Hey Guys,

I'm off to check out a fuel injected '77 2+2 that I've been told has been sitting for 9 years. According to the seller, the car will top out at 25 MPH, but it will start and idle fine. Any clues on what could cause this...headgasket?...compression?...rusty tank from sitting 9 years?...etc.

Thanks

 

Welcome to ZDriver! Sounds like the classic AFM problem. Read this thread: https://www.zdriver.com/forums/280zx-performance-technical-79/car-wont-go-over-rpm-20271/

and also: https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/280zx-common-problems-checklist-purchase-inspection-16386/

written for the fuel injected L28's....

 

Thanks for the welcome. I had a beautiful 240 back in high school and 20 years later...the Z bug is back and I'm looking to pick one up. The Z was sitting in a wet climate for the 9 years, I'm hoping that moisture will be the problem. I probably should pull the tank and install a new one as well. Is the fuel pump located in the tank on this model? Also, Nismo you stated an AFM problem...what exactly does AFM stand for? Thanks again.

 

AFM = Air Flow Meter.... the flapper box left of the radiator that measures the air intake for the ecu. Looks like this:

 

Cool...got it. I'll check it out.

 

negative. Its an inline pump. Its right there with the tank though.

 

Mate, Its not an auto...try 2nd...just jokes

sounds like AFM to me too...any smoke or anything? Could be timing or ignition too

 

No...no smoke when it starts up or running. She says it just won't get over 25 MPH. Thanks again for all the replies.

 

You really shouldn't run the engine with that old gas and crap in there. Even if you put new gas, the injectors WILL clog. This will cause a lean condition the the related cylinders and will burn the valves. Pull the injectors and have them cleaned at a qualified garage and purge the system from the tank forward. Change all the fuel filters. When your sure your getting new, clean gas, then you can run it and see if anything else needs service. Is the oil 9 years old too? You could be ruining a perfectly good car. Don't mean to flame on you but take your time, she's 30 years old! The brakes might need service too.

 

Thanks for the great info...I'm just looking to purchase the car, not running it at all. In fact, I told the woman who has it for sale not to run it at all until the problem is fixed. She said she hasn't driven the car hardly at all in the past 9 years. I knew the gas tank and fuel lines will have to be serviced, which is a consideration of mine. Plus, the issue of the acceleration past 25 MPH.

 

umm....is it an auto or manual?

 

Automatic...

 

hmmmm.....any one? tranny prob by chance...anyone? im surprised this wasnt asked before

 

Good point.... can the engine be rev'd in neutral? Rev'd up to say 5K?

 

WOHOO....lol but yeah remmeber were not running the car cause of the 9 year old gas and all...i say let her think its a turd get it for cheap and then figure out the problem