Nissan Repair: Possible Distributor, valve cover gasket, nissan altima

Question
Distributor on 95 Nissan Altima

I have been told that my distributor has shorted. I cannot tell if I am being told the truth or not.
Basically, the car drives fine for about an hour to my destination. After a few hours I would come back to start the car only to get a very rough idle in park. Further, within a few days of this starting, my car stalled in the middle of the highway in low speed traffic and would not start for a hours. It was fine after that, but I still am afraid the problem is there as now my check engine light is on.

My valve cover has been leaking and was told that this is the cause for requiring a new distributor.  Any idea of what is going on? Your help is appreciated as I want to avoid spending hundreds on a distributor if possible.


Answer
The distributor is problem and it has nothing to do with the valve cover gasket.  It is leaking since you car is ten years old and the distributor is leaking too.  The seal within the distributor is out and the oil is not getting on the optical pickup that tells the computer when to fire the spark plugs.  You can get a rebuilt at Pepboys and it will work fine for about $300 bucks.  It is easy to change and there are only two bolts that hold it in place.  Since Nissan uses a drive dog instead of a multiple install design the distribtor can only go in one of two ways.  If you take your cap off you can see where the rotor is pointing.  Just take the old one off and notice where it is located and mark the distributor housing.  Then, install the new one in the same location and time the engine.  Also, the valve cover gasket is really easy to replace too.  Just remove the old one and install the new one and you are there.  Be sure not to let gasket debris into the engine and you will be fine.