Engine problems

[Keldon]

Hi all. I am wondering if anyone can help me here. I have searched the forums here, but have not come up with anything related.

I have a 2000 I30 with roughly 120,000 miles on it. Whether the car is hot or cold, I have this problem where the engine feel like it will die. If it is sitting in a stationary position in park, it does not do this. However if I place the car in drive or reverse, the engine kind of sputters and feels like it is going to die. I have to shut the car off and wait a minute or two before it will run normally, but sometimes I have to do it more than once.

To me I think it has to do with something fuel related, but I want to ask here if others have had similar problems or know of what the issue could be. Any help would be appreciated and I look forward to your reply. Thanks.

[maxhopper]

Welcome to NICO.

When was the last time your fuel filter was changed?

[Keldon]

Thanks for the welcome!

To my knowledge it has been some time, (not too sure when that exactly was however).

Now, are there 2 fuel filters? One in the engine compartment and one in the fuel tank?
Modified by Keldon at 4:31 PM 1/23/2007

[maxhopper]

You are correct, there are two. The one in fuel tank is attached to the fuel pump, and designed to filter out large particles.

The one on the fire wall, of the engine bay, should be changed every 30,000 miles. You may be getting a restriction in the filter that is not allowing ample flow to the fuel rail, and injectors.

[Keldon]

I have also noticed a smell. It smells almost like rotten eggs at times. Could that also be from the fuel filter?

Also with the fuel filter; is the one in the fuel tank one of those supposed "lifetime" filters, or should I change that out as well?

Thanks again for your help!

[maxhopper]

The rotten egg smell usually indicates a problem with the main catalytic converter.No need to replace the filter in the tank.

[00_Altima MD]

there is a tsb about replacing the cats on that year model and a reprogram is supposed to go with it, i cant really remember whether or not you have to replace the o2 sensors or not but it would probably help. i would stand by the exhaust and see what kind of pressure you are getting out of there.

[Keldon]

This may be a very noobish questions, but I cannot find the fuel filter anywhere. Can someone point me in the right direction? I went to the auto parts store and they don't have a book for purchase. Every site I go to says that the fuel filter is in the gas tank. Thanks
Modified by Keldon at 7:02 PM 1/27/2007

[MinisterofDOOM]

The filter is on the fuel line near the firewall.