98 Nissan 240 SX SE Need help!!!

[Cobra]

My son has the above car. He was going to work this am and the engine cut out on him. He said he saw the engine oil light come on, and then experienced no acceleration. We got the car home and I checked the ususal. The car has spark, gas (lol), and the vacum lines all seem to be intact.

I specifically listened for the fuel pump to come on when turning the key on and it seems fine and no fuses are blown.

We replaced the fuel filter, and had the battery charged back to it's correct CCA's.

The engine will turn but not start. Any ideas? Other than remove the gas cap and pull a different car under it.

The engine is a 2.4 FI with 204,000 miles. I believe it to be the original engine.

Thanks in advance.

Steve

[Cobra]

Bump

[r33pwrd]

does the motor sound smooth when cranking? does it crank slow or fast? Has there beena timing chain done on it before? Does the car try and "kick" at all when cranking?

[GRRRR8]

The oil light came on de to it shutting off more then likely. Did you check fuel pressure with a gauge? You say it has spark, is it orange or blue. With 204k it would be my guess that there is an issue with the ignition system.

[Cobra]

It does crank, smooth but not too fast or slow, seems about normal. The spark is more of a white color v. orange or blue. I don't have a fuel pressure guage. I did pull the valve cover and had my son crank it. The upper timing chain seems fine. I take it there is a lower timing chain as well. I also cleaned up the contacts on the distributor cap and rotor, still no luck.

I forget to correct the title it is a '95 v '98. And to our knowledge a timing chain replacement has not happened.

Thanks,

[GRRRR8]

Well if thats the case then there is a strong possibility that the crank sensor has failed. See if the needle on the tach moves at all while cranking. It should read 150-200 rpms while cranking. If it doesnt continue to flutter while cranking odds are the sensor failed.

[Cobra]

Charlie, absolutely zero movement on the tach when cranking. Is this sensor something internal? Sorry if that is a stupid question, just trying to figure out if it is something I can do with limited tools in my driveway.

[GRRRR8]

It is located on the top of the transmission towards the drivers side. The wiring harness/connector is on the passenger side. If I am not mistaken the harness is part of the sensor. The part is about $60 and labor is .5 hours.

[Cobra]

Your a life saver Charlie...Thanks for the help!!!!!

[GRRRR8]

Anytime. Just doin what I do. :)

[Cobra]

Charlie, PM sent

[GRRRR8]

Charlie, PM sent

Answered.