[trout_hound]

So I have seen variations of this problem on this forum, but still having issues. Replaced the distributor, fuel filter, and Mass Air flow sensor, still has intermittent starting (cranks, wont fire up) when warm. Here's the longer story: It started after a few days I got back from a long trip when my 00 Xterra hesitated a little when I gave it gas. The next day I started it and it just bogged down, wouldn't go over 2000 rpm. Nursed it back home. Checked the spark and it was fine, so replaced the fuel filter and checked that it was pumping fuel. It was. Guessed it might be the Mass Air Sensor, but decided to have my mechanic check the codes. Had it towed there. He cleared the codes since it had several (and we had pulled a few hoses checking things), but then couldnt get it started. Finally did, but it didnt register codes. He replaced the entire distrubutor, even though I told him the spark was good. Got it home, let it run for a while since the battery was low. After I shut it off, ten minutes later it wouldnt start. Let it sit overnight, started fine the next day, so took it back to the mechanic. He replaced the mass air flow sensor. Ran pretty good for a couple of days, but then took a drive, and it wouldnt start when hot again. Let it sit, started fine. Getting tired of dumping money into this thing. Any ideas?

 

[Ben Pedersen]

Hope you get a reply. Mine's doing similar things, but not as bad. It smells like it's been flooded after I start it. Really gassy. You?

 

[baldbeard]

Sounds to me like you're losing compression. Have you had a compression test done?

 

[trout_hound]

No gassy smell. Compression seems OK. It actually runs decent now once it gets started. I'm beginning to suspect it is one of those dreaded "two things crap out at once" issues that make it impossible to properly diagnose. Noticed the check engine light on again, so hopefully there is a new error code we can check tomorrow. Baffled why a warm engine makes a difference though.

 

[TBass]

First time in 18 years my Xterra acted up. Couple weeks ago it started giving me warm start issues when trying to crank it within a couple minutes of shutdown. It cranks up and stalls out only when warm. If I wait 5 or 10 minutes it cranks up and runs fine.
It has no hesitation while driving and revs up fine in any gear. It does exhibit a slight sputtering at the exhaust when warm but the rpm holds steady and the engine shows no shaking like a misfire would show.
Timing light shows no missing spark on any of the plugs.
No error codes or check engine light. Fuel filter is 3 years old.

Any ideas? Anyone?

Things to eliminate:
Clean the MAF
Pull the fuel pump/sending unit and clean the connections(this was a recall on an as needed basis which I never bothered to do)