Nissan Repair: 1997 Altima falling flat on acceleration, fuel pressure gauge, mass air flow sensor

Question
Mr. Von Suddeth,  Thanks for your time, I have a 1997 Nissan Altima with 165,000 miles on it.  The car has never given any problems until now.  I drove it to work one day running fine, and when I got back in that evening, the car started fine but when I tried to accelerate, it was like it had a "hole" in the gas.  It is falling flat on its face when I quickly step on the accelerator.  However, if I "ease" into it, I can rev it up fine.  I have checked the distributor pickup, coil, injectors, fuel pump, and elec. ignition parts and all check out ok.  I also tested the maf sensor and it "seems" ok, but I suspect this may be the problem, as when I try to accelerate, it makes a loud air-sucking sound as its dying....what do you think?  Wes  

Answer
Wes,

Two things that cause your problem are a bad fuel pump or a bad mass air flow sensor.  I would eliminate the fuel pump as a concern by getting a fuel pressure gauge and taping the gauge tot he windshield so you can see it when you drive.  If the pressure drops off when you accelerate you know it is the pump.  If not replace the MAF.