Car was running fine yesterday, but when I tried to start it today it just cranks over and will not fire.

JIMD1971

MEMBER
1993 NISSAN ALTIMA
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Car was running fine yesterday, but when I tried to start it today it just cranks over and will not fire. Initially suspected it was the typical problem for this model of oil getting to the distributor, I've changed the distributor three times since new but normally I get a warning period of the car running rough but not this time.
I've checked and confirmed I'm getting good spark from the coil and to all 4 spark plugs, (cleaned and set spark plugs gaps and cleaned battery terminals while I was at it) went to check the fuel at the filter but noticed that when I pull on the throttle cables with the ignition on I get a buzzing sound from below the throttle levers, not sure if this is normal or not?
Last weekend I changed the leaking water pump (removed alternator and air conditioner etc.) And replaced the serpentine belts while I was at it. Car has done 15-20 trips since then and was running fine.
Any thoughts on the buzzing sound, I'll go out and check the fuel flow while I'm waiting.
Kind regards
Jim

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JIMD1971

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Update,
I've removed the fuel hose from after the engine bay fuel filter (connects to the fuel injection rail) and I don't seem to be getting fuel pumped to the fuel injection rail when I crank the motor, is this a valid check? I don't have a T piece pressure gauge to check the fuel flow the proper way.

I've also confirmed the voltage at the fuel pump relay socket and confirmed the relay itself has continuity when 12 volts is applied to it.

I've opened the fuel filler cap and listened for the fuel pump to kick in but I don't think I can hear it priming up, unfortunately I live on a busy street so there is a lot of back ground noise.

Should I see fuel being pumped out of the fuel tank hose in a electronic fuel injection system from the hose that connects the fuel filter to the fuel injection rail?

Thanks in advance
Jim

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Sunday, April 25th, 2021 AT 2:24 PM

SATURNTECH9

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If you're not getting fuel out of the fuel filter cranking the engine sounds like the fuel pump isnt working. You need to see if you have power and ground to the fuel pump while cranking the engine. Try this hook everything back up then while cranking the engine. Smack the center of gas tank with the palm of your hand and see if the car starts. Make sure it doesnt start before trying this though.

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Sunday, April 25th, 2021 AT 2:24 PM

JIMD1971

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Thanks Matey
Just about to remove the back seat now, I'll let you know how I get on.
Jim

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Sunday, April 25th, 2021 AT 2:24 PM

SATURNTECH9

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Sounds good keep me posted on what you find.

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Sunday, April 25th, 2021 AT 2:24 PM

JIMD1971

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Update
Back seat is out, I've confirmed I'm getting 12 volt on the wiring harness, and when I put a 12 battery to the terminals I'm getting no pumping noise.

Sounds like the pump is not happy.

Jim