Hi everyone I was just given a free 81 280zx N/A in pretty great shape. It has been started weekly and driven on rare occasion, other than 2 years it was garage kept. Anyways the woman who gave it to me told me she hadn't started it in two months. So she went out last night to crank it and it wouldn't crank. Last time she had it in the shop was a year ago for a dead battery. Obviously the battery is dead, but she had it towed before I took ownership and had her shop check it out. They said it's a bad fuel pump. Of course they wanted 500 bucks to fix it, but come monday I'm getting it towed home using my insurance and going to just do it myself. So currently I have a couple questions. Should I do/check anything other than the fuel pump and fuel filter? I've been looking and the cheapest fuel pump I can find is $100 and was wondering if anyone knew a cheaper place where I could find one. Also the "only" other thing that is wrong with it (obviously i'm going to restore the interior and exterior and eventually swap the engine) but the driver side door will not open from the outside. Is this a well known issue that someone can spout off what's causing it or am I going to have to go digging into the door? thanks a bunch guys.

 

The fuel pump was the first thing that I replaced on my car because the mechanic I bought it from said the fuel pump was the problem. It wasn't the problem. Turns out though the outside of my car was in decent shape, it had been stored in a way that allowed water into the fuel tank and the tank had completely rusted. I would say #1 make sure the car has power, and #2 make sure that power is getting to the fuel pump. No sense in spending $100 on a new fuel pump if the problem is a corroded electrical connection.

 

^^^ +1

Welcome to ZDriver and to owning a Z. As for the door, there are 4 rods inside the door (lock/unlock, & door pop lever). Two for the outside handle, two for the inside handle. The door pop rod is likely loose or disconnected.

Make sure you buy a Haynes manual or download the FSM from www.xenons130.com/reference

 

I'll check on that but this was a reputable mechanic and the problem was that there was no fuel pressure. But yeah it's a good idea to check it out. And I personally know the woman so I know that the car has been pretty well maintained. Thanks for the advice i'll defiantly check it out.

And thanks I'll download that and pick up a manual. I'm sure it'll help, it's always the little vehicle specific details that cause issues.

 

"No fuel pressure" is a VERY generic description of the problem. Could be caused by a dead relay, broken or disconnected wire, ignition switch, fuel pump, ecu, etc.

But yes... check it ALL.

 

Thought I'd add a picture. Not the best since it was raining and it's just a phone picture.

 

looks fantastic!

 

where is the fuel pump located at? I think i may have a issue with mine also

 

I wish my paint looked that good! Nice car!

 

If I remember right it is above the passenger side rear tire. The fuel filter (might as well while you are at it) is centered in the back.