1988 Nissan Sentra Fuel Problem

[mikeymarch]

I have a 1988 Nissan Sentra 1.6L Auto 4dr sedan. On a very intermitent basis the car will start to buck badly. When this happens, if the accelerator is pressed to the floor the engine dies like there is absolutely no fuel getting to the TBI & only a max of 70kms/hr can be reached. If you let off the pedal the car returns to idle & idles well. After approx. 10-15 min the car will return to normal & any speed can be obtained. I wanted to verify what I was told that it could be 1 of 3 things...1) Mass Air Flow Module 2) O2 Sensor or 3) EGR Valve

Can anyone shed light on this problem...?

Thanks...Mike

[Strugari]

There is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) on that car. It pertains to a bucking/ surging between shifts on medium acceleration. May not be your problem but worth checking into.
You should also have the car scanned for codes to see what comes up.
I have also seen these cars act up when the air inlet hose to the air cleaner has cracks in it. As you accelerate, the motor shifts, causing the crack to open up and cause a buck or surge.
Hope this helps you out.

[BiffX]

Does it seem to chug when your excelerating only? Does it seem to do in inbetween shifting?

[the_saint]

Fuel pump.

had the exact symptoms with my Sentra.

Replaced it and things were back to normal.

Incidently fuel pumps from the wreckers are around $10. Take 10 minutes to get out.

I ended up using a 3rd gen rx7 fuel pump that I had lying around. Sure wish I took it out when I sold the car haha