sounds like a battery with a weak cell. if you put a voltmeter on the battery and it drops to 10.5V (about) when the starter is engaged, you've got a weak cell and that is probably the cause of the weak start. It could also indicate a weak charging circuit or a battery cable that isn't making good contact due to corrosion (between the terminal and clamp) or just being only snug and not tight.

It could also indicate a warped or slightly off center flywheel. Starter shims might solve this one though.

 

if you think the battery is weak you can always go to auto zone or whatever auto parts store is around you and they should check your battery for free

 

For the Queston about the van...... there was some major work after I bought it. The exhaust manifold bolts/studs were replaced, both lower A frames were replaced, tierod ends & swaybar bushings also. The engine is Nissan 3.0 with 220,813 miles. Runs good & burns no oil. I paid $300. for it & put the extra money in it, so far it's a good deal. By the way, my '96 Maxima just turned 250,000 miles today! Thanks to everyone for their input & advice. I'll be back for more most likely.

Bob.......

 

i had a nissan maxima that hit 220000 before i sold it.. thier good cars...

 

sometimes I miss the 89 acura legend we had... 285K on it when we traded it for the 93 vic. had no working AC (used 5/60 ac - had a sunroof), the power steering pump was going bad (acura parts are 'spensive - $250 for that pump), numerous little oil leaks, but that thing would still haul and sit you down. at the time I didn't have the money to fix it all up (nor did I really want to due to the amount of rust that was creeping up). definitely good times with that one.

 

yeh... i really enjoyed my maxima but it was getting alot of miles on it and i got the mgm and i love it...