JustinOlson

I just purchased a 78 280z and it has hot start issues. It idled for over an hour without a problem, but when I turned it off and went to fire it up again it wont start.

What would be a common problem for this?


Regards,
Justin

RodMoyes

I chased that exact problem for over a year, turned out to be the fuel pump. I had replaced the pump with a cheap autozone pump and after a short period of time it started acting up. I put a new OEM pump in and it went away.

Rod.

JustinOlson

Thanks, I'll check it out. I thought It was the ignition, but I haven't checked the spark. I'll go back towrok. Where is a good place to buy a OEM pump from?

Regards,
Justin

RodMoyes

Before you go and buy a new one, there's a couple way's to see if that is the problem. the best way is to get it to repeat the symptom... When it refuses to start next time (assuming that it's turning over and just not firing right? ) give the fuel pump a good solid whack with a small hammer and then try again to start it. They act a lot like a starter motor does when they are on their way out. They start to lock up in spots and jarring it really good will usually free it up. Once it's running, it will amost never shut off on it's own. Every 280Z/280ZX pump failure I've ever seen happened after shutting off the car. Never while driving. If that doesn't do it, then you may have another issue. I probably should have had you clarify the symptoms a little better. What exactly does it do/not do when it fails to start? Does it turn over? Does it just crank? Does it just do nothing? Knowing the exact symptom will help us help you figure it out quicker. If after all it does turn out to be the pump, just don't go cheap. You can search through and find many horror stories about cheap aftermarket fuel pumps. The dealer wants outrageous money for them. NAPA of all places Carries the OEM pump for a decent price.

Rod.

JustinOlson

Well, I went back downstairs and it started right up. I'm going to take it for a drive and get it warm, and then come back and shut it off and see if the symptoms come back. It wont die on me if I just let it run. When I turn it off and go to restart it, it will turn over, but it wont fire.

Good to know about NAPA. I Have a dealer accounter there so thats perfect. Are there any ignitions issues that I could run into? Its one or the other I think.


Regards,
Justin