Problems starting 1990 240SX

[dmaestro]

Ok, I have a 1990 240SX w/the stock engine w/200k miles. It has some serious problems starting, and it's pretty intermittent. It cranks and but doesn't fire. I'd suspect it to be the starter but when it doesn't start it just cranks and smells like raw fuel, like it keeps flooding/getting way too much fuel (mind you i don't even tap the peddle at all while starting). And when it does start, there isn't much power, it shoots black smoke from the exhaust, and the exhaust shakes madly w/each rev.

My best guess is the cat is clogged, but that is just a guess. Any ideas?

thanks

[zero.counter]

Couple of thing I would look into, like whether there is enough fuel, the battery is discharged, battery terminal connections are corroded, leaking injectors, faulty fuel pump, pressure regulator etc. Also sometimes when the fuel does not reach the fuel rail or after you just washed the engine and the ignition components are damp or damaged, worn or faulty maybe even bad gapped spark plugs, distributor timing is bad, check the ignition coil for disconnected or broken/looses wires or maybe even the coil itself. Really hard to tell if I am no there but that is usually what I check.

[dvdevo]

i had a similar prob. but i forgot what was exactly wrong with it. iT was some small sensor that looked like =|==- the first = meaning its a plug to some computer type thing had 2 pins on it. The mechanic said it was some sensor. its umm located on the lower left of the motor, facing you. Sorry for being vague.

[zero.counter]

Originally posted by dvdevo
i had a similar prob. but i forgot what was exactly wrong with it. iT was some small sensor that looked like =|==- the first = meaning its a plug to some computer type thing had 2 pins on it. The mechanic said it was some sensor. its umm located on the lower left of the motor, facing you. Sorry for being vague.
:tweak:
You mean O2 sensor. The one that plugs into the exhaust manifold. Costs like $60 new. It wont stop the car from starting, just cause the ECU to throw a code and the check engine light will come on, AND... fuel economy will drop. :D

[dvdevo]

hrmm then why did it cost 25 bucks? oh well let me get a pic of it later.

[zero.counter]

Originally posted by dvdevo
hrmm then why did it cost 25 bucks? oh well let me get a pic of it later.
If you are in fact speaking of the O2 Front sensor not the one under the car, then new, it is usually around $60. If it a MT, you can get used/new from some parts sites on the net for around $25. Did yours come with a box that said BOSCH or NISSAN on it? Those are the typical O2 plugs used for these cars. Or you may have a used sensor, oh well, not my car thank god.

Oxygen Sensor OE connector Bosch
C5010-33282 $25

Oxygen Sensor Denso
C5010-100835 $69.24

Oxygen Sensor w/ connector NTK (BY NGK)
C5010-62963 $51.65

Oxygen Sensor Advantex
C5010-101651 $56.87

I purchased mine from Autozone for $64.23 Bosch. The above prices are from
http://catalog.nissanpartswholesale.com/

[thx247]

keep in mind because your car uses an EFI you could floor the gas pedal when you start it and it still would not flood.