Engine Intermittently runs rough?

Tiny
ROD300ZX
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 NISSAN 300ZX
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 110,000 MILES
My car's engine started running rough while at a stop light. After I parked for an hour and restarted the car, it ran fine going home. The next day the car ran fine, but two days later it had the same issue. I changed the plugs and coils, and the car ran great for 2 days. On the 3rd day, I started the car, and it ran rough even after stops. Today, I started up and it ran fine and gradually deteriorated.
Here are the tests I attempted: The ECU had code 55, which is 'no codes'. I unplugged the MAFS and the engine stopped, which I think means it's okay. I looked at the throttle body and it is dirty, especially since the PVC occasionally throws some oil down the line. I have no idea if the EGR is working. The gas cap usually has back pressure and I burp it. One time I drove without a gas cap. Fuel filter was new about 2,000 miles ago. My previous mechanic is 'unavailable' to work on this problem. Where do I go from here?
Wednesday, April 19th, 2023 AT 9:02 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Is sounds like the EGR valve can be getting stuck open, I would remove the valve and test it, here is a video to show you how and the EGR location in the images below:

https://youtu.be/DqUCbbKdWf4

this guide may help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Thursday, April 20th, 2023 AT 8:53 AM
Tiny
ROD300ZX
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Your analysis sounded correct based on the information I knew at the time.
I took the car to a mechanic I've used several times. He was able to identify that the cylinder#4 fuel injector was not firing due to lack of computer signal. I bought and installed a replacement control board to fix the problem. It's been a slow fix due to hard to find parts, but my car is finally running better.
Thank you for your analysis, I'll let you know when the next bizarre issue arises!
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Monday, July 3rd, 2023 AT 11:32 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 AT 9:45 AM

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