Engine issues

1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER
120,000 MILES • V6 • 4WD
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MICHAELR1870
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It will start bucking and jumping at any acceleration over 2900 RPM every time you try.(when being driven). It also has a slight high idle issue. Note: that when accelerated to the floor it sometimes backfires and seems as though it is struggling for fuel. (parked) Mike. 1987 Nissan pathfinder. Sorry
Nov 17, 2018 at 10:53 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning.

The first thing that comes to mind is a clogged catalytic converter. If the engine is not allowed to breathe correctly, this is a result.

A back pressure test will confirm. The O2 sensor before the catalytic converter has to be removed and a gauge inserted to measure pressure. Anything above 1.5 lbs. is no good.

Also, how old is the timing belt? Valve timing being off can produce this issue as well.

When was the last time you had a tune up?

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-backfires-while-running

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-timing-belt-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

Nov 18, 2018 at 5:36 AM
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MICHAELR1870
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I have put a new timing belt on fairly recent although it is possible I may have gotten off a notch. If I did, would it cause this? I drilled holes in the catalytic converter also. So what now? Thanks, Mike
Nov 18, 2018 at 7:44 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Drilling holes is not enough. It is more more area to breather if that is the issue. Try removing it and see if it is better.

Yes, if you were off a tooth, it would do this as the valve timing would be off.

Roy
Nov 18, 2018 at 7:48 AM
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MICHAELR1870
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I know I get the same results on RPM's parked (2900)easing into the accelerator as I do on the how at. 2900 TOM's both ways when the problem starts. It is off a tooth. Would that be your opinion also? Mike
Nov 18, 2018 at 8:16 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Yes.

I would start with the catalytic converter before going to the timing belt.

Roy
Nov 18, 2018 at 8:18 AM