Hey folks, it's been a while since I've posted here. Finished that 260Z restoration and moved on the restoring a 1968 Datsun 1600 Roadster. Well, I bought the Roadster but it's been languishing. So, on to my problem with my 260Z.

The car has been sitting since last September when the clutch slave cylinder popped its rod out and life happened and I didn't have time to fix it. I did start it every couple of months just to keep things circulating.

Well, I replaced the slave cylinder and then started the car. It ran just fine for a few minutes and then died when the fuel in the carb bowls ran out. The inline fuel filter before the fuel pump was dry. I could easily suck fuel through the filter with a small vacuum pump. Decided it was the fuel pump had died so I replaced it. Voila! It ran fine. Once. The next day, same problem. Started the Z and it ran fine until the bowls emptied. Again, a dry fuel filter. Replaced the fuel pump on warranty and again, the car ran fine yesterday but today, same thing, no fuel.

To fill you in, I have round-top Z-Therapy carbs on this 260Z. The electric fuel pump was removed as these carbs work just fine with the mechanical pump. So, this is basically an early 240Z configuration.

I verified all the plumbing from the pump to the carbs is clear and free-flowing.

My last test was to run the output of the pump through some tubing into a bottle. I crank the motor and nothing is coming out.

I find it hard to believe I've got three bad fuel pumps in a row (the first one was less than three years old).

Is it possible there's an obstruction in the line from the fuel tank to the pump that the mini-vac can overcome but the pump can't?
If there is, could it be that the pump works but then breaks under too much of a load?

 

Hey hey bud! Long time no chat. Are you sure the return line to the tank is clear?