[rtfaris]

2001 X 3.3 cranks strong but no start. Has nice blue spark. When I spray starting fluid into the intake, it fires up.

What should I replace? When I turn the key, I can hear something hum from behind me. I am guessing this might be the fuel pump.

Any help is greatly appreciated.


- Todd
Colorado Springs

 

[cbxterra]

If it's firing on starting fluid, it sounds like fuel not spark problem. How old is the fuel filter? I'd be tempted to start there. It's cheap and fairly,easy to replace. I think the hum is the fuel pump pressuring the system.

 

[rtfaris]

Went on vacation and just came back to resume work on my X. Replaced fuel filter, but still not starting.

 

[cbxterra]

Out of my depth,sorry. Maybe check the fuse for the pump?

 

[Badge of honor]

There will be what looks like a tire valve stem on the fuel injector rail. Get a fuel pressure gauge and check it. If not in the 40-45 psi either regulator or pump are bad.

 

[rtfaris]

Ok, I realized that I am NOT hearing my fuel pump when I turn the ignition to position 2. I was hearing something else under the hood!

I have now replaced my fuel pump, fuel filter, and distributer, but still does not start. I checked what I believe to be the fuel pump relay and is is working. However, there are 3 relays under the driver's side dash, so it's possible I got the wrong one.

Oh, and I did check the fuel pump fuse.

 

[Badge of honor]

Did you check the pressure?

 

[netdobeiras]

how many miles are on your xterra? when was the timing belt last done? I have a feeling it's your timing. I would check your distributor rotor and make sure it spins while it cranks. it's also possible your timing belt jumped a few teeth and knocked off the timing. Also do you smell gas after cranking it?

 

[rtfaris]

Sorry guys, didn't see your replies come through.

I checked fuel pressure with a pressure gauge and it reads zero.

The X is at 175k. I changed the timing belt 25k ago. The rotor turns with the engine crank. No gas smell.

It also fires up when I spray starter fluid into the air intake.

 

[Badge of honor]

Fuel pump

 

[rtfaris]

Thanks everyone. Just got done replacing the fuel sending unit. It fired right up! Was kind of a pain to get seated correctly. Realized that it has to be on the outside (passenger side) of the reserve bucket inside the fuel tank.

The parts store said it was a dealer only part, but I bought mine for $63 on Amazon.com. Hopefully I got one that will last. Thankfully, if it wears out quickly, I now know how to diagnose and replace it.