1996 Nissan Maxima won't start...mechanic can't figure it o

1996 NISSAN MAXIMA
20,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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MAMABEAR
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My car suddenly started to develop problems starting; the engine cranks, but takes forever to finally catch..if at all. Doesn't seem to matter if its hot or cold. Once it finally does start, it seems to roar-- and once running, it runs fantastic. Until its time to try and start it again! I replaced the clutch about a week before this problem started happening, and my regular mechanic (who has never worked on a maxima before he started working on this one) has done all the traditional attempts at fixing..new battery, fuel pump, starter...nothing works and he can't figure it out. Any ideas?
Jul 8, 2008 at 12:00 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi MamaBear,

Is the check engine light showing while driving?

When engine cannot start, did your mechanic check for sparks at plugs and fuel pressure?
Jul 8, 2008 at 1:18 PM
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MAMABEAR
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No, the check engine light is not on...new spark plugs as part of the tune up the car rec'd several months prior... the mechanic didn't say whether he checked the fuel pressure, but since he replaced the fuel pump with a new one, isn't that normally done as a matter of course, or should I not assume?

Thanks for your input-- I appreciate it... I'm not very car-literate, but will pass all info on!
Jul 9, 2008 at 12:09 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi MamaBear,

Changing anything does not mean it is ok.

A new fuel pump would not work if it is not getting the power supply. Fuel pressure will not be maintained if the regulator is faulty. You need to check those.

Check if the coils are producing sparks for the plugs.
Jul 9, 2008 at 1:04 PM
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