1990 240sx stock engine problem

[radeone]

ok so i bought this thing cheap as a project car to turn it into a daily driver/drift/track car. im working on it and i have enough stuff to figure this out but i guess im just looking for a nudge so i dont have to buy all the parts that i know if i replace it will start working. it cranks occasionally and then after a few minutes it decides to putter until its dead. i can give it gas and it will last longer than if i let it idle and putter out. im basically thinking its between these things. fuel pump ignition module or coil. it starts sometimes (starter might also be an issue). i will eventually replace everything but im trying to find out why it doesnt start everytime and also why it dies after a few minutes of idling. any help would be appreciated. thank you.

[SDS13COUPE]

Check your battery/clean out your iacv/check for vacuum leaks/inspect fuel filter/do a comp. test/has it been sitting for a while. More info would help with diagnosing your dilema.

[ecuastyle84]

don't forget to give it a full tune up(spark plugs,wires,cap,rotor...etc)...by the way your describing it, it sounds like the hasnt been maintenced in a while

[S-Nation S13]

to see if its your starter...tell a friend to crank the engine at the same time they start the car hit the starter if the car starts that bad starter..i think the starter armature is stuck "putter" might be leaky injector or fould spark plug(just look at spark plug tip to see if it has a bunck of junk on it as for the injector from what i heard you can smell it in the engine bay)...try those than pm me more info of what the car is showing ya hit me up

[punxva]

also to check the injector, while it's running put a screwdriver on the injector and put your ear up to it, you should hear the solenoid clicking, in a regular pattern, if you hear one isn't you've found your problem and which one it is

[SR20n00b]

also to check the injector, while it's running put a screwdriver on the injector and put your ear up to it, you should hear the solenoid clicking, in a regular pattern, if you hear one isn't you've found your problem and which one it is

yup, i also agree with checking ur fuel filter and pump.

[shawn240sx]

Check you idle air control valve. And all vacuum.

[stinky_180]

check out a factory service manual and start at the EF & EC section. after going through the entire chapter, post your results.

[MadMaverick]

If it runs for a few minutes, its prolly not spark plugs, IACV or a vacuum leak. I would replace the fuel filter and check fuel pressure while its running (pick up a cheap B&N underhood gauge, a worthwhile investment). How does it run otherwise? Does it rev up? Does it have any power?

[radeone]

yes i believe it hasnt been tuned up in a while. the guy that i bought it from sold it to me at a good price because it needs a good bit of work. i have replaced so far the battery, dist cap, rotor, spark plugs and spark plug wires. im gonna check all that stuff you guys have told me to and i will report back. oh and when i crank it and it doesnt start i can hear some small constant noise from the fuel pump its basically a constant whine like noise. its funny though it starts sometimes and then it doesnt most of the time. when i do get it started ill drive it around the block and it will die eventually. no rust and the chassis is in perfect condition. just to add a little info.

[radeone]

well ive definitely found this one problem while breaking down everything yall have told me idle air is completely cool but i think my problem is coming from a faulty positive battery cable. im redoing it but im trying to be really careful because of the fusible links connected. im replacing it and i think this will solve my stupid intermittent cranking problem. i will be replacing the fuel filter soon and i got it cranked and it leaned out and sounded like it was burning right. i did the screwdriver trick and all my injectors are firing properly but i feel like one of them is going to need replacing soon although im not too sure what kind of power mods i will be doing just yet. im definitely thinking of a rebuild and then a swap for a dual overhead engine with a dash of turbo. if anyone is in louisiana please let me know i would like a second opinion on my ride. thanks alot

[super240sx7185]

Why rebuild if you're gonna swap a de in it?

[radeone]

to sell it or even keep it for a future project basically im a computer expert/mechanic/entrepeneur. i havent decided if i even want to do a swap. im gonna fix all the electrics and internals so its reliable then im gonna get some nice suspension for it probably autocross or some sort of drifting events i really love motorsport.

[KiLLeR2001]

When you try to start it does it crank over at all or do absolutely nothing?

If it keeps cranking over but never fires on, it could be your water temp sensor flooding the engine with fuel (you then would have to wait for it to evaporate), do you idle high at startup?

If it doesn't crank over at all check the clutch safety switch down by your clutch pedal to see if its being depressed correctly when you go to start the car.