[Can anyone tell me what this is? (picture attached)]

It could also be an attempt for corrosion inhibition. Not sure if it was a success lol

[Can anyone tell me what this is? (picture attached)]

Don't worry about it. Since these trucks were built with way too much sheet metal as over redundant amounts of heat shields they needed to ground all this excess material as it can statically build up a charge and spark. If you don't drive through puddles of gasoline you are perfectly fine without

['01 Stuck Air Flow Control Knob]

Mine did that. The cable retainer had broken behind the knob. It was over 5 years ago and cant remember precisely what I used but I had to rig something with probably bicycle parts to fix it. Still works now though

[Oil Leaks. R50 (1996)]

Just tightening the valve cover screws might not stop the leaking or it could make it worse. Seal replacement may be needed but from all the stuff that needs removing to accomplish it, it is a lot of work. I just had mine done. Unfortunately the EGR valve and assembly was so far corroded that the flange broke off in the valve and i had to replace it.

 

 

The oil pan would be much easier. Not sure if this car uses a gasket, but if you clean it up after all residual oil has quit dripping, clean surfaces with mineral spirits, then use an appropiate permatex sealant, bolt it back up, it will hold for ever.

 

Make sure you tighten to specified torque settings

[96NP - occasional random stall at idle]

How long was the timing belt off a tooth?

The mechanic verbally told me it was advanced 2 teeth, however the report states it was just one tooth. I am guessing the latter because the distributor needed to be rotated from the slightly clockwise from midway factory setting, to being pegged out full counter clockwise.

 

I don't know why the car feels more powerful than did years ago new, could be from the front CV joints I removed permanently 2 years ago.

[96NP - occasional random stall at idle]

Two problems:

1) left bank cam was advanced off time - fixed. This caused the knock sensor and ECU to go nuts

 

2) MAF is bad, likely the cause of the random stall. I removed the plastic on top, exposing the center pin's wire connection. it was loose. Much too small for me to solder so I just bought a new one

 

 

Car finally has some torque, I mean more than it did 19 years ago new. It has some life to it

[96NP - occasional random stall at idle]

With a timing light on, and TPS sensors electrically disconnected,

Where should I time it?

 

On what mark that is, looking down from radiator (1 thru 5 as left to right) :

 

| | | | |

[96NP - occasional random stall at idle]

Did you adjust the TPS and make sure it's working properly?

Not yet,

I assume it should read a certain voltage at various throttle angles?

[96NP - occasional random stall at idle]

Thanks Beatup96, Ill report back.

 

I guess I can do a pressure check on the MAF.

 

[96NP - occasional random stall at idle]

Also, I have never changed the fuel filter and car has 206,000 miles. Also a Culprit?

[96NP - occasional random stall at idle]

Thank you for the leads, Beatup96 and rick88ss

 

 

 

The problem with the car is totally intermittent. Has two modes of operation: "Normal" and "weak". Seems like if it goes to weak mode while idling it will die, but it CAN maintain idle once in the weak mode. However it's just my perception on what's going on.

 

Two questions

 

Would an idle control valve cause poor acceleration too?

 

Will MAF problems create intermittent symptoms?

[96NP - occasional random stall at idle]

Just replaced distributor. Did not fix it. Interesting thing I noticed was the old distributor was rotated almost full advanced (like it was set this way by the mechanic I recently had change the belts), now using a timing light as such the yellow mark is timed spot -on with it set like this.

 

My question is, if the timing belt was off a notch or so, would the distributor need to be pegged in adjustment to get timing back 15 BTDC. Before I removed the distributor, judging from the factory marks the adjustment bolt scored on the surface, it was recently tweeked to that setting which was just after the timing belt was changed (and we had the vehicle since 1996 so it couldve been no one else).

 

[96NP - occasional random stall at idle]

I will order a distibuter since it's only just over $100 the car has 200K miles.

 

If that doesn't fix it I'll look in to the idle/TB area

 

 

I'lll report back with the news, thanks for the help eveyone!

[96NP - occasional random stall at idle]

and it only fully stalls when it is stopped

[96NP - occasional random stall at idle]

Or it could be the idle valve. Does it start up fine in the morning after it's been sitting for a while?

It starts and warms up fine.

 

Just randomly when driven for 10+ minutes does it stall (noticed at idle). It happens only occasionally, sometimes not at all for a day or two, but when it does it will rumble, stall or loose ignition all together. It is not associated with hitting a bump or vibration like a wiring problem would behave. It acts like a system that is used only at a certain threshold is causing it to fail.

 

ECU has no idea it is malfunctioning either

[96NP - occasional random stall at idle]

Thank you, I will check the coil. Not familiar with these old distributor types, but I'll refer to my FSM to guide me. It somewhat makes sense as the dilute, lower pressure mix is difficult to ignite and more sensitive to detect.

 

Confident it is not the EGR system because I had to replace the valve for being cracked, and it stalled with cracked valve installed, new valve, and even with system capped and disabled for awhile.

[96NP - occasional random stall at idle]

96 Pathfinder with 200k+ miles

 

No ECU reported faults

 

When car is fully warmed up and idleing (like at a traffic stop) it suddenly stalls. Happens maybe just several times in one hour. I have been unable to duplicate this problem with harness shaking, component tapping (knocking on MAF, etc) and think that maybe the fuel pump is going out.

 

Anyone recognize this problem?

[GL-4 and GL-5 Gear Oils]

The cure for the notchy tranny in the cold was to mix some MTL with the MT-90.

I remember the redline MTL cocktail I tried to help the notches, it was the same recipe (1 qt MTL + MT90). It didn't help much so I lived with it. Interestingly, the notchyness gradually disappeared over time.

 

Guess it takes 100K miles to break in some of these solid import tranny's.

[Do the CV joints provide support?]

Changed the steering rack, it wasn't bad at all. The "new" one was about $220 with the core. I aligned the wheels by alining the rotors to the 2nd outer tread of the rear tires. After bleeding I took it for a test and the problem is for sure, fixed . I guess the pinion worm gear teeth were worn severely enough, from years of driving with torn boots, to cause that amount of play (45° lol!).

 

 

 

One thing that has me slightly concerned is I accidentally let the steering wheel free rotate near 360° while disconnected. The FSM states the airbag cord can unravel from this. I didn't notice anything so I assume it's alright.

 

Thanks for the tips

 

[Do the CV joints provide support?]

You'll be fine, only thing holding up your front end are the struts assemblies

Thanks

[Do the CV joints provide support?]

 

 

 

Yes, it's driveable. But with winter coming, why wouldn't you just replace the CV axles? Strapped for cash?

That's very likely at least PART of the problem. Sounds like your front end needs some TLC - and soon! If this is indeed your wife's vehicle, it doesn't seem very safe for her to be driving with that much steering play.

 

We are strapped for cash at the moment, fortunately in SE SC it never freezes or snows.

 

 

She is using a family member's car right now as I prepare to replace the rack.

 

Thank you very much for the prompt assistance!

[GL-4 and GL-5 Gear Oils]

GL5 gear oil can be corrosive to the brass sequencers. If the manual states GL4, only use GL4. Unfortunately typical product advertising misrepresents this by stating their GL5 "surpasses standards of lower GL oils" letting the consumer believe they are better off with GL5 than the recommended GL4.

 

I have used redline MT90 GL4 trans gear fluid in my 480AWHP Mitsubishi Evo8 for 120K miles, I change it about every 15K. The drivetrain has been through 3 clutches but the tranny is still holding solid. I only use the sulphur laden GL5 stuff in the diff cases.

[Do the CV joints provide support?]

My 96 front CV joints were shot so I unbolted them, cut the hub housings ends off and bolted them (the piece that attaches to the hubs) back up to the wheels to keep the dirt out. If the vehicle remains in 2WD would it be drivable, or does the CV linkage assembly provide necessary structural support to the front suspension?

 

Also, the steering rack leaks about an ounce every two weeks, the rod boots have been toast for years, would it (rack assembly) be a likely cause of 45-50 degrees of play in the steering both ways?

 

Thanks

[Welcome New Members !]

Hi, I am Steve.

 

My wife owns a 96 PF LE that she purchaced new. This vehicle is approaching 200K and requires worn suspension related parts to be replaced. Since the engine and transmission are solid, it is worth the well mechanical attention for a potential vehicle our kids can drive.