1987 Nissan Truck won't start! Im no mechanic.....

burtonvldz · Jul 28th, 2005, 04:13 PM

Ok, well to start, I got a 1987 Nissan Pickup. Within the 1st 12 hrs it died. All I was told was that the water pump had to be replaced, but I didnt see how that would affect the vehicle. I went and got a new water pump, put it in and it Obviously still didnt work. It sounded like it wouldnt start because of the selanoid, but I wasent sure so I replaced the battery (starting off small :] ) and it sounded like it had more umph to starting but still didnt start. Then I replaced the battery terminals. I had already checked the fuses and it still didn't start. Then I replaced the starter and it work for about a day then it wouldnt start yet again. When I took it to the shop they had mentioned something about the head gasket might be cracked or blown, so I have something for that (not a replacement part) but havent been able to try it 'cuz the truck wont start. I also replaced the spark plugs and it worked for a couple of starts but then it pooped out again. Im so confused, If anyone can give me some good advice it would GREATLY be appreciated. THANKS

hardbodyman · Jul 28th, 2005, 08:41 PM

does your truck turn over? maybe its the distributor. or your wires. i just replaced my distributor cap and wires. so maybe the rotor or cap is wore out and its not getting any electricity through the wires.

veesix · Jul 29th, 2005, 08:53 AM

It sounds like a few parts have been replaced, and that resulted in the engine starting only temporary.

Does the engine sound sluggish turning over, or does the starter work strong?

burtonvldz · Jul 30th, 2005, 12:40 PM

Yeah, I figured it was only starting because we (my boyfriend and I ) were putting new parts on it, so everytime it had a little more power, that evidently would quit. The engine doesnt realy sound sluggish trying to start. Its got a new starter so that shouldnt be the problem. I've heard something about a reley that might affect the truck. I dont even know where that is though. I would just hate to go through and end up relacing just about the whole truck before it'll start and end up finding out its some minorly expensive part. I would take it to a shop but they would ask for the money up front whereas if I just did it part by part I could afford it, but I don't want to strech that out for a long time...... Jeez.... haha things tend to be a little tough. Hopefully I get it fixed soon, or at least find out what I can do to fix it.

veesix · Jul 30th, 2005, 02:17 PM

It sounds like you are saying that the starter turns the engine over real strong, and still the engine does not fire up. If that is not it than maybe what happens is sometimes the starter works strong and other times the starter struggles.

moochy1 · Aug 1st, 2005, 10:57 AM

This is for burtonvldz, If your engine is turning over and won't start could be fuel pump or relay problem ,you mention relays they are on passenger side right side kick panel start looking at bottom of glove compartment. About midway on right kick panel you will find a cluster of wires leading to two relays just unplug and replace there are 2 on a metal assembly fasten by two phillips head screws.Could be your fuel pump listen when you turn your key on to start for click click that would be your relays and have your boy friend listen under gas tank for fuel pump running.Replace pump if not running, test for power to pump first could be that or fuel filter in pump or standard filter . let boyfriend Spray carb cleaner in carb while you crank over if starts it is a fuel problem. Be careful with this it's not the safest way but effective I have simular problem my pump runs sometimes, I got relays from U pull junk yard they may be bad to not sure, good luck with yours it's worth a try.

MOOCH

SPEEDO · Aug 1st, 2005, 11:41 AM

there is a starter relay on the right side of the engine compartment, behind the battery, it's blue with 2 plug in's, usually when it starts to go out you'll just get a click with no engine turning over, do you have a 4cyl or a V6?

burtonvldz · Aug 2nd, 2005, 04:15 PM

I have a 4 cylinder. I actually had a mechanic come over this weekend and he said that my head gasket was cracked

which means most likely my head is too. Shuckks...... Its pretty spendy to relace those..... Might be worth more than the vehicle.... Well, I will keep posting to find out............. Thanks so much guys, you all have helped out tremendously!