Engine cuts out around 3,000 RPM

KENTONYAZ

MEMBER
1987 NISSAN HARDBODY
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
204,000 MILES

(d21 motor) I changed TPS sensor iMac sensor distributor even computer. Checked for air and vacuum leaks, cleaned out EGR valve, put new spark plugs, changed ignition control modules, and coils. This truck still does not run right. It idles good and drives good as long as I baby they gas pedal, once I try driving it hard it lurches and cuts out then I let off and it gets back to normal. I had fuel pressure checked also and it is good. I put new catalytic converter. I put fuel treatment. When I push pedal all the way down it cuts out at 3000 rpm like it has a rev limiter. I am loosing my mind in this freaking truck. Some one please help. I also want to mention it is a four cylinder with the eight plugs and fuel injectors. I also sprayed starting fluid with throttle fully open and it still cuts out.

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,662 POSTS

This trucks had problem with the distributors but to be sure lets run the codes to see what comes up. Here is a guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/nissan-obd1-diagnostic-trouble-codes-and-retrieval-procedure-1984-to-1994

If you get ignition codes here is a guide to help you remove it and install a rebuilt unit.

REMOVAL

1. Mark position of No. 1 tower of distributor cap on distributor housing.
2. Remove distributor cap.
3. Crank engine to align rotor with No. 1 mark on housing.
4. Place a mark between distributor housing and engine.
5. Remove distributor retaining bolt and the distributor. Do not crank engine when distributor is removed from engine.

INSTALLATION

1. Align rotor with No. 1 mark on housing.
2. If engine was cranked when distributor was removed from engine, crank engine until No. 1 cylinder is on compression stroke and the timing marks align on the pulley and front cover.
3. Install distributor into engine, aligning all index marks made during removal.
4. Loosely install distributor retaining bolt.
5. Adjust ignition timing and tighten distributor retaining bolt.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken