dustin_ra

Okay so what the heck? Engine (L28E) starts fine, idles fine drives fine.. When it reaches normal running temp it shuts off. Can start again once cools down. Has anyone came accross this issue before? What might I check to correct this problem? 81 5spd 81,220 miles. Seems to be one issue after another with this car but I cant seem to let it go.

dustin_ra

Read some previous threads with simular issues but mine dosent act weird till its at normal operating temp.. Has gas.. New plugs.. New wires.. New coil pack.. This sux and is getting expensive.. How can I do a diagnostic on my car? Where would I hook up?

duowing

Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? If it's doing everything else fine, your fuel pump may just be on it's way out and dieing once it warms up.

dustin_ra

I do not have one.. I pulled the top (out) hose on the filter once its warm (of course with the car off) and flicked the starter a couple of times, old faithful spewed up as it should.. Guess the pump still works.. Whats next..?

GTR

It might be the ignition module, that pretty little black box on the side of the distributor. i know my ignition module used to leave me stranded when it got warm now and again, that so sucked, it took me a bit to figure that one out since my car would start and run after it had cooled down. Just my opinion, hope that helps ^.^

nismo619

possable oil temp sender located on the passenger side engine righ by the oil filter or ... and big or is the water temp sensor located right below the thermostate im having the same problems with my 1982 280zxt starts fine runs fine until its up to normal temp when i come to a stop dead instently im thinking its my fuel pump !

dustin_ra

How much and where did you find the ignition module? I talked to an oldie at the Nissan dealer, he mentioned that might be it also..

GTR

It has two bolts holing it on. It's a really easy check, when your car dies, just check to see if you have any spark coming from the ignition coil. If you do, then i dunno (see nismo619 :-P), if you don't, then it's probably that since you've said you replaced the coil which kinda sucks since the modules are like $130...at least mine was ^.^

dustin_ra

I found the little black box you mentioned.. Dont know why but the wires going to it are all (3) wrapped in electrical tape, maybe t=just to keep them from getting into trouble (fan)..

dustin_ra

Pulled the ignition module off, did not disconnect the red and green wires.. Wondered if if could be cleaned but guess not..

dustin_ra

Also car stays running if I keep a garden hose flowing water onto the area where the thermostate is..

GTR

water temp sensor maybe?

dustin_ra

But would the water temp sensor cause it to shut off?

NismoPick

The water temp sensor won't shut off the car. Only the major sensors will do that (AFM, CHTS, TPS).

Have you set / checked your timing?
Have you looked for vacuum leaks?
Have you checked the AFM / CHTS / TPS connections?

GTR

would the AFM and TPS do that after the car has warmed up? i know if the AFM goes bananas then it could cause headaches, but i've always thought the TPS on these would just cause the car to not run right, not turn off entirely, then again i could be wrong (as usual ^.^).

nismo619

the tps wont send the car into " death mode " as i call it it would have to be the ECU could be old or ignition module located on the front of the distrubitor cap . If the wires are taped up maybe a bad connetion eroded wires " get some eletrical tape a soldering iron and some soder " take the step unwrap your old tape and inspect the wires ! if bad ,cut, splice, solder, then wrap or " shrink wrap the exposed wires its pretty eazy honestly i had to do it to my wifes 1982 280zx n/a/

dustin_ra

So this is a frequent problem. I will check these wires. Its going to be something real simple and cheap when I get it figured out.

GTR

Lets hope so, right?

dustin_ra

Oh would you look at that... Idiot, No gas was in the car.


Just kidding.

dustin_ra

OKay so now I do not think Im getting spark. Is there another way to check if I am (alone) besides putting the the coil wire by strut tower?

NismoPick

That's the easiest way... just set the coil to distrib wire, or spark plug wire near a grounding bolt. Stick a screw driver inside to extend the spark.

dustin_ra

Well damn. My sight isnt the best and I cant hear worth s#@t from working around helicopters so guess I will just have to get a partnet to help me.. Or just pay Nissan a large amount to get my baby back on the road for me. I miss driving her hard, she likes to be driven hard. HAHAHA.. Kidding.; So bad.

duowing

if now you think you're not getting spark I'd say it sounds like your Ignition module is to blame, it it was intermittently dieing, and now the car won't start

dustin_ra

Okay so now I have the module off of the distrubutor, how do I get the module away? Do I disconnect the wires from the module or take the distrubutor apart to get the wires out?

GTR

I think you just unplug the red and green wires from the module and pull it away from that rubbery thingy it sticks into on the side of the distributor....really easy to see if you take the cap off.