1990 Pathfinder: Engine Problem/Questions

[patrickjst]

SO I have a problem with my pathfinder, and I figured the internet would be a good resource to figuring it out rather then just running to a auto shop. If this is innappropriate then I apologize. Heres the problem...

I started noticing that trips that used to take a half tank of gas started taking 3/4 of a tank. Soon after the car started to smell of gasoline. It then became obvious that something was wrong when I would accelerate. Any acceleration causes the engine to chug loudly. It sounds more like a diesel boat then a car.

The car runs, but it eats gas like nuts, and acceleration is so slow its nearly impossible to drive on major highways. Every once in a while i feel the engine flip a bit and it will revert back to normal for a few brief seconds. During those seconds it runs like it always did. It feels sort of like driving with the parking break on and then releasing it, the car surges forward in relief.

Lastly, dispite the smell of gasoline, there are no visible leaks under the car.

Any ideas? All help is greatly appriciated.

[hbar]

Pat,
I don't mean to insult anyone but this is not the most knowlegable
board/discussion group for Pathfinders .......
The smell of gas should be addressed ...... it could get hazzardous...

There is another message board with alot of pro input for problems such as this....i lost the web address and haven't been able to get back to it......

I'd go to an indi shop familiar with Nissan for a diagnosis....

[BigRed]

Hey I have a 89 with a simular problem. Have you replaced your oxygen sensor? air filter? Also check out www.4x4parts.com they have been a huge help to me in the past.

[BFinlay]

NissanForums.com has a pretty good truck and suv section. not the best one out there but there are many who know what they are talking about.

You should check your ecu for error codes that could send you in the right direction as to what is wrong. but i think O2 sensors would be a good place to start.

[BadAssAuditude]

I admit I'm no expert but, I'm not so sure an oxygen sensor will cause a fuel smell. May help for the driveability problems but I'd be more concerned about the fuel injectors (bad seals?) and/or cracked/split fuel lines, etc. Gas evaporates rather quickly so don't be surprised if you don't see any leaks (and the source may only leak while the engine is running). A bad fuel injector will also cause driveability problems. The motor could be "starving" for fuel, thus, it's more noticeable upon acceleration. BTW, when was the last "tune-up" ie. spark plugs, wires, cap & rotor (if applicable), etc.?

[BFinlay]

the fuel smell is caused by the fact that the O2 sensor cant properly detect the fuel to air ratio and adds more fuel then is needed. my dad recently just went through this with his car. had a fuel smell and replaced the O2 sensors and the problem went away.

[BadAssAuditude]

Thanks, now I know...

[zr_don]

Did you get this resolved?

I am having a VERY similar problem with my '87 5 speed and the Nissan Dealer can't figure this out. It has been there over a week.
Mine idles and drives fine until you get to 2800 RMP, then it cuts out and stumbles (like hitting a rev limiter). I also had a "fuel smell".
I am being told by the Nissan dealer that computer is going into a "safe mode". The dealer initially suggested that we replace the fuel injectors.

So now, they have replaced the 2 fuel injectors (with rebuild Nissan ones that I obtained) and the same exact problem persists. Any Ideas? You can Email me at [email protected]..


Please (anyone) post any technical sites that you think may be helpful.

[mr.belvedere]

If the engine in your pathfinder has a timing belt, I would take a close look at the valve timing. If one, or both cams have "jumped a tooth" on the belt the engine will not run right under a load, but may idle fine.
Just an idea, but i've seen it happen before.

[mkaiser]

Early Pathfinders are known for Fuel injector and filter problems. Replace the fuel filter and clean the injectors. I always start with the inexpensive things first!

[sarahanddave]

Originally Posted by mkaiser

Early Pathfinders are known for Fuel injector and filter problems. Replace the fuel filter and clean the injectors. I always start with the inexpensive things first!

so mine does the exact same thing...we have run fuel injector cleaner thru and now i guess we will try repalcing the fuel filter...is it the tank or not?

[abunaitoo]

Check to see what kind of color you have on the spark plugs. All 6. You may have a leaking injector. If you have a plug that is black, that maybe a bad injector. If all are black you have other problems. It could also be the Air flow meter or a stuck EGR valve. Get a manual (Haynes or factory) and fallow the trouble shooting section.
Not really easy to fix anything with a computer now days.

[MatosVG30]

I don't know if you have already solved it but if not, this could maybe help. I had the same problem on a 92 5 speed. I went to the nissan dealership where they changed the spark plugs, wires, Fuel filter, rotor etc. I thought it was ok when it got out but after a week, it did it again. I went to an indy shop where they took a guess and unpluged the EGR Valve. I don't know if the name is the same in english but in french it's the egr valve. I drove it like this for a week and it completely stopped.
I had this thing changed and it never did it again.

[Path92Finder]

i have 92 pathfinder... one year later after i bought it, i smell gas everytime i start, and during driving and i kept on smellin from the dashboard.. and i kept on trying to target it...

then a friend of mine at work. found the leak.. its right in front of you where u stand looking at the motor. its under the intake.. look for gas line you will see a hose plugged in two ends og chrome gas line.. one end was popped out. and had to unscrew the clam the plug iot back in and tighten it up and after that i never smell gas again. worth your time and money justr to check it out.