Nissan Repair: 03 Altima start issue, fuel pressure gauge, using jumper cables

Question
Von,
My 2003 altima would not start(catch). The starter worked fine. I could hear the fuel pump running.The battery read good voltage (12.5)volts static and 10.6 when starter was turning over engine. I assumed bad fuel pump.After using jumper cables and several minutes it finally started. Now it works fine. It kinda acted like it was flooded. We found that it had a loose ground cable to the battery. Some body put in an Interstate Battery where the posts are too small. When I tighten the battery cable clamps it is still slightly loose.How can I fix that? My friend thinks this might have caused a low voltage to the system whereby causing it not to start even though the starter turned over fine.Is there a inline fuel filter somewhere on this car? The dealer just said about some screen inside the fuel tank(fuel pump).Thanks for your help! Bear

Answer
Barry,

Nissan decided to eliminate the fuel filter so there is only a nylon sock on the end of the fuel pump.  It does not plug so no need to replace it.  When you change the pump you replace the sock as a unit.  The long start, no start, issue could be a leaky injector or two.  I ahve ahd that problem on several Nissan/Datsun cars.  I would get an adapter to hook up to the fuel rail so you can install a fuel pressure gauge and perform a leak down test of your injectors.  Start the car and wait for a minute.  Turn the car off and see how fast the fuel pressure leaks off.  If it leaks off really fast you have a leaky injector or two.  Pull the plugs noting which hole they came from.  Those that are wet and black are where the leaky inejctors are.  Compare them to the other plugs and you will see the difference.  If all are the same, check for fuel pressure and make sure thefuel pressure is not too much or too little.  Email me back if you need more assistance.