Xterra starts up, drives for about 5-10 minutes, dies at idle or jerks while driving

[Jibsman]

This feels like a gas line issue. The truck will start fine, drives fine for 5 - 10 minutes (going to the grocery store, for example). Stopping at a light or stop sign, the engine dies. Usually restarts right away, but lately it won't start immediately but will start after a few minutes.

While driving, after about 5-10 minutes at speed the truck jerks like there was an air bubble in the gas, as if it would have died if it had been at idle. Every so often on the highway it jerks a bit.

I make sure all the electronics are off (lights, radio, fan) to make sure the battery doesn't die trying to restart.

I added a gas additive for ethanol over 4 or 5 tanks.
I added a gas additive to clean the injectors - Lucas Fuel Treatment

It was after adding the Lucas that the truck stopped starting again right away. No idea if it's related.

I need suggestions to try and fix this myself. I've rebuilt 2 engines but I'm not a mechanic. Just dangerous enough to think I have a clue what I'm doing.

Thanks

 

[Prime]

Any CEL codes? Sounds like an air/fuel problem. I'd investigate the mass air sensor and inspect the tubing connecting the air box to the intake. That flexible tube can crack and let in air that hasn't been metered by the MAF. Mine used to buck in reverse really bad. And that was the culprit.

 

[Jibsman]

Thanks for the info. I called Valvoline Instant Oil Change locally and they told me AutoZone has an OBD tester I can use.
I'll give that a shot

 

[Jibsman]

The OBD tester told us I need to replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor (around $40). I have to see if I can replace it myself.
Another thing is I saw someone else had a similar problem related to the wrong or bad gas cap?
I tightened it up and haven't had the problem the rest of the day. Weird. Can that be? A loose gas cap causing the truck to stall?
Anyways I'll still check out the Crankshaft Position Sensor.
Cheers

 

[Prime]

The OBD tester told us I need to replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor (around $40). I have to see if I can replace it myself.
Another thing is I saw someone else had a similar problem related to the wrong or bad gas cap?
I tightened it up and haven't had the problem the rest of the day. Weird. Can that be? A loose gas cap causing the truck to stall?
Anyways I'll still check out the Crankshaft Position Sensor.
Cheers

Gas cap is part of the evap system. It'll throw a code, but shouldn't affect driveability.

The crank sensor on the other hand, yes. That's the easy one to replace.

 

[MisterH]

The fuel pump may be getting weak. Check fuel pressure. Also, check the fuel filter. My Gen 1 started to do that months before it died. The fuel pump and sender unit all went bad. I ended up going downtown in a traffic part of town before, all of a sudden, all went out. I ended up in a tow truck with it on the flatbed and 800 bucks out of my pocket. It gave me warning signs months before I ignored it because it was my only car at the time, and I needed it.

 

[IM1RU]

The OBD tester told us I need to replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor (around $40). I have to see if I can replace it myself.
Another thing is I saw someone else had a similar problem related to the wrong or bad gas cap?
I tightened it up and haven't had the problem the rest of the day. Weird. Can that be? A loose gas cap causing the truck to stall?
Anyways I'll still check out the Crankshaft Position Sensor.
Cheers

IF or when yo buy EITHER of those things, buy ONLY OEM. Otherwise you'll buy OEM later.

 

[meisanerd]

Might also be worth doing the camshaft position sensors at the same time. All 3 of those went out in mine around the same time.