Datsun 280Z

1978 Datsun 280Z Fuel System Stalling When idling Always

When I start the car it idles for about 5 mins. then starts chugging and stalls. this has happened while driving as well. And it takes about 10 to 15 mins. for the car to start, it seems like it is flooding itself. Sometimes when I give it gas and rev it @ about 3000 to 4000 rpm she will run a couple mins longer but starts chugging and stalls anyway. Have changed fuel filter, did not help

Does your engine have EFI or a carburetor?

Carburator and fuel injection

I am confused, could you confirm if you have a carburetor or fuel injectors?

The car has both. I've had a mechanic look at and he is confused. he has checked everything over and everything seems fine but it is still flooding itself and stalling he said it may be sensors that monitor the fuel but has no idea to old to hook up to machine to diagnose. Any ideas?

The only thing he can really try is to test the sensors individually with a multimeter.

There is some information available free on the internet. If you like to attempt troubleshooting yourself let me know and I'll pass on the link.

1978 Datsun 280Z Electrical / Lighting Systems   

I have a 1978 280z, the other day my starter gave out, so went and bought a new one. I installed the new starter, but now the car has no power, not even the lights work, the battery is fully charged, I checked all connections, and even replaced the main battery cables, terminals, some fusiuble links that looked old, and what i think was the main relay but still have the same problem. Iknow it kind of hard to diagnose elictrical problems this way, but any help will be grately appreciated. Thanks!

When you changed out the starter,did you remove the battery cables?If not,it is possible you grounded out the engine relay or a fuse.Check the black box under the hood.This is where the engine relay is and also a host of others.Some look like a giant fuse that you can see if the crossbar has burnt,others are just a plain type box.Check you're owners manual for exact location.You also have a fuse block on the left side kick panel under the dash.Check to see if any of the fuses my have popped,Again,refer to your manual as to the function of the fuses.
Good Luck,
Paul

I replaced the battery cables, the main relay, and fusible links. I checked all connections. I also checked the fusebox, all the fuses were fine, but like i said nothing works. The fusebox isn't getting any power.

Sorry for getting back so late on this.My computer has been down.You changed the cables,checked links and fuses,but still no power.Before the starter went out,were the lights,radio ect. functioning?How did you determine there is no power to the fuse block and whitch block are you refering to?Yes it a difficult to diagnois electrical from this side of the screen,but with a few more questions answered helps give a better senario on where to head next.
Thanks,
Paul

yes, before i changed the starter everything worked. the car only has one fuse box located under the dash on the pasanger side. I checked if with my voltmeter, as like i did everything else and the only place were i found power would be the main relay, thats coming straight from the battery, but i never found were the other leads of the main relay go to, im guessing thats were the problem is. I apreciate your help, thanks.

1978 Datsun 280Z Chassis / Suspension & Steering Making Noise When shifting No pattern

I was told i needed to replace the Differential case mounting front insulator when on 1st or 2nd gear hear a loud knocking in the rear - i was told it was worn is there another name for this I cannot find it only in the Chilton's manual does it refer to it by this name

Differential mount
part# 55415-n4301
$54 each.

Thanks is this like a rubber gasket? is it just one?

It looks similar to a motor mount... 2 pieces of metal seperated by rubber. I would assume there are 2 of these.

Hi,
I think you hit the wrong button regarding accepting this answer.
Thanks,
Dale

1977 Datsun 280Z Ignition System   

Hi, my '77 280z has some problems with the battery and maybe starting...

I go to start the car and it starts right up but then it'll start to die after a few seconds and I try n rev it up but then it dies... then it usually takes 5-10 minutes 'till it starts again... I was poed at my house so pulled the battery from my yota and boosted it and it worked fine... so it must be a battery problem?> Like a loose connection somewhere? I brnt out my ignition :/ haha so don't wanna dk that again...

Clean the battery terminals and connections at starter solenoid, alternator, and engine & body grounds. If corrosion is excessive replace parts as necessary.

Your battery may be bad or disharged. Chain Auto Parts stores will charge and test your battery free of charge.

Both batteries are nearly new and I changed my pos/ground cables and have to replace/rebuild my starter...

the truck battery was at 16v when I threw it on and then later in the day it was drained to 12v and took forever to get the car going... Datsun's known for like problems?

It may be just a bad starter then, 16 volts is not normal (about 12.6- 12.8 resting volts should start the engine without any trouble).

Yea 'cause I figure I burnt out my current starter because it doesn't do jack now... didn't even start with jumper cables. Turn key and it does that "click" then nothin... like a little whine sound but no engine workage

Most chain auto parts stores will test the starter off the car free of charge. Have this done before replacing.

1977 Datsun 280Z Ignition System   

I Have an ignition relay which is located on passenger side in a cluster of different relays which is going bad. Wiggle the connector back and forth and I can make the car stall and a/c blower stop and radio shut off. Had relay out once to clean and tightend the metal bracket that houses the inerds. Now it is lose again and the blower stopped working again also. Can you help me find a replacement relay. 5/77 production date. california model, a/c.

Whenever I have a relay problem that has a specific import relay, I first map out the wiring for the relay (Factory manual or Haynes manual)Then I pick up a Bosch 30 amp relay with the plug-wiring harness and splice the wiring in.
Simple and you now have a relay that you can purchase at any parts store, in the future.

Not that knowledgable in this area. Can you be more specific. Sorry for the ignorance on my behalf. If I need to pay more I'm ok with that.

A relay is a simple switching device and for the most part universal. Any local mechanic can refit one, for a small fee.Ensure the amperage is correct and the 4 wires are connected properly.

Thanks for your help. I know I'll use this site again. You guys are great.

1977 Datsun 280Z Electrical / Lighting Systems   

tail lights are on when battery connected but the car will not start or any of the other lights or instrutmnets work. Battery is good. I changed all the fuses and the battery cables are new with good connection. Engine will not even turn over not juice. Car was running good until I changed left front headlight.

[would certainly check all the ground connections in that area. Also check the fuseable links. They are near the battery and look like a normal wire but are designed to burn out much like a fuse. You can sometimes feel the break under the wires insulation, but a test light is a sure way to check

I got the car started but still have the problems with the stop lights staying on even when car sut off. I had to pull fuse to get them to go off.

Check the brake light switch under the dash, beside the pedal....probably requires adjustment

1976 Datsun 280Z Electrical / Lighting Systems   

My charge light is on. Turn indicators do not work. RPM gauge, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, not working. Speedometer, radio, lights work. The car would not start after a couple of days with charge light on.

First charge battery fully.
Then test alternator output.
Should be aprox 13.5 volts.
Check date code on battery.
If 5 yrs or more old, its
due for replacement.
Do basic battery maintenance.
Clean terminals etc.
Check fuseable links near batt
with volt ohm meter.
Check ground circuits at fuse
panel.