Why is my Nissan Maxima still taking so long to start?

97 Nissan Maxima very hard start?

• The clutch went in my Maxima back in March. I had it replaced along with the right front drive axle. I test drove it up and down my driveway right after I put the parts in and it ran fine. I parked it for a few hours with the engine off, and when I tried it again, it wouldn't start. I replaced the crank sensor on the bell housing after looking at the diagnostic codes, but the car still wouldn't start. It will turn the engine, has fire and acts like it wants to start, but for some reason it just won't give in. I kept trying about once a week hoping one day it would start but it wouldn't. Yesterday I went and blew out the hole where the other crank sensor is, behind the pulley on the passenger side with compressed air. I tried it, and after a few failed attempts, it started up. This was sparked by the diagnostic code for that sensor. After I blew it out, there were no codes shown. I let it run for about 15 minutes to reset the computer and shut it off. Again, it started up after a few tries. However, after keeping it off for about an hour, it fails to start again, but this time with no codes shown. I'm thinking the timing belt could be off. I plan on replacing the spark plugs this weekend along with the sensor in question just in case. The car is a 97 Manual transmission, 209k miles with oil replaced ever 4-5k miles. Could there have been something that got caught while replacing the clutch and drive axle that I might be overlooking, or is it something mechanical/electrical that isn't coming to mind? I'm on a limited budget right now so I'm looking for something I can do at home for a fix, if possible. I have the repair manual, just need a few ideas for what I should be looking for. Thanks to anyone who can give a smart, reasonable answer, and if you need more information, let me know and I'll give you all that I know.

• Answer:

  get it tuned up.then winterized.