Weird lean symptoms?

Tiny
STRIVINGMECHANIC
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 NISSAN SENTRA
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 138,885 MILES
I have been experiencing issues with my car running lean. When I bought the car, it had a misfire. So, I replaced spark plugs, distributor, spark plug wires, fuel filter, and a new o2 sensor. Car started to run great, but I noticed it still never got good gas milage these cars average 40, I get maybe 20. So, after about 10k miles on the new ignition system I checked the spark plugs and they were showing signs of extreme lean conditions. With these lean conditions I’m experiencing gas in my oil. The car doesn't blow smoke, and it runs better cold than warm. I decided to check each cylinder after and noticed some decent pitting on each piston, but the cross hatch and cylinder walls seem to be in good shape. I should note the car has always thrown a p1320 primary ignition code before and after the parts and I'm just stumped as to what’s causing the lean mixture in the cylinder and pitting on the pistons and terrible fuel economy put the motor still runs fairly well no misses or noises and I want the car to last as it’s in great shape for a 98.
Monday, November 18th, 2024 AT 2:41 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,702 POSTS
There is an internal ignition coil that sounds like it is going bad, but I would replace the ignition distributor with 140k on it. Also, I would swap out the MAF sensor as well.

The P1320 code on a 1998 Nissan Sentra indicates an Ignition Signal Primary Circuit Malfunction.

Here is how to change out the ignition distributor and set the timing, I would also make sure the spark plug gap is correct and that you have the correct spark plugs installed.

Spark plug ID
Standard .................... BKR5E-11
Hot .................... BKR4E-11
Cold .................... BKR6E-11 BKR7E-11

This guide may help as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/repair-lean-mixture-codes-p0171-or-p0174-on-some-manufacturers

Ignition Timing - Base 8 +/- 2 Deg. BTDC

Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
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Monday, November 18th, 2024 AT 6:07 PM
Tiny
STRIVINGMECHANIC
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hey, I appreciate the response I should clarify the car had 127xxx miles when I got it I’ve already replace the distributor I will put the Nissan back in timing mode and try it see if it is a timing issue spark plugs are iridium and are gaped to spec when installed, I haven’t tried unplugging the MAF, but I'm not sure what that would tell me. So, I will give an update tomorrow or everything it does. Also, I can get the live readings of the car if those would help.
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Monday, November 18th, 2024 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,702 POSTS
The P1320 code on a 1998 Nissan Sentra indicates an Ignition Signal Primary Circuit Malfunction is usually the ignition coil which could be defective in the new distributor FYI.
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Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 AT 10:15 AM

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