Intermittent stalling

THISCAR

MEMBER
1994 NISSAN SENTRA
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
180,000 MILES

This car is running very well, now. I have recently had new spark plugs put in, changed the air filter, new ECT. And as I said, starts easily and runs very well until it's completely warmed up.

At that point, still running well, the car stalls at stops. Take my foot off the gas, brake put in the clutch and the engine has stopped. Starts right back up as soon as I turn the ignition.

I am trying to anticipate what this might be. I have so little time and funds available. Took it to one shop and according to mechanic there the IAC, MAF, throttle position sensor are all working well. I do not know if he checked the EGR valve. He thought the valves might be out of adjustment, which he says he doesn't do.

I talked to the new shop who said if it was the valves, it would be making all kinds of noises which is not happening. So, I'm having him look at it on Thursday, but in the meantime, I'm truly jumpy. Any thoughts you might have on what I can anticipate as to what's happening?

3 Replies

94 TRANSAM

EXPERT

Hi and thank you for using 2CaPros. Lets see what we can do.

It all sounds on track, the only recommendation I would add that it may be is loss of fuel pressure. I would test that. If it is low fuel pressure it could be a weak fuel pump, a bad fuel regulator or a plugged fuel filter.
It could also be a bad ignition module or coil. These are know for going into thermal runaway when they start to fail. When they get hot they build up internal resistance and the voltage drops.
I would check those as well. Good luck and let us know how things turn out. Feel free to come back if you have anymore questions.

Rich

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Tuesday, August 13th, 2019 AT 9:55 PM

THISCAR

MEMBER

Hey Rich. This has been such a journey and not in a good way. I have not had a chance to follow up on your suggestions (though they sound reasonable) because the shops I've gone to seem to be out of their depth. Long story there but a car this old (and decrepit-looking) seems to really throw them.

Here's a second question before I go to Plan B. What about the spark plug wires? I did not have those replaced when I got new spark plugs. I don't think they've ever been replaced. Would faulty wires cause the kind of problems I've been seeing? What do you think?

I should say, you guys are the most responsive of anyone I've had the opportunity to contact, so thanks in advance.

Norene

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Thursday, September 5th, 2019 AT 12:18 PM

94 TRANSAM

EXPERT

Yes it could also be thermal runaway with plug wires. The resistance increases over time with plug wires and heat also effects that so if they have never been changed they could be high resistance and when they get hot it goes even higher to the point of weak spark. This is why you have to change them at all. Even if it doesn't cure it I would suggest replacing them though it may fix it. That your issue start when it warms up tells me something is likely going thermal.

Rich.

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Thursday, September 5th, 2019 AT 7:21 PM