Nissan Repair: 1996 NISSAN PICKUP, o2 sensors, spark plug wire

Question
4 CYL ENGINE.WILL START AND RUN OR IDLE FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES THEN SHUT OF AND WILL NOT START AGAIN FOR SEVERAL HOURS. BEFORE STALLS IT WILL PUFF BLACK SMOKE.
I HAVE REPLACED THE O2 SENSORS.

Answer
Hi James -

I can think of 2 things - the ignition module or the fuel pump.

Cars do not start for 2 reasons, and we have to determine which to maximize success in the diagnosis:

To check gas

Open the access to the intake manifold and pour a little gas (about 1/2 tablespoon) into the engine (you can use starting fluid as well). Try to start the car. If the car starts and dies after a couple seconds, change the fuel pump. If it does not, then continue on below:


To check spark -

First have a helper stand by in the car, while you pull off a spark plug wire. Stick a screwdriver into the wire so that it contacts the metal terminal in the boot. Hold it about 1/4" away from any metal surface and have your helper crank the car. CAUTION: while you are holding the screwdriver, do not touch anything metal or you may get jolted. If you see sparks jumping from the screwdriver edge to the metal surface, all electrical components are fine and it is a fuel issue. If there is no spark:

Check the distributor cap and rotor for corrosion or oxidation
Check the spark plug and coil wires for corrosion at the terminals
Check the distributor module (this requires technical equipment and expertise)
Also the car's computer may be the problem

Hope this helps
calvin