I am new to the site but just bought a 1983 280ZX that hasn't run in 8 years. What must I do to get it going?

1. How do I get old fuel out of tank? Does it have a screen inside the fill tube so I can't siphon it out?
2. How do I know it is getting fuel when I'm cranking?
3. How do I know if it is getting spark when I'm cranking?

You have probably figured out by now that I know nothing about a fuel injected Turbo engine. This is a first for me!!!

I grew up with and worked on carb engines with a coil.

I would appreciate all information and suggestions.

Thanking you in advance~~~~Rosco

 

all engines are the same, carbed or not, fuel compression and spark makes vroom!! if its been sitting for 8 years it won't need much, perform a tune up to start, and pull the fill hose off the tank, it will drain very fast!! then suck the rest out or jack the opposite side of the car up and empty as much as you can. then reinstall the fill tube and reinstall fresh gas. checking for spark is simple the good ol' spark plug or screw driver against ground always works. to check for fuel just pull the hose off the fuel filter cause you ARE going to change it and turn the key on and wait for the mess. use a old pop bottle to collect the spray from the line. reinstall line and start the car. these datsuns can sit forever and still start up!!

 

I personally am not sure about the tank. You could try sticking a small hose down the fuel tank passage and see if it reaches the bottom. Once you figure out the tank situation, Unhook the fuel hose going from the filter to the rail, and place it in a bucket. Turn the key and listen for the fuel pump, then check the bucket for fuel, and if there is fuel make sure there isnt any debris. You should replace the fuel filter before you start cranking the engine. Checking for spark can be simple. Disconnect a spark plug, set it aside, reconnect the plug wire, and crank. Listen for a snapping sound, and of course look for spark. Reccomend you do it when its darker out.

 

You may want to check and see if you have any rust in the tank. My old tank did and it had completely seized up my fuel level floaties, it could also clog your in tank filter.

What I did on my Rx7 (Since I only needed to drain the gas, not drop the gas tank), I took the "From" fuel line in the engine bay and put that line to a 5 gallon gas can, then I jumpered the fuel pump so it pumped fuel into the can. Fairly simple!

 

I'm a little thick. How did you jumper the fuel pump. Can't you just leave the key on it will accomplish the same thing?

Please explain all you did to jumper the fuel pump.

Thanks~~~~Rosco