Hard starting

LESLIE MASON

MEMBER
1999 NISSAN PATHFINDER
3.3L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
135,331 MILES

Truck starts runs drive no hesitation Idles at 1,000 RPMs.
Gains speed going up hills.
Does not use excessive fuel.
Code read says runs lean.
Sometimes it will run for weeks no problem other times takes 2 to 3 days to start. If I try to start it for a couple hours it will start. This has been going on almost a year now. It has gotten to where it only starts one the have to wait one to 3 days. I've did a tune up, replaced relay switch, changed oll. I use high octane fuel. I can spray starter fluid of put gas on air filter will start but shuts off right away. Was told if it was fuel pump it would have gone out by now. I don't have fancy gadgets or a lot of money. I'm a 60 year old woman.
It runs fine when it's running which makes it hard to diagnose.

3 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Not sure what they meant by if it was a fuel pump it would have gone out by now because there is no one way that a fuel pump fails. In fact, I think you proved that it is at least fuel related by using the starter fluid and it starts.

Here are some guides that help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

If it were me, I would check the pressure when this is acting up and if it is low, I would replace the pump.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

One thing you can try and not cranking the engine over and over. Just turn the key on and give the pump a few seconds to prime the system and then turn it off and turn it on again. Do this about 5-6 times then start cranking the engine. If it start quicker then it did then this is more proof that the pump is the issue.

Please run through this material and let us know if you have questions and what you find.