So I am the proud owner of a 81 280zx nonturbo and I am going through it chasing problems down.

Here is the first one to give me some trouble.

Whenever the car is cold and I crank it, it cranks right up and idles happily along for a few seconds, then dies. Immediately crank again fires right up runs a few seconds then dies. If I push down the accelerator on any of the previous two attempts during the few second that the engine is running, it will die immediately. Crank again and it fires up after a slightly longer time (less than a second) and idles perfectly fine, push down the accelerator and it revs great. Now any time the engine is cranked (as long as it is hot) it will start and stay running, however, the engine will take a few seconds before it catches.

Any thoughts on what is going on here?

Thanks!

Justin

 

Check the basics first... sparkplug gap, cap & rotor, fuel pressure. If not solved, check the air regulator (to see if it opens correctly), check the AFM (connection & carbon track... see thread "how to rebuild your AFM - https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/js-how-rebuild-your-afm-15277/ ), and the cold start valve. Also check vacuum hoses for leaks. Also check timing.

There are other things that will prolly be brought to light too.

 

What he said! I was going to say it but he beat me to it! (yeah right)

 

Bad cold start valve (injector)?

 

Thanks for the suggestions!

Already checked the fuel pressure it is good.
I will be doing a full ignition tune up soon (cap & rotor, plugs, wires) I always do this when I get a new/old car in unknown condition.

I tried to check the timing, but I can't find the timing pointer or marks. Where are they?

Thanks!