Nissan Repair: Follow-up question to previous post 1997 Altima falling flat....., fuel pressure regulator, altima

Question
Mr. Von Suddeth,  I recently emailed you a question about a 1997 Altima falling flat on acceleration, and I initiated 1 of your suggestions, but I am still stumped and really need to ask you a follow-up question.  As I outlined previously, the engine will die on quick acceleration, (like a "hole" in the gas), and is slightly missing at idle, and will eventually die if not "gently" accelerated back up to a higher rpm.  You suggested it must either be the fuel pump or MAF sensor.  I replaced the MAF sensor, but it had no effect on the problem. It has great fuel pressure, (42lbs), with the key on, but now I cant even get it to crank so I can check the operating pressure; (Its been slowly getting harder to crank, but seems to do better when the engine is hot). It IS getting fire to the plugs, but I have discovered that its FLOODING OUT on all 4 cylinders, as the plugs were all wet with gas, could this be a bad pressure regulator?  Would it prevent the car from cranking or running properly? I am stumped on this, and I would really appreciate your professional advice again.  Thanks again,  Wes

Answer
Wes,

If you are not getting codes and the engine is flooding out I would be looking at the fuel pressure regulator and also check to see that the distributor is not defective.  It fires the plugs as well as tells the injectors to fire.  97 Altima is probably the distributor.  Since you did say that it has 42 psi.  Pull the vacuum to the regulator and the pressure should go op.  If not it would be defective.  But, the pressure seems to be in range to me.  I am going with the distributor as having oil on the pickup as the first choice.