Intermitent D21 starting trouble

[ourmandave]

Hello~

I've got a 1994 D21 that loves to strand me when I take it on short hops (<1 mile). I'll come out of a store after 15 minutes and it won't start. It cranks over plenty but acts like its flooded.

If it does start there's a big cloud of white smoke out the back and the heavy smell of fuel. Not a raw gas smell but clearly fuel. This is also accompanied by the very loud squealing sound like a loose belt which eventually goes away when I get up to revs.

The thing is it doesn't do this all the time. I can come out any given morning and it will start right up without hesitation and no squealing belt sound. It also drives fine. No lack of power or strange noises.

So far I've replaced two fuel injectors (with the recommendation of the other two as well), a belt, and the O2 sensor all with no effect.

I took it to the Nissan dealer and their diagnoses was to start by replacing the timing belt and tensioners for the low low price of only $2200. That's to start, no guarantees that's it.

Has anybody else had this trouble and how hosed am I?

Thanks,
Dave

[Saudade]

Are you getting any codes?

So when it won't start, will it if you let it cool off enough? If so, about how long?

Pull your spark plugs and have a look at them.

[Meleemaker]

The late 80s early 90s are infamous for bad injector problems that plagued a lot of their fleet. You may have a problem with the injectors leaking and flooding out the cylidners and causing a hard start problem.

Check for fuel pressure on the rail. It should be 35-45 psi approximately. If you are getting poor pressure you may need to replace filter and pump.

Next use a spark tester and test for spark. Should be a nice healthy looking blue spark.