In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody

Collarspace Discussion Forums

Home Login Search

In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody

Page: [1]

Login

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/20/2011 5:45:03 PM

kiarsia

Posts: 321
Joined: 8/9/2007
Status: offline

Dammit I dont care what it takes i AM going to make it to califbirthday....even if that means asking every damn one of you what the hell is wrong with my truck.

Ok. So thats exactly what Im about to do.

Ive got a '94 nissan pickup - 4wd, 4cyl engine. been giving me some pretty rough starts lately, not always mind you, just randomly. turns over, doesnt crank, try again and it starts but rough and dies back out, try again and starts right up.......

So after looking things over a bit, decided to try replacing my way too damnj old fuel filter and see if that didnt fix the problem. Fairly easy job honestly, easy to get to after removing the airfilter and its housing. fuel line attaches to the filter with a couple of the screw type hose clamps, so unscrewed the hoses, removed the old filter, put in the new one, screwed the hoses back on. simple.

So then I went to replace the air filter housing. noticed theres this random small hose hanging from the bottom, end of it is disentigrated so I hunting around for where the hell it might have fallen off from. Found what I assumed was the answer, there was just BARELY enough slack in the hose to slide it back on as I put the housing back down. put the air filter back in, popped on the cover and went to restart (hopefully) my truck.

damn thing started up on the second try but fucking started revving itself up and up....idle speed is fucking kicking it now! like revving a fucking race car. so of course I shut it down immediately, waited a bit, and tried again. same damn thing. revving up and idling way too fuck fast.

so.....whats the suggestions. does the damn little hose I found dangling from the air filter housing have something to do with this, or is something wrong with my fuel filter replacement method??? Anyone?

gimmie a sec and Ill post a pic or two, also.

Could REALLY frikking use some ideas. I know one or two of you kinky people have some engine skills.

Damn I shoulda stuck with the AMC.

Thanks in advance.

_____________________________

If I could get a good firm grasp on reality...I'd choke the fuck out of it.
---
Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words leave psychological wounds that never heal..

Post #: 1

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/20/2011 6:03:31 PM

kiarsia

Posts: 321
Joined: 8/9/2007
Status: offline

ok....so now im assuming vacuum hose...but its pitch black so i cant see where or what.....

_____________________________

If I could get a good firm grasp on reality...I'd choke the fuck out of it.
---
Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words leave psychological wounds that never heal..

(in reply to kiarsia)

Post #: 2

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/20/2011 6:15:33 PM

Muttling

Posts: 1612
Joined: 9/30/2007
Status: offline

When was the last time you cleaned the throttle body? That can cause the sluggish starts, revs, and fast idling that you describe. If you google instructions, it's pretty easy to clean.

(In case you're unaware, the throttle body is basically a fuel injected engine's version of a carburetor.)

I have no idea on the black hose as I've never worked on one of those engines.

< Message edited by Muttling -- 7/20/2011 6:16:55 PM >

(in reply to kiarsia)

Post #: 3

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/20/2011 6:26:22 PM

kiarsia

Posts: 321
Joined: 8/9/2007
Status: offline

Thanks muttling! Its definitely something Ill look into tomorrow. I finally hunted down some drop lights to get a better idea of possibilities....the truck is old so the hoses are fairly brittle. There is a hose that runs along behind the air filter housing.....damn clip from the air filter sliced it right up. So tomorrow I guess Im buying me some hoses.

fuck me running.

damn it girls Im fucking getting there. theres a spot on that beach that this pont plans on parking her rump in for at least a day.

_____________________________

If I could get a good firm grasp on reality...I'd choke the fuck out of it.
---
Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words leave psychological wounds that never heal..

(in reply to Muttling)

Post #: 4

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/20/2011 6:57:00 PM

Termyn8or

Posts: 18681
Joined: 11/12/2005
Status: offline

First of all..........I am car people so read carefully, I will try to write carefully.

In a 1994 import pickup I don't know if it is fuel injected or not. The VIN could tell, but I am not even sure I have the book on it, but here goes anyway.

First of all if it starts with that hose disconnected but revs up with it connected, disconnect it. With any luck it will run like before. Then plug the hose with something, it is likely leaking vacuum. It could be either end actually.

Leaking vacuum can usually be told by a cold exhaust, when the thing has been out in traffic for a bit and you just let it idle, in a 1994 the exhaust should still feel hot, not the pipe, the gases themselves. It may also smell like the exhaust from an older car. That's because the catalytic is not heated up properly. This can tell you if the mixture is lean, which would be caused if there is a vacuum leak.

Now, if when the car starts like it used to before you put the hose on, and the performace is good, it has to be narrowed down to a vacuum leak or a leaking EGR valve (very common). The vacuum leak may have been there for years, but now the EGR leaks, causing the apparent problem. We don't know.

Now if you find that after making the disconnection and plugging of what you connected it runs smoother at idle, it is probably the vacuum leak. Cars can live with that. If the idle does not smooth out, then look to the EGR valve first. There will always be a path from the exhaust to the intake, the EGR needs both. That is how you find it without the manual. They are usually not that hard to remove and clean or at least check. When it is out of the engine, it should be closed, no ifs ands or buts. That is one constant thing. If you can blow into either port and it does not hold, i.e. it leaks, it is defective.

Some are expensive but you can defeat them usually with some sort of household things, just to close them off period. Note that if you do this you had better take a few precautions.*

If you find it to be a vacuum leak, just plug it up and don't worry about it. It wil be good for the trip but will probably flunk emissions testing, if you have that there. You don't have to worry about that until you need plates. But......

* If you defeat the EGR valve, first of all run good gas in it, do not run the cheap shit, whatever octane they say, get as much higher as you can get or afford. Also drain some of the coolant and make it more like 70% minimum antifreeze. Put a plastic bag on the radiator cap as well, to MAKE SURE it holds pressure. Run the thing before you go and if it leaks anywhere, be prepared to stop and refill it. Even if it doesn't seem to leak, stop more frequently to check or fill it. AND NOT WITH STRAIGHT WATER. If it has the EGR problem and you must defeat it, I don't recommend a thousand mile trip. But any road trip, carry antifreeze.

T^T

(in reply to kiarsia)

Post #: 5

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/20/2011 7:32:16 PM

kiarsia

Posts: 321
Joined: 8/9/2007
Status: offline

Thanks Term!! I really appreciate it.

Its too dark and theres way too many mosquitos for me to keep messing with it tonight, so im going to get up early in the morning with a full roll of electrical tape and see if I cant play around with the hoses. Ive only got to drive 100 miles to get to the beach. I plan on making it.

(really sad part? sitting in the drive way next to the beater Im cussing at...theres a brand new perfectly working vehicle. I could easily move my stuff over and drive it. Yea. Im a stubborn pony)

_____________________________

If I could get a good firm grasp on reality...I'd choke the fuck out of it.
---
Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words leave psychological wounds that never heal..

(in reply to Termyn8or)

Post #: 6

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/21/2011 5:57:47 AM

kiarsia

Posts: 321
Joined: 8/9/2007
Status: offline

For anyone following along wondering how I made out:

This morning I went out and disconnected the little hose that I had assumed ought to be connected. Truck cranked right up and idled right where it ought to. I let it run a bit and everything seems hunky-dory. Weird. Cause I KNOW that hose is supposed to go there, but if I put it there, it don't wanna run right. I know they wouldn't have put a hose there that wasn't meant to connect to anything.

But anyway, I've cranked it several times now since all that and it seems to be starting up just fine!

I went and filled it up with a tank full of the high test on my way to work. It ought to appreciate that.

Its still sounding just a tiny bit rough right when I shut it off, just for a second. Hopefully running the good gas through will clean that up. I might go get a bottle of fuel cleaner stuff today too. That might help.

_____________________________

If I could get a good firm grasp on reality...I'd choke the fuck out of it.
---
Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words leave psychological wounds that never heal..

(in reply to kiarsia)

Post #: 7

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/21/2011 6:51:31 AM

Termyn8or

Posts: 18681
Joined: 11/12/2005
Status: offline

I generally recommend against additives. Do you know if it's fuel injected or not ? If it's fuel injected you do not need any additives unless you have had some bad gas - which is rare these days, at least around here. A carbeurator will get gunky varnish type deposits and a cleaner can help - sometimes. Usually you are better off spraying gumout right down the throat of the thing rather than adding it to the fuel.

As for sounding rough when you shut it off, do you mean it is after-running ? If so it's probably cabeurated. If a fuel injected engine does that, the injector(s) must be leaking. If that's happening you will usually have smoke in the exhaust at idle. What you describe however, sounds more like a lean misfire, and a lean mixture will have more of a tendency to after-run in a carbeurated engine.

I don't have a model specific book on that, but what I do have implies that in that year they were all fuel injected. But it's only Chilton's and I don't believe them. They're wrong half the time.

There is a possibility that hasn't been explored; does it happen to have cruise control that doesn't work ? If so the control unit might be leaking vacuum and pulling the throttle when it should not, which would explain why someone disconnected it. But if it doesn't have cruise, or the cruise works, that's not it.

In either case I would plug the hose. To make sure, cut off an inch or two, stick the piece on the "thingie"* where it goes and just find something that will fit in there to plug up both ends. (* there I go with that technical jargon)

If you have emissions testing there I wouldn't expect it to pass, but the readings would be interesting. If it has high HC and CO is normal, it's too lean and the computer is trying to compensate with more fuel. If both HC and CO are high it's too rich and the computer will try to compensate with more air.

You probably don't have time for all this, but some parts stores have model specific books for about $15. With that, using the VIN you can find out exactly what engine and fuel system it has. Usually there will be a diagram that will tell you what each component is and how it is supposed to be connected. Sometimes if the books aren't shrink wrapped I just look at them in the store and put them back.......depends on what I'm doing at the time. That hose could be going to a throttle puller for the cruise, or the ECS system, and in a Nissan who knows ? If it were a GM I could almost tell you off the top of my head.

There's one thing for sure, if it affects the way it runs it has vacuum which means it is a vacuum leak. If the idle kicks up when you plug it, that's another story. If you plug it and it runs good, be happy for now.

At this point though, it's a good thing to make sure it has good engine oil and coolant. If it's an automatic, do not change the tranny fluid before a trip. More on tranny fluid another time.

T^T

(in reply to kiarsia)

Post #: 8

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/21/2011 7:39:39 AM

kiarsia

Posts: 321
Joined: 8/9/2007
Status: offline

Its a manual transmission, no cruise control. Fuel injected.

Chiltons (and haynes) both are worthless when it comes to my truck. For some reason they chose to cover a hUGE number of years and multiple models all in one book. Everything is very generic and none of the diagram choices ever seem to look anything like what I'm actually looking at.

Its not continuing to run after I turn it off (here we always called that dieseling.) I had an old 66 model GM that used to do that if I ran it on regular octane gas. This ones just a very quick sputter.

Its old, it hasn't always gotten the preventative maintenance it really should have. Other than oil changes. Fairly religious about those. Its spent a lot of time in storage during overseas deployments. There's a good bit of dry-rot in the hoses. I'd like to go through the whole thing and replace them all, if I could ever find a good diagram of what's supposed to go where. Same with the electrical system too I guess.

All my automotive learning was on pre 1970 model american make vehicles. Chevy, GM, AMC...I'm still easily confused if I lift the hood and see more than an engine, a carburator, and a battery.

-edited to add that I changed the oil yesterday. I plan on flushing the coolant when I get back from the beach this weekend. I did check it, there's no oil in it at least. But I am leaking oil somewhere, my oil levels were low when I went to change it.

< Message edited by kiarsia -- 7/21/2011 7:43:41 AM >

_____________________________

If I could get a good firm grasp on reality...I'd choke the fuck out of it.
---
Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words leave psychological wounds that never heal..

(in reply to Termyn8or)

Post #: 9

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/21/2011 8:04:08 AM

Termyn8or

Posts: 18681
Joined: 11/12/2005
Status: offline

Yes, the big Chilton's and Haynes' are useless. The only ones worth anything are model specific.

The major difference from the old cars is fuel injection and the computer. The way they interact can be confusing. No book seems to explain it correctly. On a Nissan pickup, there is a switch on the computer you flip to get into diagnostic mode and it flashes two lights. However I looked at the code list and basically, their diagnostic system sucks. It would be a waste of time.

Another thing that has changed is that you almost never have to change the spark plugs, it's the wires that go bad now. However if that's the case, any misfire will get worse under power, it may smooth out completely at idle. Any problems at idle are almost always related to the intake system, and of course the EGR. The only exception is if it idles better when cold, then it may be the spark plugs. Not common unless they have a gillion miles on them or - ironically, if they have been changed recently.

See what happens with the hose(s) plugged. A golf tee and a piece of black tape work really well.

T^T

(in reply to kiarsia)

Post #: 10

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/21/2011 8:18:34 AM

PeonForHer

Posts: 19612
Joined: 9/27/2008
Status: offline

FR

Women who get fleeced or treated in a patronising way at garages:

Forget about learning anything about cars. You don't need to know anything. Just say the following words to the mechanic:

"I need x problem to be sorted out. I'm not entirely sure what the root cause is, but I've a feeling that it's down to the granges becoming unstertified"." If he asks you what that means, laugh, wag your finger, and say "Ah, I can tell you're joking with me. I'll leave that to you experts!"

_____________________________

http://www.domme-chronicles.com

(in reply to Termyn8or)

Post #: 11

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/21/2011 8:42:37 AM

DesFIP

Posts: 25191
Joined: 11/25/2007
From: Apple County NY
Status: offline

If it's an EGR valve then the check engine light should come on. And finding out where a loose hose ought to go is a thankless job. Because it probably doesn't go where you're plugging it back into. They never do.

Get some fuel injector cleaner and put that in with the full tank of high test. My daughter's car seems to need that on a regular basis.

_____________________________

Slave to laundry

Cynical and proud of it!

(in reply to PeonForHer)

Post #: 12

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/21/2011 10:33:02 AM

Outlier2

Posts: 258
Joined: 11/12/2007
Status: offline

First you must have strong Google skills. Here is the diagram you need.

http://www.nissanpartszone.com/components/1991-nissan-hardbody-pickup-1986-1994_vacuum-piping-223-899.html

_____________________________

Posting for Outlier _ Avatar xkcd.com

"A happy sex life may take years to achieve, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Worth the time, the thought - or rather, the thoughtfulness -and, often, the waiting."
Pete Seeger

(in reply to DesFIP)

Post #: 13

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/21/2011 11:04:47 AM

kiarsia

Posts: 321
Joined: 8/9/2007
Status: offline

Kinky people ROCK!

Jus saying.

No really, Term, thank you so much for taking your time to write out so much and make it make sense. I really appreciate everything.

Outlier...thank you SO much. I bow to your google skills!

_____________________________

If I could get a good firm grasp on reality...I'd choke the fuck out of it.
---
Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words leave psychological wounds that never heal..

(in reply to Outlier2)

Post #: 14

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/21/2011 11:17:21 AM

kiarsia

Posts: 321
Joined: 8/9/2007
Status: offline

So, right after I got to work, I look outside and there is a guy pulling up in my exact truck. Well, 2wd instead of my 4wd, and shiny red instead of my beatup black....but basically, the SAME truck.

I think he finds me insane now. I ran out before he could get out of his truck and asked to look under his hood. I was right about where the random hose attaches which means the valve that the hose attaches to is probably the one that's clogged, and from the looks of things everywhere, its most likely this ERG valve you folks keep mentioning.

My check eng light comes on sporadically, and code checking my nissan aint worth the effort...so I may just try tracking one of these valves down and see what happens.

_____________________________

If I could get a good firm grasp on reality...I'd choke the fuck out of it.
---
Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words leave psychological wounds that never heal..

(in reply to kiarsia)

Post #: 15

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/21/2011 12:46:09 PM

Muttling

Posts: 1612
Joined: 9/30/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: kiarsia

I think he finds me insane now. I ran out before he could get out of his truck and asked to look under his hood.

I would have asked you out for a date on the spot.

(in reply to kiarsia)

Post #: 16

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/21/2011 1:16:27 PM

Outlier2

Posts: 258
Joined: 11/12/2007
Status: offline

kiarsia,

Here is the diagram showing the EGR Valve (exhaust gas recirculation)
for your motor.

http://www.nissanpartszone.com/components/1988-nissan-hardbody-pickup-1986-1994_egr-parts-147-936.html

It should help you to determine if that is the part the hose was attached to.

Note: They also mention an EGR control valve and they show an electrical
connection, and list a temperature sensor. What you are dealing with is a system
not an isolated component.

You might want to check ebay for a factory shop manual, paper or CD and/or
factory parts book. The manual will explain how things work and are assembled.
The parts books usually show the whole vehicle in diagrams.

_____________________________

Posting for Outlier _ Avatar xkcd.com

"A happy sex life may take years to achieve, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Worth the time, the thought - or rather, the thoughtfulness -and, often, the waiting."
Pete Seeger

(in reply to Muttling)

Post #: 17

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/21/2011 2:27:24 PM

shorty21

Posts: 126
Joined: 11/30/2006
From: Des Moines
Status: offline

run it off bridge and get insurance money to buy a CHEVY!!! (that was a joke.... Please feel free to chuckle)

_____________________________

If i knelt before you with my heart in my hands...would you take my heart and break my body...or break my heart and take my body??

F*ck PMS... This bytch has PMDD!!!

Crazier than a cracked out squirrel on Adderall...

(in reply to Outlier2)

Post #: 18

RE: In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody - 7/21/2011 5:20:50 PM

areallivehuman

Posts: 277
Joined: 1/16/2010
Status: offline

Fuel filter does not have anything to do with idle or starting problems. Low coolant levels will make that truck idle up and down, among other things. Pay close attention to the snorkel/hose that runs from the air filter to the engine. It's probably like an accordion, meant to flex with engine movement. Stretch it gently and check for cracks. Make sure the clamps are secure.
Bottom line, if it starts and runs, it can't be too bad. If it seems normal going down the road, run it. You want to do something nice for it, put plugs, wires, cap and rotor on it.

(in reply to shorty21)

Post #: 19

Page: [1]

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> In need of some mechanic advice '94 nissan hardbody

Page: [1]

Jump to:

New Messages	No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages	Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages	Locked w/o New Messages

Post New Thread

Reply to Message

Post New Poll

Submit Vote

Delete My Own Post

Delete My Own Thread

Rate Posts

Collarchat.com © 2025

Terms of Service

0.219