2000 sentra won't start, need help

[vicsponjr]

I have a 1.8 sentra that won't start. The car stalled/died and would not restart. The kids pushed it to a safe place, went back the next day it started but only ran for a few minutes. The next day I managed to get it started and drive it to the house. Stalled and would not start again.

Starts after sitting for a while, but dies after a few minutes. turns over but will not start again.
No check engine light.
Replaced spark plugs (old plugs where dark/black, but not wet)
Replaced air filter
Cleaned MAF sensor
Pulled battery to charge and let computer reset

[danielsatur]

How's the fuel filter & fuel pressure?
Will she start with starting fluid?

Symptoms of a cold hard start is usually a dirty, or BAD MAF sensor.


We need Air, fuel, ignition, and exhaust to run.

Air - MAF sensor. IAT sensor, air filter, unmetered air leaks on EGR, PCV, or air intake systems.

Fuel - Fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel pump fuse, fuel pump relay, bad injector.

Ignition - plug, plug wire, COP, coil, cam or crank senors, or ignition module.

Exhaust - plugged catalytic converter, or broken pieces plugged muffler

[vicsponjr]

Don't know where to check the fuel pressure, or where the fuel filter is. That was my first suspicion, but it doesn't make sense why it will run for a few minutes after sitting then won't restart. I'll find the fuel filter and replace it.
Starting fluid? spray in downstream of MAF or before?

[vicsponjr]

Update! The Sentra is a 2002 GXE, not a 2000. Same size engine, 1.8, 67XXX miles

[danielsatur]

There should be a schrader valve on the fuel rail for fuel pressure testing.
Spray the starting fluid closest to the throat of the throttle body.
I just want to see if she fires!

[vicsponjr]

no, no schrader valve. looks like I can pull the pcv valve and spray the starter fluid in at that point.
I jacked it up and tapped on the cat and muffler. Doesn't sound like there is anything loose in there.
I'm also going to throw a couple of cans of fresh gas in the tank, just for wtf's

[danielsatur]

It takes a lot of fuel pressure to go through a fuel injector.

A catalytic converter back pressure test is used to check for plugged cats.
One compression tester through the upstream H20 sensor hole works good too.

I like the starting fluid through the PCV intake, it sounds like a Sea Foam trick.

[vicsponjr]

Well I put 3 gallons of fresh gas in there and nothing.
I pulled what I thought was the pcv valve and sprayed starting fluid into the intake. It stumbled like it wanted to start but didn't
Disconnected the fuel line. It pumped fuel when the key was turned to the on position then stopped. It also pumped fuel while trying to start it. Unfortunately my fuel pump pressure gauge has a schrader fitting and I can't hook it up to read the pressure.

[tyrantfour]

did it end up being a clogged exhaust system? i have a member on my forum with a 97 sentra that will not start. you can get there with a link in my signature if you think you could help!

[vicsponjr]

Gave up and had it towed. Mechanic said it was the fuel pump.
Wound up costing me $512, including tow.