Posted: Sep 20 2010 at 5:56pm | IP Logged

I have a 2004 crewcab with 3.3L Auto that has 140K. I have owned it since new.

Beginning about a year ago (yeah, i know it has been a long time), the truck began to require some cranking time before the engine would fire, maybe 3-5 seconds. Other times the truck would fire right up, no cranking needed.

I tried to figure out a pattern back then but was unable to. I replaced the battery because it was 6 year old but that didn't improve the cranking situation. I took it to a shop (not a Nissan specialist) and they thought it may be the check valve in the fuel pump sticking open. I held off for 6 months before having the fuel pump replaced. After the fuel pump was replaced, the need to crank before it would fire up continued. No improvement.

I later took it to a shop that specializes in Nissans. They were unable to duplicate the failure - it started right up for them each time they tried it.

I have been able to establish sort of a pattern.

If starting from cold after sitting for >24 hours, starts right up-no cranking.

If starting after sitting > 15 minutes but less than 24, cranks for 3-5 seconds before starting.

If starting < 15 minutes after having been shut off, starts right up, no cranking.

The engine has never failed to start, it just cranks for a while before it fires up. Also, it seems to me like there is a rich exhaust smell when it finally starts. I read on a non-Nissan-specific site that if an injector valve sticks open the fuel line pressure can leak into the cylinder creating a flooded condition which may exhibit the behavior I am seeing.??

I am next planning to drop the truck off at the Nissan-savvy shop so it arrives in the >15 minutes < 24 hour window but it would be great to give them some possibilities to check out.

I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.

Posted: Sep 22 2010 at 6:26pm | IP Logged

I did run a container of Techron through with a tankful of gas 3 weeks ago - no change to starting behavior (perhaps it even takes a bit more cranking after the Techron - or I could just be imagining that).

As to the other service items, I did not personally do any of the things listed.

I did however have major service performed summer of 2009, four months before the problem began. The service was performed by a Nissan dealership and included replacing timing belt, water pump, belts, throttle body cleaning and idle adjustment, fuel injector flush, new plugs, wires, cap and rotor, seal small evap leak at sending unit, repaired leak at lower intake manifold. As mentioned above, the starting condition did not begin until several months after all of this work was done.

Other than taking several seconds of cranking to start the engine runs great - no issues. There has been no change in gas mileage,  still 20 - 20.5 mpg.

No check engine light.

Posted: Sep 24 2010 at 11:19am | IP Logged

Yes, I tired that as well, turning on key for 5 seconds for 2 or 3 times before beginning starter. No change to starting behavior.

Last night I checked the MAFS and it looks clean. No evidence of anything built up on the wires or in the air stream. I also took a peak at the throttle plate (maybe that isn't the correct term for the plate where the air duct connects to the manifold) and it didn't look clogged or damaged.

Posted: Sep 25 2010 at 2:16pm | IP Logged

I was very hopeful this would help.  I used cleaner on both the MAFS and the throttle plate. I did notice some black residue on the rag after cleaning the throttle plate.

No improvement in staring.

I plan to pick up some more Techron under the assumption that maybe the injectors were very, very dirty and the first treatment just loosened it up. I guess it can't hurt.

I do appreciate all of the ideas. Any more???