no start after sitting overnight?

1995 NISSAN TRUCK
240,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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FIGMENT_STBY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
When starting when the engine is cold, it will fire once, and then it will just turn over without starting. Then there is a strong smell of gas. If I work at it long enough to get it started, it runs pretty normal, with a little hesitation for the first couple of miles. I have replaced the spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, and fuel filter. I checked the fuel and there is no water in it. It doesn't have OBDII, so I can't pull codes.
Aug 14, 2022 at 5:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

Based on the fuel smell and your description, it sounds like you are losing spark to the spark plugs.

As far as codes are concerned, follow the directions in this link and let me know what you find as far as codes are concerned. This explains how to retrieve codes from the OBD1. However, this should have an OBD2 system. That is when they changed.

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


Take care,

Joe
Aug 14, 2022 at 10:47 PM
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FIGMENT_STBY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
What would cause the loss of spark, and how can I test for the problem?
Aug 15, 2022 at 11:50 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

As far as checking for spark, here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

If there is no spark, it could be a few things. The coil itself may have failed, the power transistor (ignition control), and so on.

Have you checked for spark? If there is none, I attached the tests for both the coil and the power transistor. Let me know if you are comfortable performing them. Here is a link that you may find helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know. Also, let me know if you were able to retrieve any codes.

Take care,

Joe

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Aug 15, 2022 at 7:37 PM
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