Any ideas for a hard to start 94 altima?

[alfa147x]

So when my dad bought the Acura RDX he gave me his '94 Nissan Altima
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N...ration_.281993-1997.29

The car is absolutly fine except it has a hard time starting
I have to go through this routine only if the car has been sitting for more then 2 hours

First turn the ignition while pumping the accelerator

Stop

Turn the the ignition again while pumping the accelerator ( this might start it but the 3rd time it works)

Now hold the RPM at 3000 or above for 5 - 10 seconds, if this is not done the car will sputter and the engine will cut off

Now I car shift into reverse and drive...

It has fresh oil, changed the MAF ( this solved another problem), new spark plugs and wires, changed gas filter, and the radiator has been flushed.



any ideas would be great! Thanks!

Edit:
Also has a problem with the rear retractable antenna getting stuck on its way up and down
this is another problem not as important ATM

 

[woodie1]

Sounds like a fuel problem. Could be a temperature sensor that adds fuel on a cold start. Could be a loss of fuel pressure due to a bad/dirty injector(s) or check valve.

Try turning the key to 'on' but wait 3-5 seconds before cranking the engine over. Don't touch the accelerator. If that works then it is probably a fuel pressure leak. If you still have to hold the RPMs up to 3,000+ once it starts then the mixture is too lean which indicates a bad temperature sensor.

 

[alfa147x]

oh new fuel injectors as well as a new distributor

any idea were the temperature sensor is?
Ill take an look tomorrow morning

 

[alfa147x]

thanks for the help Btw

 

[woodie1]

Originally posted by: alfa147x
oh new fuel injectors as well as a new distributor

any idea were the temperature sensor is?
Ill take an look tomorrow morning

Sorry, I haven't a clue as to where the temperature sensors are on that engine. Might try to find a service manual at your local library.

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: woodie1

Originally posted by: alfa147x
oh new fuel injectors as well as a new distributor

any idea were the temperature sensor is?
Ill take an look tomorrow morning

Sorry, I haven't a clue as to where the temperature sensors are on that engine. Might try to find a service manual at your local library.

I do have a Hayne's Automotive Repair Manual for the car, its just in the garage and here its 00:51 so didnt feel like going down.

What I meant to ask were is the sensor normally located, im thinking near the fuel pump?

 

[woodie1]

The sensor I'm talking about measures the engine water temperature so it/they will be located by a water passage - maybe by the water pump or the head.

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: woodie1
The sensor I'm talking about measures the engine water temperature so it/they will be located by a water passage - maybe by the water pump or the head.

oh its located on the engine block then a hose goes from it to the radiator.

but what does this have to do with the gas\air mixture being to lean?

If you still have to hold the RPMs up to 3,000+ once it starts then the mixture is too lean which indicates a bad temperature sensor.

 

[dpert1]

seafoam
/thread

 

[cprince]

I have the service manual for the '94 Altima in pdf format. Let me know if you want it. Alternatively, www.autozone.com has the major parts of the service manual online. Click on "Repair Info" then "Vehicle repair guide"

 

[LTC8K6]

Try turning the key on and off a couple of times, pausing for a couple seconds "on" each time. Then immediately try to start the car.

When you first turn on the key, the fuel pump should run for a few seconds to pressurize the system, and then shut off. If you listen carefully, you can usually hear the fuel pump kick on for a few seconds when you turn the key on.

The fuel system may be leaking down pressure, and turning the key on a few times in a row before starting the engine can help to build up enough fuel pressure so the injectors will work properly.

If this works, it could be your fuel pressure regulator.

I would also look at the IAC valve. (Idle Air Control)

 

[bctbct]

why are you pumping the gas? the fuel temp sensor adjusts the proper fuel setting and the pedal should not be used.

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: bctbct
why are you pumping the gas? the fuel temp sensor adjusts the proper fuel setting and the pedal should not be used.

its the only way to start the car ?

 

[exdeath]

If it's only doing it after sitting for 2 hours or more that would indicate trouble starting only when the engine is cold, which leads to temp sensor and cold start enrichment as already suggested. Having to rev higher to keep it alive just means thats the only way to supply more fuel and keep intake turbulence up so fuel has a better chance to mix.

To test the sensor yourself, measure the resistance when it's cold, then start the car and let it run until it's up to operating temperature, shut the car off, and measure it again. Resistance should be significantly lower when hot.

Would be a good idea to check fuel pressure at these times just to be sure. Easy thing to do and can rule out numerous fuel system problems if fuel pressure is good.

The pedal does not have anything to do with fuel when cranking and shouldn't really change anything unless you are throttling it up once it starts to maintain idle.

 

[tylerdustin2008]

Its probably the O2 sensor, and or the knock sensor. My brothers car had the same problem. Also get the injectors cleaned, they could be dirty.

 

[AsianriceX]

You can also check out these Altima forums:
http://www.nissanclub.com/foru...-nissan-altima-forums/

A couple of threads to help you along:
http://www.nissanclub.com/foru...start-mpg-dropped.html
http://www.nissanclub.com/foru...eed-some-opinions.html

As for your retracting antenna problem, the antenna motor uses a worm screw that moves a long, plastic rod with teeth in order to actuate the antenna. The teeth are prone to shearing off and getting stuck, so you may be SOL in that regard.

99 Altima right here

 

[alfa147x]

Ok I found the problem

I changed a $90 fuel regulator back to original and that did the trick
IDK i just had a feeling that it was the problem
Feels good to have the money back

Thanks for the help!

 

[Throckmorton]

I had the same problem and I just needed a new battery.