Nissan Repair: 97 Nissan Altima, nissan altima, nissan cars

Question
QUESTION: Hi there.  Great service by the way.  My wife's Nissan Altima 97 has been acting up.  Occasionally when it is started, or even while running for a while, it will bog down and even stall out.  After leaving it for a while, an hour or so, it will start right up and run great again.  Seems erratic and sporadic.  Meaning it never does it in front of a mechanic.  I have run some cleaners through it, but I am doubtful on the efficacy of that.  Seems to have lots of crank, new battery, but won't roll over when it is being troublesome.  Again, it tens to be more often that not when it is hot and has been operating a lot.
ANSWER: Joseph,

I would check the basics first.  If you say it does the bog or stumble thing on occasion I would be looking at a defective relay for the fuel pump or the pump itself.  Other causes would be the coil could be defective and when it gets hot it cuts out causing the problem.  Now, when you say you try to start the car and it will not turn over that would be a starter or the ignition relay or ignition itself.  It has been my experience that the starter is the most common cause on Nissan cars.

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

QUESTION: My mechanic enquired about the fuel pump.  The ignition relay? hmmmm, the key sometimes needs some coaxing to turn, would that lead to an ignition issue?  Any thoughts on the catalytic converter possibly being plugged or malfunctioning?  

Answer
Joseph,

If there are times when the engine will not turn over when the key is turned would lead one to think the starter is going out.  Nissan uses a gear reduction starter and these are known for binding up.  Fuel pump would not cause the engine not to turn over.  But, if it turned over and did not start would mean that the fuel pressure should be checked.  The converter would not cause any of the problems you indicate.