAY better after all of that (still had the weak starting issue though)

Now, as of last night, it won't do anything but turn over. Doesn't seem like it's getting fuel anymore like it used to. Did my trick on the PTU again, but it didn't help this time. Fuel pump cycles, fuel filter is receiving and sending, no clogged hoses to the fuel rails, but I haven't checked the injectors yet (don't know how to check). I push started it, it started but it was struggling bad. I had to stay on the throttle the whole 2 minutes or so I had it running while it was spitting and sputtering badly. It's nowhere near drivable now and needing to get it back on the road.

Some other issues I've found are when you press the brake pedal, (maybe the booster) starts to squeal. The harder you press the pedal, the higher pitch the squeal is, coming from under the hood. Another thing is there is a jump in the rear end when the clutch starts engaging and when you shift (maybe a bad bushing somewhere in the back?) Also, (could be related to the weak start) when you press the throttle, it hesitates/cuts out for a split second, then catches and revs.

Any help would be appreciated, I will gladly answer any questions to the best of my knowledge. Thanks in advance.

[z.Leinbach]

Check the plugs, and injectors, then make sure its on time (ignition), and then make sure the cas reading 4.5 volts

[TShort426]

Picking up plugs after work, how would you go about checking the injectors? Any way I can do that without taking the intake manifold off? I don't have anything to check timing or voltage on anything. I found how to check the ECU without a code reader last night, so that will be attempted after work as well.

[z.Leinbach]

To check the injectors just ohm them. The everthing you need to know bit will have the specs on many things.

[Nate_the_IV]

My '96 N/A had the same problem when I bought it in December last year. Check on my first post and see if that helps you. Could be Fuel Pressure Regulator and Damper as in my case. One way to check if it may be those two is to disconnect the small vacuum line connected to the Damper and attempt to start it up (it is located just above the throttle cable cover on the passenger side). If it starts it is more than likely you have found your problem. Also, when the vacuum line is disconnected it should be sucking in air.

Here is the link: topic612838.html

Hope it helps!