Sputtering engine

Nissan 300ZX technical discussion forum: Maintenance, performance, installations, modifications, how-to's and troubleshooting.
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B-Rabbit Z32
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:32 pm
Car: 1990 300zx TT

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For some reason lately my car has been sputtering and trying to die when i pull up to a light/stop sign. It only happens when I've been driving for a little while and eventually goes away after driving about 45 min. the thing that really confuses me is that if i stop with the clutch pushed in it doesn't have the problem, it's only when the clutch is out. I'm not sure what to make of it, should i be concerned? Any ideas on what might cause this? Thanks.


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Ace2cool
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Joined: Sun Apr 20, 2008 5:21 pm
Car: 1991 Nissan 300ZX TT
1966 Datsun Fairlady 1600
2005 Suzuki GSX-R 600
1974 Honda CB550 Four
2009 Ford F150 Lariat
Location: Murfreesboro, TN

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I'm assuming you mean while stopping in neutral? I really hope so, at least.

Could be your fuel tank floater/sending unit. When you brake, gas goes to the front of the tank, and if your floater is messed up, that could cause a fuel stall.

But seriously, tell me you have it out of gear when stopping....

bentandbuzzin
Posts: 196
Joined: Thu Nov 27, 2008 4:07 pm
Car: 1992 300zx n/a manual 2+0
Location: Middle River, Maryland

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When was the last time you had a tune up? Could be bad spark plugs, clogged or dirty fuel filter and air filter. The idle or timimg could possibly need adjusting. Start with the simple stuff first before going into major work without being sure. Think of it this way...if your missing any of the 3 major things for an engine to run (air, fuel, spark) you will have problems similar to what your having now.

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B-Rabbit Z32
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Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:32 pm
Car: 1990 300zx TT

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Ace yes it is in neutral and out of gear, I know how to drive last time I checked. Not to sound indignant but it's kind of insulting to throw that in. It's not a question about my driving. I know the difference between killing the car cause the clutch is engaged and a sputtering engine.

I thought of all the small things and have taken care of those except the timing cause I don't have a timing light or cash to take it in. Any other ideas, my car's throwing out ECU codes 34 and 42 could this be it?

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Zwicked
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Joined: Mon May 14, 2007 6:19 am
Car: 1990 300 ZX tt, 1990 240SX

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Have you ever pulled any of the EFI connectors to see if they are corroded? Often stalling is related to the AAC solenoid not working. Misfire and "sputtering" can be corroded injector or other connectors.Start by pulling the Coolant Temp Sensor connector as it's easy to get to. If it looks like the contacts are green and corroded, all 12 or so relating to the EFI system need to be pulled and cleaned. (Injectors, AAC, FICD, MAF, PTU, Air Regulator, TPS). Scrape away as much as possible with a small file or dental pick and then use a high grade contact cleaner. It's also a good idea to test the injectors while the connectors are off to make sure they are in spec.The AAC controls the idle and if not working properly, will cause the engine to stall when pushing the clutch in. The base idle should also be set properly once the connectors are cleaned to ensure it's not too low.

This is a good place to start and something that should be done yearly as the connectors on this engine are not very weatherproof.

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Ace2cool
Posts: 11650
Joined: Sun Apr 20, 2008 5:21 pm
Car: 1991 Nissan 300ZX TT
1966 Datsun Fairlady 1600
2005 Suzuki GSX-R 600
1974 Honda CB550 Four
2009 Ford F150 Lariat
Location: Murfreesboro, TN

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B-Rabbit Z32 wrote:Ace yes it is in neutral and out of gear, I know how to drive last time I checked. Not to sound indignant but it's kind of insulting to throw that in. It's not a question about my driving. I know the difference between killing the car cause the clutch is engaged and a sputtering engine.
There was no offense intended. I only ask because someone recently asked on here if there was a problem with their car that it slows down a lot more quickly when he lets off the gas with the car in gear and it doesn't happen when the clutch is pressed in. I was just trying to save you some money if, and that's a big IF, you were new to driving a 5 speed. Gotta make sure all the bases are covered.

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Pieceofsand
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Joined: Thu Dec 25, 2008 8:07 pm
Car: 91 300zx Twin Turbo

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B-Rabbit Z32
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:32 pm
Car: 1990 300zx TT

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Thanks for the info, it's still having problems but now that i have a direction it helps a lot.

Ace don't worry about it no harm no foul


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