Hey Guys!

First off, I've been a long time lurker on these forums and am FINALLY going to start posting. I'm happy to be here and this is easily the best Z community I've seen.

And before you ask, I definitely used the search function, looked on google ect and can't find the answer to my problem. I've looked through about 30 pages on here so forgive me if this has already been asked.

I have a 78 280Z that I imported into BC from Washington State. Never used to have any issues with it but now I can't get it running for the life of me. I've taken it to three mechanics and nothing has changed.

I had the car running last summer for a little bit but while driving all my electronics (everything!) would flash and the engine would sputter and die. I would have to sit on the side of the road for about 5 minutes before I could get it to start again. Now it won't start at all. I turn the key and nothing happens but the engine will turn over (but not start). I used to get a clicking noise that sounded like it was coming from the fuse box area and then eventually everything would light up but now it has stopped doing even that. And my horn is disconnected at the wheel but will go off if I turn the wheel, even with the key out... LOL.

I've had the ignition replaced, whole top end redone, new wires, plugs, distributor, starter, coil, battery, checked all fused, new fusible link, fuel filter (fuel pressure was also checked) new ECU, and I'm sure I'm missing more stuff. I've put about 10K into it in the last two years and......this is the progress I've had haha.


Any ideas? The Lower Mainland is very much lacking in mechanics that specialize in these. I took mine to a Datsun guy in Surrey I believe it was and he couldn't figure it out.

I'm pulling my hair out and REALLY want to drive this thing this summer. I would appreciate any help or pointers!

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

An engine needs 3 things to start:
-Proper fuel delivery
-Proper spark at all cylinders
-Proper compression

So does it have spark? Fuel pressure? Are the injectors spraying?

 

Holy crap that was fast Hahaha. Thanks for the welcome =)

Yes, all injectors are spraying, they are brand new and the compression was checked and is fine. The engine won't start because there is no power going to anything other than the starter it would seem. The fuel pump doesn't run at all.

 

What would be have been clicking? Does anything in the fuse box click in 280's? I know that it is typically relays that do it - maybe there is a bad relay? Would that cause no electrical power like that?

 

I don't think the injectors are spraying if there's nothing to spray. If the fuel pump isn't running, you first need to check for power at the pump. No power? Work backwards as to why... usually the fuel pump relay or wiring problem (burnt fusible link / bad ground / something disconnected). If there is power, the pump is dead.

 

Sorry, meant they were spraying when it was running last summer =P should have specified. Thanks for your help, I will check those this weekend!

 

If you are on Facebook, join Datsun Parts and Needs, and 280zx Drivers. Shady280 and FricFrac (Matt and Kurk) both live up in the BC.

 

You're awesome, I'll do that right now. Thanks!

 

Also forgot to mention the car would lose all electrical power and die sometimes when I used the left signal or put it in reverse, lol!

 

Check your ground for the coil, fuel pump and your ECU ground. Make sure there is no paint or corrosion at your ground points. Also check the ignition connections, heat can cause electrical connections to intermittently...that being said, take a close look at the coil.