cant find a solution 1997 Nissan Maxima

[pflicht]

Whats up? I am no newb to NICO as i was in the 240sx section for a long time, but now that is gone and I own a 97 maxima. My problem seems to be kicking my tail end a bit. I've search quite a bit but nothing really seems to help. Here is the issue.

Extended crank, sometimes grinds. Vehicle has 151,XXX mi on it. I dont know what service has been done to it or what hasn't. My budget is very limited so I cant throw oodles of money into this. The sometimes grinding issue i feel is from the starter not fully engaging. This was verified by small wear pattern on the starter teeth and flywheel, but nothing to be concerned about. But the grinding is not my issue. Its the extended crank.

Many sources said that it could have been a ground issue. Which has been addressed and resolved with no avail. Others say it could be a crank sensor, but like I said, i dont have ample amounts of money to throw at this.

Engine light was on. Scanned for codes and 2 were EVAP codes (P0440 EVAP Emission Malfunction and P0446 EVAP Emission Vent Circuit Malfunction) as well as P0301 (Cylinder #1 Misfire). Checked plugs and all is well there so to pinpoint wether or not it was a coil issue or harness issue, i swapped coils from #1 to #3 and vice versa but since have gotten no misfire codes.

Once the car fires up it runs like a champ. Idle is beautiful, acceleration is spot on, it runs like it is supposed to. Every once in a while there is a slight hiccup but i have no clue as to what to make of it, perhaps that is the cylinder misfire? I dont know.

Another thing that bugs me is the throttle is very touchy. Cruising through my neighborhood, the speed limit is 25mph. I usually put all my cars in 3rd gear when i go through there. Any time the gas is feathered to keep it at 25, it likes to buck. Doesn't matter if in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear. So i just end up going up to 30, coasting till around 23 then back up again.

Anyone have ANY ideas?

[maxhopper]

I had a similar starting issue on my 97, and it ended up being the starter. I had installed all kinds of grounding wires and beat my head against a wall for months. But after I replaced the starter, I never had the problem again.

For the touchy throttle, I'd try removing the idle air control valve and cleaning the carbon build up.

[pflicht]

as for the starting issue, I have calmed it down quite a bit. But as for the touchy throttle, I pulled the IACV and cleaned it (although there was virtually no carbon buildup at all. Looks like it was replaced sometime after the 100K mark. ) and it is still touchy. I don't know how to fix this. Maybe it is caused by my failing coil?