QuestionMy Mother In-laws 97 Sentra decided not to start the other day. No prior starting issues.
I looked through all the postings and saw a few similar problems but not enough detail to answer my question. I think I have eliminated all the basics.
The car is a 97 Sentra with a 1.6L engine with about 90K on it. The engine cranks fine, has spark and is getting fuel. Last thing to check in my mind was air, which I did. The filter was pretty bad and it looked like some critter had taken up residence in the air box in the distant past. Cleaned it out and changed the filter, still no start. I have a scan tool and the only codes it pulled was for a bad O2 sensor (after cat). I regaped the plugs, and did a visual inspection of the timing chain, which seems to be OK (I doubt my 80yo Mother In-Law is hard enough on the 1.6 to skip a tooth). I tried starting fluid in both the intake plenum and directly in the plug holes, no luck.
I did notice during several of the many times I had the plugs out there was a good amount of fuel sitting on top of the pistons. Also, the plugs were very wet most every time I pulled them (tried starting the car normally and with WOT).
Any thoughts before I start replacing costly parts?
AnswerRichard,
If the plugs are wet the engine is getting too much fuel. Get a fuel pressure gauge and see if the fuel pressure is within range. That is, check to see what the pressure is when you turn the key to on. It does not have to be started to see what pressure the engine has. Now, I would think one or more injectors is defective. That is, they are letting fuel pour into the engine. Take the plugs out and leave them out over night and then reinstall them and start the car up. That should get the thing running. But, for me, I would then check the plugs to see which injector is stuck open. Also, the fuel pressure regulator could be stuck closed making the engine get too much fuel. But, with Nissan it is usually an injector.
