No start after sitting overnight?

FIGMENT_STBY

MEMBER
1995 NISSAN TRUCK
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
240,000 MILES

When starting when the engine is cold, it will fire once, and then it will just turn over without starting. Then there is a strong smell of gas. If I work at it long enough to get it started, it runs pretty normal, with a little hesitation for the first couple of miles. I have replaced the spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, and fuel filter. I checked the fuel and there is no water in it. It doesn't have OBDII, so I can't pull codes.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

Based on the fuel smell and your description, it sounds like you are losing spark to the spark plugs.

As far as codes are concerned, follow the directions in this link and let me know what you find as far as codes are concerned. This explains how to retrieve codes from the OBD1. However, this should have an OBD2 system. That is when they changed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/nissan-obd1-diagnostic-trouble-codes-and-retrieval-procedure-1984-to-1994

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, August 14th, 2022 AT 10:47 PM

FIGMENT_STBY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

What would cause the loss of spark, and how can I test for the problem?

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Monday, August 15th, 2022 AT 11:50 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

As far as checking for spark, here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

If there is no spark, it could be a few things. The coil itself may have failed, the power transistor (ignition control), and so on.

Have you checked for spark? If there is none, I attached the tests for both the coil and the power transistor. Let me know if you are comfortable performing them. Here is a link that you may find helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know. Also, let me know if you were able to retrieve any codes.

Take care,

Joe

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