Nissan Repair: Nissan Pulsar wont start, nissan pulsar vector, nissan pulsar

Question
QUESTION: Nissan Pulsar Vector 1988 1.8 Auto.
My car won't start. Was working fine with no problems one day, started first turn of the key. Then the other day just would not fire. Ocassionally it sounded like it was attempting to but it was very weak. I thought it could be fuel but also wonder if it is getting a decent spark. Fuel pump is running (I can hear it when I turn the key on).

Does you know of any likely causes for it to just go like that?

Cheers.

ANSWER: Steve,

I would check the fuel pressure at the pressure port at the engine.  Second, I would check number one for spark at the plug.  Disconnect the wire at the plug and get a paperclip and hold it close to the block and have someone crank the engine.  You are probably looking at a distributor that has been contaminated with oil on the optics.  Dismantle the distributor and remove the cover under the rotor post.  There is an optical shutter wheel and an LED pickup and receiver.  If oil wicks up the shaft and gets on the optics the engine will not run.  Check it out and email me back.

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

QUESTION: Hi Von,

Thanks for your response. Plenty of fuel getting to the engine. Checked for spark on number one and that seems ok as well. I did check inside the distributor which was oily but I pressume this is ok because there was spark getting to number one. So now I'm scratching my head. We tried cranking and cranking the engine. Every now and again it sounds like it wants to fire into life but never quite makes it. Any suggestions?

Cheers,

Steve

Answer
Steve,

Under the distributor cover there is an optical shutter wheel.  Now, to get to it you need to remove the rotor and rotor post and then the cover below.  To get the rotor post off you need s screwdriver and unscrew the screw that holds the post and then the two that hold the cover on.  There is an optical shutter wheel and an LED pickup and receiver.  If there is oil on these the car will fire but misfire and not start or run really badly.  If there is oil replace the distributor with a rebuilt unit.  Check this out and email me back.