difficulty starting, no codes though

[mpgvh]

hi all, i have an '88 pathfinder- the past two days the truck acts as if it is flooded, although i smell no excess fuel. it sputters, may start after a minute or two, may not start at all. I checked for codes twice, and keep getting the '55' code (no malfunction) i also believe i have a leaky waterpump, which i was going to fix this weekend, but i don't think that has anything to do with this. it also chugs, & occasionally backfires if i do get it to run. any advice is appreciated, thanks

[88pathoffroad]

I'd check cap and rotor, vacuum lines, the air filter, the fuel filter...and if you feel like it, clean the MAF sensor.

[jj big shoe]

My 87 had a vacuum leak which fouled the plugs due to it being too rich and would sputter and misfire then eventually didn't start. Check what 88 said and maybe pull a plug or two and see how they look as well.

 

When is the last time you did a tune up? It may be due.

[mpgvh]

fixed! (i'm pretty sure) i checked the vacuum lines, looked o.k.- i cut the ends off of a couple & re-attached them to get a snugger fit. cap & rotor changed last summer, plugs look pretty good. I took out the MAF per your instructions, & it looked o.k., but i cleaned it anyhow w/some electrical connection cleaner i had. what a difference! she starts right up, i drove around about 30 min. with only a second or two of sputtering (it was running like cr*p before, when i could start it) i can't believe cleaning the MAF made such a difference. thanks guys, & now, on to my water pump..