ALright, I've been browsing the site for a few weeks, and now this (i believe) is my first post. I am in the process of buying a 1980 280zx na. It is black with a tan interior, and has 115,000 miles, oh yea and is a 5 spd. I say in the process, because I paid $700 for a running car, but it has been sitting for the past 6 years, and the owner ordered a fuel pump, because when we tried to start it up, it wouldnt fire. Then we checked the lines, and sprayed Ether in the air filter, and long story short the fuel pump will be in on Wed. If it runs, then I will transfer the title, and it will be mine. I will post pics soon, and try to keep everyone updated.

Oh yea and little about myself I'm 18, and my daily driver is a 1996 Nissan 200sx SE. I also own a dune buggy that I am in the process of bnuilding with a friend...and thats about it

 

Welcome to the club. I've only had my Z for about a month, so I'm a Z-rookie too.

 

Welcome to our club!

 

Come One, Come All, Com'on Ya'll we havin a Ball!

 

From what you've stated, more than likely, the problem is the Thermotime switch (but could be some other problem). If the car has been sitting for a while, there might be rust in the gas tank, which could be clogging the fuel injectors. Have you checked the fuel filter to see if it's a reddish color? Does the engine try to turn over at all? If not, it could be an electrical problem.

As far as the fuel pump, when the ignition is turned on, do you hear a slight buzz in the rear for a second or two? Sorry, but from what you've posted, I just don't feel that your problem is the fuel pump.

From what I have read in your initial post, you can't get the car started ... there's numerous problems that could cause this, so we'd need more info. as to what's happening when you turn the key, do you only get the interior lights and accesories to function; do you actually hear a "click" (from the starter); does the engine try to turn over? If the engine does turn over, does it almost immediately die? We need to know this in order to help you.

Also, if you can get the car started, I feel that you should do a compression test, and make sure you also monitor the temp. gauge. These are all related problems, which could involve replacement of 1+ parts, depending on the results ... and help to determine whether the engine is in need of a complete overhaul.

As you can see, there's numerous possible problems, so we need more details in order to specifically pinpoint what the solution might be.

 

Cuddy, welcome to the board. Listen to Z Babe she knows her stuff. I'd be very wary of all the belts on a car that has sat that long. If you do get it to start the belts could have preformed w/age and will break real quick after getting it started. You'll have a major problem if that happens. I don't know that much about the 280 engines, but with the later model like my 32 it can happen.
Hey Z Babe not seen you on Zdriver in a while.

 

Hi, Tnkrstoyco!

 

Alright, well I am pretty sure that the fuel pump is the problem, but this is what is happening...All the lights will turn on when the key is turn on, but once I tried to start the car, nothing happen it would crank, but not turn over...So I was checking fuses and such and I checked out the fuel filter. The fuel filter had not had fuel go through the lines. Then I took off the air filter like I said, and sprayed ether on it while cranking the engine, and it fired up, but onceI stopped spraying ether it DIED! So there is no fuel going into the engine, and I dont think its a problem with the injectors...well at least with the tank, because I flushed the tank and put new gas in a few days before. I wasnt really looking for help, but if this will save me $150 or so...THEN GREAT!

 

You might want to first test the fuel pump relay. Then, test the check valve (located next to the fuel pump). The procedure is shown in a Haynes manual. While you're under there, be sure to nose around for the odor of gasoline. If there's no odor, and the relay and check valve pass the tests, then it does appear you might need a new fuel pump. BTW, I bought mine for $100 from Advance Auto just a few months ago, so that might save you some bucks, if you have one in your area.

 

Hmmm...at AAP? I got one shipped in from Auto Zone (same type of store) and AAP had the same fuel pump. When it got to my place, it was the wrong one. 280zx need a fuel pump that puts out like 45psi, and the one the sent me to fit my 280zx only put out like 32psi...so I am kinda worried to put that one in, so I sent it back

 

Good thing you did, Cuddy. I went directly to my local Advance Auto to get my fuel pump. They had one in stock, but it appeared to be really old, so I refused to buy it. The manager ordered me another one, which was shipped to them the next day, and I went and picked it up. It works great, and was very easy to install!

 

I found my 81zx in a field, there was a mouse nest on top of the motor, paid $600 and drove it home that day. Then we dropped at least $1000, for new struts, tires, and basic tune-up. I love this car, my fairlady.

 

My ZX sat for several years when I purchased it. I had the same problem. To fix it, I found that the old fuel in the tank had varnished up the fuel pick-up to the point where the pick-up was blocked completely. I removed the pick-up from the tank and reamed/cleaned out the fuel pick-up tube. Re-installed it and problem was solved. You might want to check this, also.

 

Ah....memories. Yeah, mine sat for awhile. Sounds like you're on the right track.

What's up ZBabe?!?!?

 

Ducky!!!!!!!!!! Woot-Woot!