I am currently having an issue with my 1987 300ZX Turbo [Standard]. The engine will turn over but will not start. I just had a new exhaust manifold and seals put on, and the car was running great for a day. The next day it died after about 30 seconds of running and would not start again.
I unhooked the fuel pump harness and the car started, then died as if it ran out of gas. Once I reconnected the fuel pump harness, the car started and then died within 30 seconds, then it would not start again.
After about a day I tried it again, it started then died just as before and would not start at all. I have a feeling it could be the fuel pump, and I have not checked my ECU for any problem codes yet. I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas on what it could be. I would hate to drop the gas tank to find out it is not the fuel pump.
Any information would be great.
Thanks,
Rob

 

You don't have to drop the tank to get to the pump. You can get to it through the trunk. I would try a fuel filter first though. My 87 was spitting and sputtering at low rpm, pulled the filter and boy was that thing filthy, fresh gas on one side and brown dirty crap on the other. Fixed my problem. A fuel filter is a whole lot cheaper to try if you don't have a way to measure fuel pressure.

 

I checked it again today as I left work, the car started and I was able to run the engine fine at 2,000 RPM's. When I let it idle it died and would not start again. I am going to replace the fuel filter in a bit to try that out. I am hoping it is something simple like that since the engine will run from time to time. I will let you know what I find out.
Also how would you access the fuel pump without dropping the tank? I looked at it myself and the pump is covered by a metal sheet, but I can access the fuel gauge sending unit. If there is a way to access the fuel pump with much less work, that information would be appreciated.

Thanks again,
Rob

*I installed a new fuel filter, still nothing. The engine does seem to be getting gas, and my plugs do look dirty. I am going to try a new set of plugs and wires, see where I end up with that. I have finally been able to get it out of the parking lot of where I work at and into my friends garage. With my luck, the car will probably catch fire when I am working on it, but I have invested far too much money into this car to let it go; again. [As most people who own their first Z]*