# Is it worth changing a fuel pump or distributor preventively?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-it-worth-changing-a-fuel-pump-or-distributor-preventively/130584>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** nissan, pathfinder\
**Created:** [December 10, 2018, 5:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-it-worth-changing-a-fuel-pump-or-distributor-preventively/130584 "2018-12-10T17:19:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![BillKalas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@BillKalas](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BillKalas)\
**Post date:** [December 10, 2018, 5:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-it-worth-changing-a-fuel-pump-or-distributor-preventively/130584/1 "2018-12-10T17:19:22Z")

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I drive a well-maintained 1998 Pathfinder with 140,000 Miles. It has been totally reliable until it recently gave out on me, and I had to have it towed to my mechanic. When he got to it, it started immediately and ran like a champ. It has been doing so ever since. He suspects either a fuel pump or a distributer. Since both are relatively expensive, he did not replace either one and told me to drive it until it happens again. I prefer not to do this as I don’t want to get stuck again. Any advice?

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**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\
**Post date:** [December 10, 2018, 7:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-it-worth-changing-a-fuel-pump-or-distributor-preventively/130584/2 "2018-12-10T19:22:55Z")

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I would consider the fuel pump as most likely the cause because if you don’t want to change it now, carry a rubber mallet in the truck. If it refuses to start, whack the bottom of the gas tank with the mallet. If it restarts it is the pump.