Hello, I just bought a 1975 280Z.

The starter works when I jump it, but not when I turn the key (ignition). I verified there is no power coming from the wire (connected at the starter) that is supposed to turn the starter on.

Also, the fuel pump turns on and pumps fuel, I hear a cylinder under the clove box operating. All fuses are not blown and the two fusible links are hard wired.

Any ideas of what might be bad or what I can check up stream from the starter starting wire that might be bad?

Thanks,
Robert

 

Is it an Auto or manual?

 

Auto - 3 speed

 

Neutral Safety Switch is a likely culprit.

 

Listen for the inhibitor relay. if its not clicking on when you try to start it then its the neutral safety switch.

If that not the issue then your in the same boat I'm in and im still trying to track it down. I think its the connections in the key switch.

 

Cool, thank you! I'll take a closer look for the neutral sw and the inhibitor relay. I do hear a clicking coming from under the glove box so one go these is working.

 

Guys I must apologize,

I pulled a Newbee mistake. I had the car in neutral. Thats why the starter wasn't turning. So the neutral safety switch was doing what it is supposed to do. I guess I verified it operates!

1) I am getting spark at the plugs but no combustion.

2) I'm keeping the battery 12.75 and above. I hear the fuel pump pumping when the car is in neutral but I don't hear it pumping when the starter is cranking.

Any thoughts on these two?

Thanks,
Robert

 

the fuel pump relay checks the alternator and oil pressure sender. make sure those are connected and clean.

BTW you should be able to start the car in neutral as well, not just park.

 

The fuel pump relay does not rely upon the alternator or the oil pressure sender when starting.

 

Yes it does. At least according to the FSM

 

I believe if you check the wire that goes to pin 72 for the fuel pump relay, you will find it has continuity with ground. When you turn the key to start, the coil is energized via pin 76. It is from the black/yellow wire that is hot when the key is in start. This closes the contact that allows the white/red wire to complete a circuit with the green/blue wire that goes to the fuel pump.

 

Congratulations you're bloody right.

 

Hello Guys, I'm barely keeping up with you (but having fun)

Are you talking about wire 72 (fig. EF-41) connecting to pin 85 (fig. EF-41)? I correlated 85 (fig. EF-41) to 85 (fig. EF-80 Section 7-2 Fuel pump relay check)

I am not getting continuity between pin 85 and a fire wall ground.

However I did start following the Continuity Check procedure for "Condition Engine will not start." Section (5) Fuel pump contact points - passes; (3) AFM - passes, Section (4) ATS - passes.