Nissan Repair: Nissan Pulsar q 1991 5 speed manual, neutral safety switch, fuel pump relay

Question
Hi, I have a Nissan pulsar 1991, great car except for the following. As i live in a hot climate, my car is outside in the heat. When i try and start the car it won't turn over. All the lights on the dash board come on as if the car wants to start but will not turn over. We try cooling the car down by opening the bonnet and by pouring water over it. This can last from anywhere from 10 minutes to all day without starting. We have tried everything, our mechanic can't find the problem as it never occurs when he has the car. The car service is up to date. Just wondering if you have any idea what is happening and how we can fix it. As our summer is coming up i have already had this happen several times and can't afford to be stranded anymore.
Thank you
Janelle Andrew

Answer
Janelle,

If your car will not turn over I would say the neutral safety switch.  If your car turns over, cranks, and does not start I would be looking at first is it getting fuel and if so next is it getting spark.  If no fuel check the fuel pump relay and pump.  If no spark check the distributor for oil on the optics and the output of the coil as well as the dwell time.