Stalling after startup

[elpeede]

Ok so I have had the car a 2008 pathfinder now for nearly a month. When I got it I ran it about on Holiday towing a large caravan fine. Since we returned I noticed that when it was parked overnight when I came to start it the engine started, ran for say five seconds or so at tickover then stalled. The car is parked on a sloping drive way say at 10 degrees elevation and he nose of the car upbank. While we were away caravanning the car was always parked on the flat... we had no issues then. Then again it might be something that has began to fail since we returned.

I filled the car with fuel and it starts fine... until today.. the fuel has now got to just above the half tank marker and it did it again. Started.. ran for ten seconds and stalled.

If I crank the car over eventually it fires up... say ten seconds of cranking.. then runs fine. I'll let you know if it does it again overnight.

Just left it at work 9 hours.. similar parking position.. slightly flatter if anything. Jumped in and started as normal no issues. :nenau

Any thoughts guys?

 

[solarman216]

minor air leak somewhere allowing fuel to drain back and creating a small air bubble in the pipe to the pump, if it happens that quick then it is going to be in the engine bay area, rather than near the tank, Rick

 

[zippy656]

replace the fuel line with clear.. you can see air bubbles if it happends again.
8mm if i remember right

 

[elpeede]

Update :- Fuel filter was full of Air, I guess the dealership ran it out of fuel and didn't bleed it. - Muppets!

 

[Saeed]

Update :- Fuel filter was full of Air, I guess the dealership ran it out of fuel and didn't bleed it. - Muppets!

Hello Gentlemen,

I am (in New Zealand) having the same issues with my 2000 Nissan Terrano/Pathfinder ZD30 DDTi engine. Engine starts fine but stalls on the road all of a sudden with CHECK ENGINE light coming on. This happens on an incline more so than going down the road...happens on flat road as well at high speeds (100 Kph). However, I recently drove at 120 Km and nothing happened.

Then the engine fires up again within a few minutes with white smole when I rev the engine for a few seconds. Then I go a few Kms down the road and the engine stalls again.

FYI...3 years ago Injection Pump (IP) was serviced.

This engine stalling problem started after the mechanic replaced cylinder head and gasket. Right after this repair there were starting issues and mechanic found that one of the fuel return line was leaking slightly which was tightened. Since then I put additional clamps (screw on type) on all the fuel lines in the engine, and even replaced IP overflow pipe and inlet and outlet pipes to the IP.

The mechanic suggested putting WYNN's EDT IP and Injector cleaning fluid in the fuel tank, and it worked a little better for a little while. I was able to tow a trailer full of builder's mix two times.

This problem is testing my patience. I haven't checked the new computer codes, but previously it showed IP fuel line (Code 0703), then another time IP communication (code 77). Had the Main ECU checked just-in-case before removing the Injection Pumps as a last measure for repair (which was done 3 years ago).

I wonder if air is still getting into the fuel line. Where else should I check for air leakage?

I even opened the fuel gauge in the tank to check for the tightness of the outlet and inlet hoses.

Lastly, does Nissan Terrano II (ZD30 DDTi 3.0l Diesel R3MR) have fuel lift pump, or the Injection Pump does the lifting and pumping?

I did not find a lift pump in the fuel tank. However, when the engine stalls I hear some small motor cranking under the car.

 

[solarman216]

Not sure if you have corrosion problems in NZ like the UK but if so your fuel lines to the tank could be the problem, the lift pump is in the injector pump, so feed from tank is under negative pressure so can draw air in at any week point, there is no pump in the tank or filter, also check the connectors/harness to the pump as the pump has on board computer and needs good communication with the ECU, Rick

 

[jims-terrano]

Yes, seems like the metal fuel lines rot through above the rear axle. Popular fix over here is replace both with rubber pipes of the correct bore and grade. Loads of threads on here regarding the fuel lines.

 

[Blocky10]

I did not find a lift pump in the fuel tank. However, when the engine stalls I hear some small motor cranking under the car.

Is there a fuel cut off or a relay maybe that is making noises?

 

[Banshee]

Is there a fuel cut off or a relay maybe that is making noises?

Blocky called it, that's quite normal, I get that noise for up to 30 seconds sometimes when shutting off the engine