Car starts rough, dies, won't start again

[Teh Luckinator]

For a couple of days, my car would idle rough. Jumpy, above 1K rpm. Then finally, it started really rough, then died. I tried starting it up again, and it wouldn't start. The first time I tried giving it gas it would rev up, but after that attempt giving it throttle did nothing.

My friend and I took off the air filter, thinking it was clogged, but that wasn't the problem.

Here are the specs of my car:

S14
1998 KA24DE 76,000 miles
Megan Header
GReddy Air Filter

Any ideas of what the problem could be? My friend said to change out the fuel filter, so I'll try that tomorrow. I changed the oil around 450 miles ago, so it doesn't need an oil change.

I also have a timing chain problem, but it's the tensioner. You know, not the actual chain, I just need to get in there and spray WD-40 on the tensioner. At least I hope.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

[SDS14Driver]

from your picture there it looks like your s14's not a 98 at all; unless you gave it a face lift. Just throwing that out there. In any case your issue sounds fuel related to me. If you've swapped out your fuel filter before you know that you have to pull your fuel pump fuse. Once you start the car with the fuel pump disabled, your car will start, idle for a few seconds then die. When trying to start it up again, it should just continuously try to turn over but without the fuel it wont.

What i'm trying to say here is that when your car doesn't start, right off the bat you should be makin sure your car's getting suffecient fuel, spark & air. You've verified that your filter isn't clogged so 1 down.

I'd reccomend checking your fuse box to verify that your fuel pump fuse isnt blown. From there id check your plugs, wires, ignition system in general for clues.

If your tentioner's gone, believe me it'll take more than a spritz of WD40 to remedy your problem, lol. i had that issue with my s13 and once the tentioner's gone, its damn near impossible to create the necessary slack on your chain from a cold starting position w/o revving it a little bit and holding it around 2k for about 15-30 seconds. Your timing is either a little bit retarded or advanced when you start it cold w/o tentioners.

Only try that revving when starting trick after you've verified that you're getting the necessary spark, air and fuel. Don't want to make things worse.

[Teh Luckinator]

I have a 1995 240sx, but a 1998 KA24DE. But yeah, tomorrow I'll check if the ECU is throwing codes. And the rest of the stuff you said to do. Haha. Thanks.