Hi again everyone!
I have been struggling with this problem since I got the car last year. My 89 Sentra begins to die under 2/3 pedal travel under load, or to accelerate hard to power up a grade or pass.
I have read many archived posts about EXACTLY the same conditions in other GA16i engines ( and other engines too) of the late 80's and early 90's. None of the posts refer to what actually cured the problem. Some have suggested fuel filter - which I will replace this afternoon (although I don't think that's it.) The problem seems to lie in a device which controls vacuum or is controlled by vacuum and doesn't function correctly under load. On the flat, with a slow acceleration I can take the car up to the max! Pull out to pass at 45 MPH, or stomp down harder to take a hill and "burrmph" the engine dies... until I let my foot back off the gas pedal a litte and it regains itself.
Also heard of the EGR valve going bad - I have no experience with these. What do I do to check? How can I rule this in or out!
Someone also suggested to me the timing chain jumped a tooth. Never heard of this with these models, and quite frankly the engine runs too well otherwise for this to be the case. * Doesn't even crank to start on nice days - just key turn and varoom.
No error codes show up when I check the Computer under the seat. Thanks alot technology!
I also replaced the Fuel Pressure Regulator in May which cured a whole different set of problems. Thanks to anyone who helped me with that! :)
Would BE GREATLY in debted to anyone who knows the answer(s).
Happy Motoring folks - Ben in Tamaqua PA