Hi guys. Just joined the forum. Looking forward to having the opportunity to learn about my new car from many of you. I have been lucky enough to pick up a mint 1981 280zxturbo with 152,000 kms on it. I've only had it a few days and it has performed perfectly. Until tonight. I went to take it for a ride and although it turned over it did not catch. After a few attempts it turned over maybe once or twice and then it just clicked in rapid succession when I tried to start it. I left it for a while and went back and it was doing the same thing...
Any suggestions would be appreciated....
thanks

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

What part of Canada are you in? We have several members up there...

About your prob: Check the main sensor connections (AFM, TPS, CHTS). Also check the fuel pressure & spark.

 

I'm in the Hamilton area near Toronto. as far as checking those things. I know very little about cars but I have the manuals so I will check those things in the morning... thanks

 

and recharge the battery tonight, if its just clicking its about dead.

 

Ah... clicking (and not rotating the engine at all) is a toasted starter...

 

Usually its a weak battery. If the battery is hot and you still get clicking it may just be the starter solenoid; if the solenoid is weak its a good bet that its time to have the starter checked out and rebuilt. I just had that done to the tune of $58.00, the local shop said that parts are getting harder to come by. Since the engine started out spinning and then started clicking......... sounds like the battery got weak.Thats just to get him a good spin, something else is probably the culprit in his not getting ignition!

 

Yea I'll give it a try in the morning, chances are if it's the battery it may start in the morning. if not I'll try a boost. The previous owner put just over 1,000 kms on the car in four years so it would not be surprising if the battery is hurting a little. I did have it out for about a 1 hour run yesterday. When I stopped the car for a quick picture, I had a little trouble starting it. First turn of the key and the starter sounded like the engine was already running. But second turn and she started up like normal....
Thanks for your suggestions guys. Hope it's no big deal.
ps my other car is a Subaru SVX. It's interesting to get the opportunity to drive these two luxury sports cars and compare them. Both great cars but certainly very different.

 

Tried it again this morning. Same result. Going to have to get a boost...
Got abattery charger/starter from Cdn Tire... fired up first try... Must be the battery....No biggie

 

Good luck, hope that's all it takes!

 

Make sure the battery cables are clean and free of corrosion and not fitted with those crappy one size fit all connectors. zx are mighty finicky about the correct voltage. Have the battery load tested. Most zx have the proper ground connection which is a bolt below the battery box bypassed and they jump direct to starter because someone couldn't figure out how to wire it. Get all that put together right before you go chasing after maf, chts etc. If you don't have the volts (and from your description you don't) she won't do anything. Spent two weeks chasing wires, connectors etc. Until I finally said got to be the new battery. sure enough load tested bad new one under warranty. No more problems

 

Guys thanks for all your suggestions. Changed the battery and it starts perfectly. Love it...
thanks again

 

It's amazing how many problems are resolved by a new battery!

Glad you're back on the road.