'97 Altima overheated, now won't start...

[fieroboom]

Hey guys, forum n00b here. Many googlings have led me to believe that this forum has plenty of expertise, which I am in great need of...

I searched the forum, and sifted through about 20 threads that looked like they might be relevant, but didn't find exactly what I'm looking for. I found these threads, which gave me some good ideas, but I'd like more input before I head back over there to check out the car:zerothread/285129http://forums.nicoclub ... ead/285129

Anyway, I'm checking out a friend's car for her, and here's what she told me (in as much detail as I could get from her). The car overheated, and she was able to get it home. She popped the hood, and noticed a crack in the rad just below the filler neck. The next day, she came out to start the car, and it would turn over, but wouldn't fire. I went to go look at it today, and saw the crack, and here is what I noticed with minimal troubleshooting:- Turns over (not seized)- All ignition-related relays are in proper working order (as far as I can tell)- Has spark- Distributor rotates while cranking (pulled the cap)- Fuel pump is operational (checked for pressure)- When attempting to start it, it almost kinda sorta jumps or fires at a certain spot in the revolution, but it's very slight.

Another one of her 'mechanic friends' took one 60 second glance at it and told her it was the 'timing belt'... As far as I know, this engine has a timing chain (not a belt), and I believe it's an interference engine... Also, please note that the car was running, and then turned off, so it wasn't any sort of catastrophic meltdown, like what might happen if the chain broke.

So here are my questions, since I'm not 100% familiar with this particular engine:- The check engine light has been on since about March of this year, so are there any particular ignition-related sensors or modules I should check?- Has anyone else experienced something similar, and if so, what was the outcome?

Thank you guys so much for your time.-Paul

[audtatious]

Have you looked at the oil to determine if you have a blown head gasket? If the car was losing fluid and overheated it could easily be the main cause of your problems. In addition it could have a warped head.

When looking at the oil it will kinda look like chocolate milk if there is water or anti-freeze in it. Anything that does not look "normal" is suspect.

If the timing chain broke, when you turn the motor over, you will see the lower crank turn but nothing much else.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

+1You can pretty much rule out the timing chain.You should run a compression check and see what you get. Will it start if you spray starting fluid into the throttle body (and then re-hook up the intake tubing/maf)?

[fieroboom]

Have you looked at the oil to determine if you have a blown head gasket? If the car was losing fluid and overheated it could easily be the main cause of your problems. In addition it could have a warped head.

When looking at the oil it will kinda look like chocolate milk if there is water or anti-freeze in it. Anything that does not look "normal" is suspect.

If the timing chain broke, when you turn the motor over, you will see the lower crank turn but nothing much else.

I went back over there yesterday, and did some more troubleshooting:- Oil looks good n black- Unbolted the fuel rail, verified the injectors are pulsing & spraying fuel- Plug wires were out of order, corrected that- Spark plugs are new; looks like they've never been fired... Found out she had those & the wires replaced post-breakdown.- Performed self diagnostic with the ECM, got knock sensor code (I believe it was 34..?)- Unplugged the knock sensor for kicks & tried it... no dice- Tested the MAF sensor according to Haynes; appears to be in working order

During the self diagnostic, the CEL flashed, but I didn't see any LED lights on the ECM as noted that I should see in the Haynes manual...I'm taking my trailer and going to get the car today so I can get it in my garage where I have all my tools & A/C...I lost my compression gauge when I moved, so looks like I need to grab/make another one, because the cylinders are definitely getting spark & fuel. It's got to be either no compression or timing (maybe a jumped chain, or spark plug dude rotated the dist?), because everything else pertaining to ignition seems to be in perfect working order, so it should at least fire, instead of just turning over like there's no plugs in it...