My pig used to run rich, now it doesn't run at all

[gr8bryt]

Ok Nissan guru's, have a whack @ this. I've got a 90 240sx hatch that I bought over the summer. Shortly after purchase, the starter died and it sat for about a month before I replaced it. Got the car running regularly in about August and everything was fine up until about a month or so ago. I noticed that I was running rich and using up a lot of fuel. I found that the maf sensor connector had a faulty wire connected and used a temp fix of re-wiring it in order to get the car back on the road. Just last weekend I went to the junk yard and got another pigtail and connector to replace the makeshift wiring job aforementioned. The car died on me about 2 1/2 weeks ago and won't even turn over now. I've replaced the spark plugs twice since I noticed the problem; the most recent time was when I changed the pigtail. Distributor cap is good, plug wires are good, fuel injectors are working ok, and I have K&N air filter(came installed already). Some other niconauts have suggested that the battery may not have enough voltage to crank the car, so I connected jumper cables to mine and tried to start it--nothing. The car does have gas in it and I can hear fuel going to the injectors (I think), as well as smell a hint of fuel if I get really close to the valve cover. I don't believe the fuel pump is bad, nor is the maf sensor itself. Yes I suppose it's possible that I got a bad pigtail, but I don't really think that's it. Someone suggested that the car could have jumped time, but I don't know enough to diagnose that. I'm holding out from taking to a shop as a last resort. I'm pretty desperate to get my ride back on the road, so I'm open to all ideas as to what could be going on. The car has the original ka(SOHC) w/ about 168K,Please help.

[gr8bryt]

I tried using the articles here in this forum as well as searching other threads and websites so please don't bash me by referring me to SEARCH.

[LayNLow240]

Quote »Some other niconauts have suggested that the battery may not have enough voltage to crank the car, so I connected jumper cables to mine and tried to start it--nothing.[/quote]that leads me to believe that batt is just dead. you say it wont crank over, and cant use jumper cables with it, so try another battery out, one that you know is good and see if itll start the car. ive killed a battery before and it wouldnt crank by itself or with the help of some jumpers. but also check your fuses, esp the 100A(grey) one. if fuses are good i would bet on a bad batt.good luck.

[gr8bryt]

I don't think the battery is bad because I have power options and everything else works (door locks, windows, interior and exterior lights). I'll check that fuse though, it's located under the hood I presume?

[gr8bryt]

ttt

[rogoman]

Perform the obvious.- Check for spark at every plug wire. Remove one plug wire at a time and plug into a spare spark plug; lay plug on top of valve cover.- Check fuel delivery. An easy way to test the fuel pump and filter is to disconnect the fuel hose from the top of the fuel filter and insert a long length of spare hose into the top of the fuel filter with the other end draped over the fender going into a catch can placed on the ground. Now turn the ignition key to the run position but DO NOT START THE ENGINE. You should see fuel going into the can at a good rate for several seconds.

[LayNLow240]

I don't think the battery is bad because I have power options and everything else works (door locks, windows, interior and exterior lights). I'll check that fuse though, it's located under the hood I presume?

yes the fuse is in the fuse box thats next to the battery tray.and just because your power options, lights, etc work, doesnt mean that it has enough juice to crank over the engine. check it with a voltmeter to be 100% sure it has 10-12V. it doesnt take much power to run lights/most accessories, but the starter requires a good bit to turn over and start the engine.

[gr8bryt]

Thanks, I'll try these things to see where it gets me. Updates will be posted as they are available.