ok so i cant find anything in the fsm about the oil pressure switch so i dont know if it does anything other then shut the full pump off if i lose oil pressure. im trying to figure out if its important as far as the car running or starting. because right now i have it unplugged. thank you

 

What year is your car?

 

its a 78 280z

 

SEE EF-16 sect. 11 in the 1978 FSM

 

The oil pressure switch is part of the circuit. However, the pump should run for a few seconds when the key is turned on. It must be connected. You can test the circuit by jumping across the two leads at the OP switch. If it doesn't run the pump then something else is wrong like the relay or the pump itself.

 

well. the pump does not run at all that i can tell with the OP switch plugged in, but with it unplugged the fuel pump runs. i just wasnt sure if it was really more then just a safety shut off switch basically for the fuel pump

 

The problem with these old cars is usually caused by the previous owners. You're just going to have to step through everything untill it is right. Go here and get your wiring diagram- http://atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/electrical.htm

 

ok well it starts without it anyway. but not like i want, i have to disconnect the starter power so it doesnt crank and engage the cold start valve a couple times and then when i plug the starter back in it fires right up but wont stay running