I also posted this thread on zcar.com, but I haven't gotten any replies.

I am new to this forum, but I've seen how much you guys have been able to help others, so I am hoping for some help as well. Sorry in advance for the length of the post.

I purchased my 280zx a couple weeks ago from a mechanic who swore that the only the only thing wrong with the car was that it needed a new fuel pump. Well, I've replaced the fuel pump and the fuel filter, and I am still having the same issues with the car. I took a couple videos of the car. The first one is starting the car up after it has been off for about 24 hours. The second is trying to put it into gear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ2kSlsDbm0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiDDcbd5bJw

After reading through the forum, I thought I should check the fuel line pressure, as well as checking to make sure the timing is correct. Here is what I have done so far.

First, I replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter. I then replaced all spark plugs and wires, and made sure that the injectors were connected. Next I did a fuel line pressure check. The pressure was running really high (about 42 psi when idle or before the engine is on, then it would drop down when I revved the engine, until the car would die about at about 15 or 20 psi.) I looked in the factory service manual and it said to replace the fuel pressure regulator. So I replaced the regulator and redid the pressure test; with the new regulator I can't get above 12 psi. I made sure there weren't any drips/leaks in the fuel line. I am now just stumped. Any suggestions on my pressure issues? Did the shop just sell me a bad fuel pressure regulator?

Also, Because I also thought the timing might be off (that clicking sound in the video had me worried), I took off the cover and checked to make sure the timing chain was synced up. Here is the picture:



I noticed that while the marked line on the chain is centered above a mark on the gear, from what I have read I am unsure whether it is above the correct mark. The link is directly above a mark with the number "3" next to it. Could this be causing my issues? Is the timing something I could adjust myself? Keep in mind that before this car I really only understood how to change oil/fluids before this.

Any help is much appreciated!

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

From the video, it sounds like you either have a messed up rocker, or rod knock.

As for the pressure reg... is it an OEM stock replacement part, or ebay knock off? Have you tried pulling off the return line after the regulator to see if it is actually holding pressure?

EDIT... Ha! I just realized you are in Provo. I live in Lehi now... just south east of Cabela's.

 

take a 12 gauge with a short barrel and go visit the mechanic. hope you got it cheap. where are you checking the fuel pressure. the gage goes between the filter and the fuel ring. when you turn the engine off it should hold pressure. if it doesn't something wrong with the fpr.

 

Thanks for the diagnosis and it is good to see another Utah! Are either of those things things that I can fix? Or do I have to take it to a mechanic? I honestly don't know much at all about cars. This was supposed to be an easy fix that I could learn to maintain. I didn't know I'd be doing engine stuff right off the bat.

I purchased the fuel pressure regulator from autozone, that is about all I know. I am going to try putting the old one back in tomorrow to see if it just that the new one is broken. It seems to hold pressure fine, but it just doesn't hold MUCH pressure.

 

@rogerz - I got it for about $800. It seemed like a steal when all that was wrong was a fuel pump. I've tried calling the guy, but (surprise surprise) he won't return my calls now.

I followed the FSM on where to put the pressure gauge. It is directly after the fuel filter.

 

@NismoPick - I took off the rocker cover and took some pictures of the rocker. I don't supposed you can help me see if anything is wrong from the pictures, can you? here is a link to the album:

http://romgi.imgur.com/280zx#Vsx16

 

Hum... all the springs and rockers look to be in place. Is that noise coming from the rocker cover? Does the chain have any slack on either side?

 

@NismoPick - as you know, it is getting dark here. Sadly the car is in a friend's garage (the joys of a student's life). I will check that tomorrow after I check the FPR. However, I don't remember the chain being especially loose. I turned the engine over with the rocker cover off, and the chain did not wobble or anything crazy. I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. And the local mechanics want $500-$600 to just LOOK at the engine and tell me what is wrong. Shoot, for $700 there is a guy selling a 81 turbo engine, and I'd rather do an engine swap.

 

I might be able to cruise down tomorrow afternoon & take a peek... I'll PM ya.

 

Thanks for coming down! You literally saved me at least $500! I got the lifters adjusted (just as you suggested) and now the engine sounds beautiful.

Even with new gas, though, I am dealing with pressure problems. Runs perfect for about a mile, and then dies. At that point it will still idle, but if I step on the gas, then the fuel light comes on and the rpms drop until it dies. BUT, if it sits for a couple minutes, it will start right back up and sounds perfect.

My guess is rust and other gunk in the tank or lines (used a borescope to check out the tank and it was pretty rusted on the inside). I will try cleaning out the tank tonight. Any suggestions? I've heard pea gravel works pretty well, or aquarium rocks.

 

No prob... glad I could help.

You might want to re-look at that CHTS (cylinder head temp sensor) plug between spark plugs 5 & 6. If that resistor is just shoved in there, try taking it out & reconnecting it to the sensor.

 

could that be causing the fuel problems as well?

 

It wouldn't have anything to do w/ the fuel pressure, but it could have something to do w/ how it runs.

Have you been driving the car w/ the fuel pressure gauge hanging out the side of the hood? You need to see if it's a drop in fuel pressure that is causing the stumble.

 

do a search on using a fuel filter before the pump. fram G3 I think. that will trap rust b4 is gets to the pump. if it runs probably you got an okay car the l28 engine is fairly bullet proof which is why a lot of them are still running. I'd still visit the c**sucker that sold it to me however - with a gun and/or a large friend.

 

@rogerz - thanks for the advice! I picked up a small in-line fuel filter to try and put before the pump. Don't think I'll hunt the guy down JUST YET. Do you guys know a good way of cleaning out the lines or checking for clogs? The Haynes manual says to use an air compressor, but part of me doesn't know how well that will work.

UPDATE - I took off the gas tank and it had an incredible amount of rust on the inside of the tank; it was just shocking. I tried cleaning it off, but it was just too much. I'm currently shopping around for a new tank. I think I mentioned this, but here is a guy nearby selling a 280zx turbo (he is the original owner) for $700. It is a parts car because it has a rusted frame. I wish I had $700 and garage. Heck, I wish I had just the garage, because for that price I would FIND $700.

 

I would say it's time for a fuel cell, but that wouldn't be too practical as a daily driver. Unless you don't mind a box in the hatch.

I just checked the Pick n Pull... no 280zx's there right now, Tear-a-part website site is down, www.car-parts.com doesn't have any tanks listed.

Penguin Auto Wrecking in West Valley has an awesome connection to nationwide inventory... you could call them & see who in the Western States has one.

Or somehow finance that 280zxt... Just an FYI, the 2seater & 2+2 fuel tanks are different sizes.

 

Yea the turbo car sounds like a great buy - probably has the tank that you need as well.

 

Noooooooo. What size is the 2 seater tank? do you mean different capacity, or different physical size?

http://www.zshop.net.au/280tech.htm

this seems to say they are the same capacity at least.

 

It even has the same color interior as mine . . . if only, if only.

 

just for kicks and giggles, here is a picture of the gauge unit from inside the gas tank to give you guys an idea of what the tank looked like.

 

I am in luck, at least one of the parts cars up for sale now is also a 2+2! Owner is supposed to send pick of the inside of the tank tonight. With any luck, I'll have a new tank by next weekend.

 

Nice! Yeah, I guess the tanks are the same size... I thought I read somewhere otherwise, but sounds like you're in good shape!

 

Update - Reached an agreement to get the tank and gauge unit for $40. Also getting a newer back seat for $20. Any other suggestions on parts I should grab while I'm there? My hazards aren't working, so I was going to try and snag the hazard switch while I was there, as well as the control stick and motor for the automatic mirror on the driver's side.

 

Can't wait to see the rest of the Z. Hope you get it all sorted out quickly.

 

My POS parts car with the 3.1L stroker had an issue with the signal lights not working. Turns out the hazzard switch was duff. Replaced the switch and signal lights work fine now