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Hard time starting 280z-shuts off periodically

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Old 05-26-2015 | 03:30 PM
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Domi's 75 280z's Avatar
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Hard time starting 280z-shuts off periodically

Sometimes it starts first try and runs great! Other times it will take 15 tries, run for a couple minutes, then sputter out. Its my daily driver, and recently has died on me quite a few times, on hot days it typically runs a lot better. Sometimes I will be accelerating and the engine will die for a second then pick back up, or completely die. Even while off the accelerator it will sometimes die while going downhill. Anyone else had this issue?

I have a video showing what's happening in a nutshell.

Old 05-26-2015 | 03:50 PM
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beg3yrs's Avatar
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I'd first look at fuel filters. If they're good, check the fuel pump. Have you done this?
Old 05-26-2015 | 06:25 PM
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If you haven't already be sure to check your fuel filters and make sure you have sufficient fuel pressure and solid connections to the pump.
Old 05-26-2015 | 10:38 PM
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Fuel filter has less than 2000 miles on it. After the new filter was in it was only ran a few times before the tank was flushed. this is my first car and my funds are limited. Is there a way i could make sure the pump is getting enough power? Today driving home from school (5 minute drive) it died 4 times.

Last edited by Domi's 75 280z; 05-26-2015 at 11:00 PM.
Old 05-26-2015 | 11:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Domi's 75 280z
Fuel filter has less than 2000 miles on it. After the new filter was in it was only ran a few times before the tank was flushed. this is my first car and my funds are limited. Is there a way i could make sure the pump is getting enough power? Today driving home from school (5 minute drive) it died 4 times.
If you had a real dirty tank before the flush, you still might have a clogged fuel filter. They aren't very expensive. However, if you want to skip that step, here are some thoughts:

If you mean by "getting enough power", you are getting enough pressure out of the fuel pump, see if you can borrow a fuel pressure gauge from one of your local auto parts stores. Many large stores loan tools for just a deposit on a credit card. You get your deposit back when you return the tool.

You could measure pressure before and after the fuel filter as well. If it's OK before the filter and low after the filter, get a new filter. If it's OK after the filter, you've got a different problem. Of course do this test with the motor running.

If your pressure is bad before the fuel filter, you've got a bad fuel pump or ...
you don't have enough "power" in an electrical sense to the pump. Measure voltage AT THE PUMP. It should be around 14V with the engine running. If it is, and you don't have good pressure, it is the pump. If the voltage is low, suspect wiring or maybe the fuel pump relay is dirty (more likely the relay).
Old 05-26-2015 | 11:43 PM
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Thank you very much for the quick and detailed reply! Ill give it a try tomorrow.
Old 05-31-2015 | 01:25 AM
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Any update on this? To me the way it cuts out, looks more to be on the electrical issue more than fuel. Fuel issue, usually a slow stumble to death, where as the electrical issues would straight up shut it off like turning off the key, which seems to happen here. I wonder if its something to do with ignition module, or coil issues.
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