Nissan Altima: 93 Altima Dies Quite Often -- Exhaust Exudes Burning Smell -- Ready for Road Trip Today?

I've got a 93 Altima that, beginning last night, nearly dies when I stop at
a stop light. The RPM needle goes down very low, and often will be jumping
quite a bit. Also, the smell from the exhaust is an awful, burning smell.
Generally, when I'm accelerating, it's okay -- but a couple times, I
noticed the RPM needle jumping around quite a bit even when I'm going 30
to 40 MPH.

The spark plugs and distributor are new -- so I don't think the problem
lies there. The oil, when I check it, is a pinkish color -- I had it
changed about a month ago. I live in Wisconsin, and noticed the past few
weeks that the engine has a hard time heating up, and often will cool down
when I turn on the heater. Don't know if any of that is related.

Need to make a road trip to Chicago shortly -- is it safe? No mechanics
are open on New Years. Any tips? Advice?

Thanks.

have you figured out what the problem was? I have the same problem. Just
started happening. We left it outside for 5 days in the COLD while on
vacation and came back and it did that the first day. I drove it to work
and it kept stalling everytime I tried to accellorate. Got to work and it
sat for a few hours and then came home and was fine. That was at New Years
and it just happened again this morning. I have an appt with Nissan
tonight. What did yours end up being?