Resurrection of a Golden Z
08-10-2011, 06:33 PM
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 30
Resurrection of a Golden Z
I just got myself a new Z. I'm looking for any type of help or info anybody can give me.
It's a 1983 Datsun 280ZX. Non-Turbo. This car had been sitting for about 5 years before I got it. The interior is real clean, but the exterior and engine need work. The odometer reads 400,xxx miles. The car starts, but ends up turning off after a few seconds.
I've already replaced spark plugs, spark plug wires, fuel filter, fuel filter hoses, oil, oil filter, and battery.
A few questions I have:
What else should I replace?
Where can my problem lie?
What do you suggest I do?
I've always loved and respected the car but I don't even know where to start.
Here are a few pics of the car.
It's a 1983 Datsun 280ZX. Non-Turbo. This car had been sitting for about 5 years before I got it. The interior is real clean, but the exterior and engine need work. The odometer reads 400,xxx miles. The car starts, but ends up turning off after a few seconds.
I've already replaced spark plugs, spark plug wires, fuel filter, fuel filter hoses, oil, oil filter, and battery.
A few questions I have:
What else should I replace?
Where can my problem lie?
What do you suggest I do?
I've always loved and respected the car but I don't even know where to start.
Here are a few pics of the car.
08-11-2011, 07:46 AM
#2
Welcome to ZDriver! 
First, 400k miles is awesome!
Second, when the motor dies, does it start right back up?
Have you checked the fuel pressure?
Have you checked the timing?
Have you checked all sensors & connections?
First, 400k miles is awesome!
Second, when the motor dies, does it start right back up?
Have you checked the fuel pressure?
Have you checked the timing?
Have you checked all sensors & connections?
08-11-2011, 03:51 PM
#3
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 30
Thanx. I'm surprised to hear 400k miles is awesome but I'm glad. When the motor dies, I turn the key all the way off and start it right back up then it starts but continues to do the same thing.
I will check all that today if I get the time to.
I will check all that today if I get the time to.
08-15-2011, 04:41 AM
#6
More Than Meets The Eye
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 5,120
But I am willing to bet it is electrical and something to do with the ignition system. There are quite a few things that could be causing the problem. So it is a matter of narrowing it down, and finding the culprit. Good luck, and keep us posted.
08-19-2011, 02:09 PM
#7
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 30
Ok I finally got the chance to troubleshoot. Below I'm attaching a video of the engine while it was on.
I checked the fuel pressure while it was idling and it was well over 30 psi. While at full throttle it was over 37 psi. Fuel pump cut-off discharge pressure was over 64 psi.
I also checked the fuel injector coil resistance. All of them were either 2.6, 2.7, or 2.8 ohms.
I checked the fuel pressure while it was idling and it was well over 30 psi. While at full throttle it was over 37 psi. Fuel pump cut-off discharge pressure was over 64 psi.
I also checked the fuel injector coil resistance. All of them were either 2.6, 2.7, or 2.8 ohms.
08-25-2011, 07:35 PM
#8
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 30
Its been a while since I last updated you guys.
I completely forgot to mention that the friend I got the car from had bought a new battery and accidentally connected the positive/negative wires the opposite way.
Keeping this in mind I came to the conclusion that the ECU is fried. It seems as if the engine is not reading how much air is entering and I noticed that the check engine light doesn't even turn on. When obviously it should be ON.
I ordered the part, so it should be here soon. I'll see what happens when I receive and change the part.
I completely forgot to mention that the friend I got the car from had bought a new battery and accidentally connected the positive/negative wires the opposite way.
Keeping this in mind I came to the conclusion that the ECU is fried. It seems as if the engine is not reading how much air is entering and I noticed that the check engine light doesn't even turn on. When obviously it should be ON.
I ordered the part, so it should be here soon. I'll see what happens when I receive and change the part.
09-05-2011, 06:39 PM
#12
More Than Meets The Eye
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Mesa, Az
Posts: 5,120
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CARDO...item27ba86ef30
Here is one on ebay, though a little pricey. I would suggest posting a wanted add for one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NISSA...item4aa12d98fb
And another one much cheaper from a salvage yard.
Hope that helps you out. Good luck.
Here is one on ebay, though a little pricey. I would suggest posting a wanted add for one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NISSA...item4aa12d98fb
And another one much cheaper from a salvage yard.
Hope that helps you out. Good luck.
09-23-2011, 04:31 PM
#13
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 30
It's been quite a while since I last updated but the Z is now alive. Its starting and moving now.
It's lacking some power because 2 of the fuel injectors aren't responding. I'm going to try to take it out on the highway and see if the fuel injectors are just clogged from not being used in 5 years.
I took a little video of it being started:
I'm thinking about just buying it some new fuel injectors so that it could feel nice and fresh.
It's lacking some power because 2 of the fuel injectors aren't responding. I'm going to try to take it out on the highway and see if the fuel injectors are just clogged from not being used in 5 years.
I took a little video of it being started:
I'm thinking about just buying it some new fuel injectors so that it could feel nice and fresh.
09-24-2011, 12:08 PM
#14
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Victoria, BC
Posts: 2,195
It's been quite a while since I last updated but the Z is now alive. Its starting and moving now.
It's lacking some power because 2 of the fuel injectors aren't responding. I'm going to try to take it out on the highway and see if the fuel injectors are just clogged from not being used in 5 years.
I took a little video of it being started:
I'm thinking about just buying it some new fuel injectors so that it could feel nice and fresh.
It's lacking some power because 2 of the fuel injectors aren't responding. I'm going to try to take it out on the highway and see if the fuel injectors are just clogged from not being used in 5 years.
I took a little video of it being started:
I'm thinking about just buying it some new fuel injectors so that it could feel nice and fresh.
11-21-2011, 06:58 PM
#15
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 30
It's been a hell of a long time since I last updated.
The ZX is slowly progressing. I changed all 6 fuel injectors with some injectors from Germany. They have a squared tip instead of the regular round one. While i was at it I changed the fuel pressure reg. The engine is no longer shaking and sounds much better. I also changed the AFM. I have a radiator that was bored out and painted sitting around. I should be putting that on the car soon.
I'm having a few problems though. I need some help trouble shooting.
---> When I start it while cold, let it idle for a couple seconds, then press the gas, it starts to bog. But when it is nice and warm the bogging is gone. What could it be?
The ZX is slowly progressing. I changed all 6 fuel injectors with some injectors from Germany. They have a squared tip instead of the regular round one. While i was at it I changed the fuel pressure reg. The engine is no longer shaking and sounds much better. I also changed the AFM. I have a radiator that was bored out and painted sitting around. I should be putting that on the car soon.
I'm having a few problems though. I need some help trouble shooting.
---> When I start it while cold, let it idle for a couple seconds, then press the gas, it starts to bog. But when it is nice and warm the bogging is gone. What could it be?
12-18-2011, 11:36 PM
#19
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 30
Update: Today my Datsun suddenly started to lose power. I was flooring down the gas pedal but it took a very long time to speed up. At one point when I was driving home it didn't accelerate at all. I was going about 5 mph's. The engine was real shakey. Especially from the right side of the engine where the manifold and exhaust are.
What could the problem be? I need to fix this soon.
What could the problem be? I need to fix this soon.
12-19-2011, 05:03 PM
#20
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 30
Today I cleaned out the fuel filter and I found that there was a lot of deposits. Looked like rust though. Since the car was sitting for a couple of years I am wondering if I should just go ahead and change the whole gas tank?
I need some help getting my car running smooth since I use it to go to work and school.
This is random but.... What type of header/exhaust set up should I throw on it? I feel like I need to swap that out too.
I need some help getting my car running smooth since I use it to go to work and school.
This is random but.... What type of header/exhaust set up should I throw on it? I feel like I need to swap that out too.
12-19-2011, 07:41 PM
#21
It's been a hell of a long time since I last updated.
The ZX is slowly progressing. I changed all 6 fuel injectors with some injectors from Germany. They have a squared tip instead of the regular round one. While i was at it I changed the fuel pressure reg. The engine is no longer shaking and sounds much better. I also changed the AFM. I have a radiator that was bored out and painted sitting around. I should be putting that on the car soon.
I'm having a few problems though. I need some help trouble shooting.
---> When I start it while cold, let it idle for a couple seconds, then press the gas, it starts to bog. But when it is nice and warm the bogging is gone. What could it be?
The ZX is slowly progressing. I changed all 6 fuel injectors with some injectors from Germany. They have a squared tip instead of the regular round one. While i was at it I changed the fuel pressure reg. The engine is no longer shaking and sounds much better. I also changed the AFM. I have a radiator that was bored out and painted sitting around. I should be putting that on the car soon.
I'm having a few problems though. I need some help trouble shooting.
---> When I start it while cold, let it idle for a couple seconds, then press the gas, it starts to bog. But when it is nice and warm the bogging is gone. What could it be?
12-21-2011, 08:12 PM
#22
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 30
My car doesn't want to turn on again like it did when i first got it. 
I'm pretty sure my fuel system is real dirty. Any pointers on how or what to use to clean out the whole fuel system? (i.e. gas tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel hoses, etc.)
I need to find a gas tank for a cheap price because I am pretty sure it needs to be replaced. If there is another way i can go please let me know so I wont have to waste money.
I'm pretty sure my fuel system is real dirty. Any pointers on how or what to use to clean out the whole fuel system? (i.e. gas tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel hoses, etc.)
I need to find a gas tank for a cheap price because I am pretty sure it needs to be replaced. If there is another way i can go please let me know so I wont have to waste money.
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