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Engine surges

Tiny
JCLEMO
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 NISSAN HARDBODY
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 237,000 MILES
Okay, all prior issues resolved with one exception. I will describe.

1. Wiring harness issues. Fixed
2. Vacuum hoses all hoses connected.
3. Injector stuck open. Replaced.
4. Current problem I cannot resolve.

Engine surges at 2,500 rpm. Idles perfect. Starts good. Runs smooth up to 2,500 rpm. I am going to replace all injectors with new ones. But have a feeling this is not the problem. I also replaced the distributor. Not the problem either. Everything is new on this engine inside and out. With the exception of some sensors. Cannot drive to a garage for diagnosis so I need help diagnosing from home. I do not own a diagnostic tool and cannot find one that fits this truck. 1997 Nissan pickup hard body XE standard shift VIN 1N6SD11S3VC335887. 2.4L.
Manufactured 11/97.16 pin diagnosis input. Housing located next to hood latch handle under dash. Replaced spark plugs. And after start up run for five minutes plugs are completely black with smutt. Like an old fashioned smudge pot. I am assuming this is from gas as the engine is running very rich. That is it. If anyone can come up with any suggestions that will shed some light on my problem please do. It has been a year it has taken me to rebuild this truck and it runs so smooth and quiet until it hits 2,500 rpm then it runs horrible. I know one of you guys have encountered this problem before. So please if you read this post. Help, JC
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Thursday, December 6th, 2018 AT 4:19 PM

19 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,055 POSTS
This sounds like you have a clogged catalytic converter or a bad map. Here is the location of the data link connector and the engine wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works. Please run the codes before you begin.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, December 8th, 2018 AT 1:15 PM
Tiny
JCLEMO
  • MEMBER
  • 161 POSTS
Thanks Ken I would be so happy if that's the problem. I've replaced everything you can think of and completely rebuilt this engine. But I just replaced all injectors and the distributor. All new. I put new plugs in as well what gets me is after 5 minutes of running the engine the plugs are very black but dry. No wet gas. Also a strong smell of gas when I turn the engine off. I have not loosened the pipe from the converter but it's very easy to get to. So that's my next job. And if that doesn't work I'll have to replace the Map. Where is it located?
Thanks Ken. I'll let you know tomorrow what I find. JC
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Saturday, December 8th, 2018 AT 5:50 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,055 POSTS
Please do here is the location of the MAP sensor below.
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Monday, December 10th, 2018 AT 11:30 AM
Tiny
JCLEMO
  • MEMBER
  • 161 POSTS
Hello Ken, I disconnected the exhaust from the converter and it actually made the engine misfire badly. I reconnected it and it smoothed right out until 2,500 rpm's. This is a real puzzler I do not have a clue what is next. I found one loose bolt in my intake which has a new gasket but I do not think that would cause my problem. So if you have anymore suggestions if love to hear them. JC
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Monday, December 10th, 2018 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Were you able to run the codes?
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Monday, December 10th, 2018 AT 11:58 AM
Tiny
JCLEMO
  • MEMBER
  • 161 POSTS
No, I was not able to run the codes due to no tool. But I spoke with a mechanic locally. He is saying TPS. But I am not buying anymore parts until I get actron9185. Then I will see what it tells me. There are so many things it could be. I will spend $125.00 on the actron eBay and then run some tests and. Go from there I guess. A Hitachi TPS cost almost $100.00 and if that is not the issue there is another $100.00. I have lost. I will keep you posted Ken. Thanks. JC
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Monday, December 10th, 2018 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes please do the scanner you can use for all cars so that is a good purchase. Please let me know.
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Tuesday, December 11th, 2018 AT 11:36 AM
Tiny
JCLEMO
  • MEMBER
  • 161 POSTS
Will do I am told it sounds like TPS issue. They cost around $80.00 so I will wait on a scan. Have you ever heard of the tool fixed? $59.00. What is your opinion on this cheap diagnostics tool. There is a free download app.
That responds to the tool and literally tells you the problem. Thanks. JC
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Tuesday, December 11th, 2018 AT 11:44 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Some are pretty good, which one are you looking at?
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Tuesday, December 11th, 2018 AT 11:52 AM
Tiny
JCLEMO
  • MEMBER
  • 161 POSTS
I am not sure it is called the FIXED.
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Tuesday, December 11th, 2018 AT 2:09 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Hmm never heard of it. Let me know if it works.
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Friday, December 14th, 2018 AT 1:49 PM
Tiny
JCLEMO
  • MEMBER
  • 161 POSTS
Okay Ken. Jack here, finally I was able to get the engine scanned. And what I found was BAD MAF. Bad MAP. Bad up stream O2 sensor, bad boost sensor. The loop does not close when checking the fuel and air on the MAF. I'm told whatever that means thus the smell of gasoline. The MAF when removed was burnt out the contact wires were missing completely. So it looks like I have to replace a lot of sensors. The guy who did the diagnostic's said I hooked the battery cables up in correctly. You put positive on first and the ground second. You remove the ground first and the positive second. So if that caused the short to my electrical system I guess I learned an expensive lesson. If that is accurate. Thanks. Looking forward to hearing your opinion. JC
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Monday, December 17th, 2018 AT 10:43 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Connecting the battery doesn't really matter, I would think that the battery got jumped backwards perhaps?
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 9:57 AM
Tiny
JCLEMO
  • MEMBER
  • 161 POSTS
No I am very alert or aware of red positive.
Black to negative. And I thought that was a little strange because if it fried the MAF
and map sensors would it not do the same with the ECU as well? Anyway, is there any simple way to test the boost sensor? And is the MAP/baro sensor detrimental to the engines power or can it cause your engine to surge? I would think the MAF controls the gas or air mix would be the main cause of the surging due to the mixed signals going to the ECU. Please advise me would you replace MAP/baro as well? Not a cheap part. Thanks. JC
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 10:09 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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There is not an easy way to test the sensor which when in operation can change anyway. I would try used sensors to try and save money. Both MAP and MAF send feedback data to the computer for mixture.
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 10:38 AM
Tiny
JCLEMO
  • MEMBER
  • 161 POSTS
Okay, so I should replace both?
That's fine as long as it fixes the problem. I thank you for all your help and I will gladly keep you posted on the fix.
Merry Christmas to all of you at 2CarPros. Com. Thanks Ken. JC
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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The only other thing I can think of is a partially clogged catalytic converter. Here is a guide to check it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Merry Christmas to you and yours as well. :)
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Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 AT 10:48 AM
Tiny
JCLEMO
  • MEMBER
  • 161 POSTS
Hello Ken. The diagnostic test showed a 30 percent catalytic converter clogged. But when I pulled the converter off to my surprise It was empty. No insides at all. After converter there is a small round little muffler type thing about 6 inches by 2 1/2 inch's this is after the converter and before the actual Nissan muffler which all seem to have been replaced considering their condition. Which brings a question to mind. The catalytic converter could it have been replaced by an aftermarket type of muffler. It's not round it's short and kind of oval shape with a guard on it and a bracket that actually runs thru the converter. It's like a mounting bracket I think.
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Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 AT 11:06 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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It is hard to say with looking at it. Can you upload a picture?
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Thursday, December 20th, 2018 AT 9:09 AM

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