To check for oil seeping into distributor, do you simply take off the cover and inspect for oil or do you have to break the distributor down further? Car running like a riding mower with bent blades. Doesn't kill or anything but runs rough in lower gears and gets progressively better as I accelerate. Shifting between gears seems sporatic as well.

I've had check engine light go on and off for years but car ran very well until recently. I've read so much about O2 sensor, MAF sensor, oil in distributor, intake manifold leak, and throttle cable that I'm not sure how to begin trouble shooting. Had complete distributor, rotor, etc. changed by dealer about a year ago. Car completely crapped out then. Car is running now just very rough.

Comments appreciated.

UPDATE: I pulled the plug wires from the valve cover today and noticed the #2 cylinder is wet. Didn't appear to smell the gas but appeared to be water. Any coments on this new development??

Ballgame over folks... radiator fluid was low (losing water), I pulled the dipstick and there is water in the oil. Cracked head.

All things considered, I loved that Nissan and will probably get another one. Hopefully, I can keep it 10 years with as little trouble as this one provided.

By the way, car is in greatshape. Anyone have any idea what a mechanic plus new head install would run?? Maybe I can repair and sell it to offset some of the new car cost.

You might want to ask around car dealers, what they would pay for it in its condition now... and what it would be in running condition, heck you might even think of donating it for a tax write off, they take it running, or on bare rims and connecting rods through the roof. The head, your talking quite a bit of money, but even there, ask different mechs what they would charge. Was the engine ever over heated?

Nope. Never overheated. In fact, I was using it for very short trips around the house, it ran well enough for that. Like I mentioned, it wouldn't stall or anything, just idled rough. I quit using it since I found the leak, however.
Appreciate the advice, however, thanks.

By the way, the wife and I are going car shopping for yet another new Altima tomorrow. I liked the look of our '96 but I think the '06 is even cooler looking.
NV