I just bought a 78 280z that I have been having troubles with. Periodically while I am driving it it doesn't run while I am giving it gas. Idles fine, but as soon as I put it under load it dies. Release the gas and it runs fine again.

Just recently I went through the factory service manual and started checking all the sensors. I cleaned off a bunch of grounds, unplugged and plugged in the control box, and fixed what I thought was a bad ground on the air regulator.

Now it runs REALLY rich. White smoke out the exhaust and smell of gas. But I don't think I did anything. I'm really confused.

 

check the TPS and AFM, if that fails you report back.

 

I checked the TPS, I believe it was fine. I may need to adjust where it sees "Full throttle", but I am not really sure how far down the pedal should go before it registers.

I have worked on the assumption that the AFM is working because the guy before me already changed it. (the old one is in the trunk). But I should test this theory tomorrow.

Thank-you. Any help is appreciated.

 

Also check the water temp sensor on the thermostat housing. That sensor can make the car run stinkin rich if disconnected.

 

ahhh, thats what i was forgetting!

 

Thank-you for your comments. I will definately look at those and get back to you.

However, it won't even turn over now. The starter motor just goes *THUNK* like it's hitting a brick wall. I don't get it.

 

check your battery/wiring. (jump it first, if that doesnt work check your cables) and if they dont work, pull the starter and check it out, pull it out and hold it while someone bumps the key, if that works, then put a socket on the crank pulley and try and turn it over by hand, if its too hard to do it by hand, pull the plugs and try it again, (make sure its out of gear) and if it still doesnt turn over, report back for "phase 2" diagnostics.

 

Check your wiring harness to all the fuel/injection systems for corrosion which I must say will be a tedious task...good luck.

 

huh? why not just say "try cleaning you connections" ?? there's also only one EFI system and theres only one type of injection system on these cars as well.

 

^^^ pft... you know he meant "sensors".

 

..it was a bad connection at the computer. A couple of pins had bent over when I plugged it back in...whoops. I wanted to thank everyone who helped, especially since all of my problems are not solved yet and I believe I will be back.

-Brad