Nissan Repair: 94 nissan altima studders, nissan altima, quarter tank

Question
QUESTION: I have a 94 Nissan altima gxe manual transmission.  It recently has started what I call "hic-upping". As I start to accelerate, it seems like the engine want's to stall. After I get on the hi-way I can still fill it slightly but not as bad, it's mainly while I'm driving under 40 mph.  I've been told it's my clutch slipping but that doesn't seem right.  I think it has more to do with compression or a fuel line issue. help.

ANSWER: Hi Scott -

Could be a few things. When was the last time you had a tune up? PLugs,cap and rotor, wires? Could be some carbon tracking or a defective wire causing that miss under load.

I would give it a tune up first and then see if it goes away.

Could also be the fuel delivery, not enough pressure from the pump.

Check the tune up and then get back to me -

hope this helps -
aloha
calvin


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: In the past six months I have done a complete tune up plus new head gasket, starter, which is going out again, alternator and sometime in the past two years or so I have changed out the fuel filter. I have 150,000 miles on it.  I do have to admit I am one of those drivers who only gets gas when the low fuel lite has been on long enough to make me nervous, I've been told that this is bad for the fuel system.

Answer
Hi Scott -

Could be. Running the fuel down sometimes will get extra sediment in your pump, and then it will not work properly. If you did have a tune up recently, OK. But I would check the cap and rotor anyway, for carbon tracking, or excessive deposits. If in doubt, replace them anyway, as it is minimal.

Next I would say it is the fuel pump. This is in the tank, so ensure you have less than a quarter tank before removing the tank.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin