ok the 81 280zx wont start...it ran good for a little bit..then it died...it turns over runs badly for a few seconds then stops if im lucky most the time it just turns over....then a few days later it will get up an run...

now im back to it not running...

well to add more info..got it runnin..took it up the road an was afraid i wouldnt make it back...but 3rd gear seemed to smooth out an have full power..the rest it ran like on 4 cylinders it seemed...

and if you held it wide open it would cut out an sputter

so im stumped. what can it be..heres think ive checked

bad gas
does have spark on all plugs
got fuel
all connections seem to be good
dizzy an plug wires are good
timing good..i think

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

You think the timing is good? So what degree is it set to?
Have you checked the AFM & CHTS (cylinder head temp sensor) sensors and connections?
Have you pulled the spark plugs & looked at the tips to see if all cylinders are running the same?

A motor needs 3 things to start:
Proper air, fuel, spark.

If you have verified that it has spark & fuel, it's probably flooded. The plugs will tell all...

 

same thing happened to mine. i pulled fuel rail cleaned everything. did valves and a lot of stuff. still didnt run. Moved to sac for school and towed it up there with me....started up first time i tried up there no problem at all. First key turn no problem. Pissed me off soo bad. I checked everything. But it runs now so im happy lol. Happened about 1 1/2 yrs ago and still going good...except the speedo and i have a miss cant figure out y.

 

So... wanna elaborate on your solution to help 81na280x ?

 

yah check the fuel lines or filter? could be clogged. idk.

 

You did'nt check your compression...ha. try that too.

 

i cant help him just thought i would give me a little support just incase he cant fix it let it sit for a little bit. it will come to you. but i also forgot to add the rest of what i was thinkin lol. got sidetracked. but anywayz...its been said. fuel filter, pump, really does sound like timing. if ur gettin fuel, and its the right volume and pressure than start checking wires. Or maybe a vacuum advan? timing advan?

 

pull the plugs and check them see if its running rich or lean or normal, check you wires, cap and rotor, take off your shoes with the car running and grab the coil wire, if it makes your arm freeze and you jump the coil is good if it tingles your ***** its bad, since its intermittent i would actually start checking the ignition module on the dizzy and start cleaning connectors, second would be your connector from the EFI harness to the ECU might be loose, take it off blow on it and plug it back in and see if it does anything. (its worked before) my opinion on the matter would more then likely be a failing sensor or a loose connector, plain and simple.