Nissan Repair: 87 Nissan Pulsar shuts off while driving, nissan pulsar nx, 1987 nissan pulsar nx


Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hello Von,
     I have a 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX SE 1.6 DOHC. The problem I am having is that the car will run great for days and then it shuts off while driving for no apparent reason.  I checked the code and it flashed 44, throttle valve switch.  I had a Nissan dealership go over it and they replaced the throttle valve switch and the regulator (I was also having a fluctuating RPM) Well, it worked well until today (4 days out of the shop). It shut off while at idle this time. It will restart after an hour or so, but you better get home before it happens again.  I read your responses about the distributor, but does this car have a traditional distributor for me to check the optical pickup?  Any ideas?  Thanks for you time.  John
Answer -
John,

My bet is the distributor getting oil on the optical pickup as you describe all the signs of it happening.  I would replace the distributor and you should be fine.

Thanks Von, but does the 1.6L DOHC have a traditional distributor for me to check the optical pickup?  

Answer
John,

The distributor looks normal.  But, under the cover that is under the rotor there is an optical pickup instead of a hall effect switch.  The seal gets old and oil migrates into the optical sensor and that makes the ignition go nuts and the car will cut out and not run.