Mystery problem..

[Enigma42]

Hey guys,
Thought I would put this to you guys and see what you think.
I have a 1990 Patrol GQ 4.2L Petrol 6 cylinder carby.
About 3 months ago the engine was cutting out every now and then. Recently the problem has just gotten worse and worse.
It started cutting out every time i drove it at least 2 or 3 times and the tacho was going spaz.
I took it to On Track 4x4 in slacks creek (Logan) and they replaced the fusable links and put new plugs and leads on it. Got it back a week later and it was spluttering constantly, I drove it 10kms and it cut out again (so it cut out once it was at normal operating temp).
I took it back and they said its definately a coil problem. Left it there for another 2 weeks and FINALLY got it back. They pulled out the dizzy and the fireball electronic ignition and replaced it with a second hand dizzy with points. It has still been spluttering like crazy (like its missing a beat) whenever its driven. It has cut out once since I got it back but I have only driven it 3 times short distances. The tacho has stopped going spaz though.
I am taking it back this week but I was just wondering what you guys think?
Its been in the shop 3 weeks already and ive spent $800 on parts and labour that hasn't even fixed the problem, perhaps even made it worse!
Pleas help if you can! Because it seems like these guys are just guessing...

[DamTriton]

Moved to Nissan

[Tiny]

Why????? It's a general engine problem not really Nissan specific

[Tiny]

In answer to the OP sounds like ontrack are going through the obvious electrical..... Could be a carby issue??

[date]

If it is an electrical issue, the beast will most likely die dead, not splutter. If it is spluttering and it is a carby model, it is more likely starving of fuel. Does it splutter under load or at any time. If it only under load (it idles OK), it is most likely a blocked fuel passage - the fuel filter or it could be a bit of crap blocking the intake in the fuel tank.

[Enigma42]

Well it never used to splutter at all. Just used to die and the tacho would go nuts.
Since I've got it back it splutters. Not so much splutters and dies, just splutters.
Does it when its idle and also when its being driven, never driven her under load as yet.
They said the carby is in the best shape they have seen. They said they wished all their carbys would look like mine.

[tehekho]

Well it never used to splutter at all. Just used to die and the tacho would go nuts.
Since I've got it back it splutters. Not so much splutters and dies, just splutters.
Does it when its idle and also when its being driven, never driven her under load as yet.
They said the carby is in the best shape they have seen. They said they wished all their carbys would look like mine.

In most circles, 'under load' would be considered anything above and beyone just rotating the flywheel.

Getting the vehicle moving would be under load - so driving = under load

[Enigma42]

Well in that case, yes, when the car is moving it splutters like crazy

[mumbles]

is this spluttering while accelerating or cruising? what is your fuel filter like? what about you plugs and leads?

[Matt_85Lux]

what about you plugs and leads?

I took it to On Track 4x4 in slacks creek (Logan) and they replaced the fusable links and put new plugs and leads on it

my guess is they're new, but as a few has said they are trying to eliminate the obvious and common problem parts next step is if the fuel filter is old replace it

[Enigma42]

well, I have only had the truck for about 3 months. But the guys before me was pretty religious with his servicing.

[CustomTurbos]

Sounds to me like an electronic ignition module issue (assuming they actually have one). Given the tacho bounces around when its playing up

[Enigma42]

No as I was saying before, the electronic ignition was pulled out along with the original dizzy.
Replaced with a second hand dizzy with points.
Now when it cuts out the tacho doesnt play up. It just cuts completely. As well as the spluttering.
Its back in the shop now.
Im really starting to think it is a fuel problem.

[Articulator]

Mate .In the left hand side inner gaurd (inside engine bay ) there is a little brown module about 1 inch high 1 inch wide and about 1/2 inch thick .It has a wiring connector on it with 2 wires.It is a tacho condensor only available from nissan .Solved all my problems with same symptoms so cheap i always have a spare in the glovebox .Hope this helps .
Cheers col.