Ignition issues on 77 280Z
 

Turns out the 280Z is a 77. Also, I found out that there is no spark when I am having my hot start problem. Once I let the car cool off, there is a good strong spark. At this point I'm replacing the distributor pickup coil that is inside the distributor. Also I picked up a new cap and rotor.

The parts manager at NAPA that I'm good friends with told me that a common problem with these cars is the ignition module which is over $200. What are the symptoms of this going bad?

What other known ignition issues are there with these cars?

Regards,
Justin

There is a dizzy for sale on ebay.

Is that most likely the problem? The distributor? What is the deal with the ignition modules?

Regards,
Justin

HAve you replaced your coil and resistor? These will be cheaper options to start with.

Logic is your friend
 

Seems to me you're shooting in the dark at this problem. It would make more sense to take this logically, and start with cheap dumb stuff before you replace big expensive stuff. The ignition modules (which are in the passenger side kick panel, not in the distributor) on these cars hardly ever go out. However, coils do. They are cheap and easy to check and/or replace. A factory service manual, or even a Haynes/Clymer thing would help you out a lot. Also, if the ballast resistors circuit has been removed from the coil, it can fry things and cause this problem. In the end, your problem could be as simple as loose or corroded wires. But you need to approach it logically and a manual is the best way to do that.

I can drive it for and hour no problem. I turn the car off and go to restart it and it has no spark. The lights on the dash dont light up. I hear the fuel pump click on, but thats the only electrical thing I hear working. If I let the car sit for about 5 minutes, the lights work in the instrument cluster and the car fires right up.

At first I thought it was just the distributor. I rebuilt the distributor(new pickup coil, rotor and cap), but the problem is still there.

Next I was going to try the igniton module, but I wanted to check on here for what symptoms it would have if that is going out.

Any ideas?

Regards,
Justin Olson

I had the same problem with my 260z. It started when I replaced the starter and none of the electical stuff worked. The problem was when I installed the wires I had cross the positive and negative wires. I fixed the wires and then the car would'nt start but the electrical stuff worked. I later found out that my ingintion relay was blow (located near the fuse box in passenger side on 260z). I replaced the relay and everything worked. This may help or not.