dbirdz06

Update: I pulled the distributor cap and cleaned the contacts with some sand paper. I also unbolted the condenser near the cap (it actually looked like there were two). Bolted everything back up and the car fired right up. I wasn't expecting it to happen, but I was happy none the less. Thanks for all the ideas. (I have a feeling this is only a temporary fix, however).

I spent some more time with the car today. After charging the battery for a while, I am getting 12.5 v at the battery, but only 5.2 v at the + side of the coil. When I unplug the + wire, I get 12 v. Plug it back in, 5.2 volts. I tried unplugging the condenser and it still wouldn't start. I passed a wire from the + of the battery to the + side of the coil, tried to start it. Nothing. With the key in the on position, the 1"x1"x4" block just below the coil heats up to the touch. What is this block? Is it a fusible link? Is this normal? Haven't messed with the distributor or points yet.

I had a chance to check a few thing with the multimeter. Voltage is low to the positive side of the coil. 4.9 volts. I'll need to get the charger back on the battery. Resistance is low in the coil wire and a couple of the other spark plug wires I checked. Between 7-12 ohms. I'll need some daylight and to study a bit more to figure out the point gaps and condenser.

I do have the FSM and will be using that to troubleshoot. I just thought it was odd that it would show itself so randomly. Was hoping it was something more obvious.

I've had my car about a month now. Up to a few nights ago it would start up and run fine. But the other night I was out driving around the neighborhood and the car died on me after coming to a stop sign. It cranked right back up so I u-turned and headed back to the house. It hesitated the entire drive back to the house ~.5 miles then died as I pulled into the driveway. I had originally thought I was out of gas b/c my gauge doesn't work and I can't fill the tank up due to a deteriorated rubber filler neck. I shook the car some and could hear gas, but added some more anyway, even after seeing gas in the clear fuel filter. The car would not start. I pulled a plug wire and tried to find a spark with a screw driver shorted to ground. No spark while cranking it. Same story with the coil wire. What could cause a sudden loss of spark like this? Anything else I should be checking for? This is all stock ignition as far as I know.

I plan on getting it eventually. I played a lot of Forza 3 so I'm excited to see the updates.

How about YOU do it, and let ME know how it turns out

The guy I bought it from was a mechanic and said he pressure tested the system and converted it. It was blowing cold and seemed all fine so it must have just been bad timing that the compressor went out. I think I'll look into an upgraded pump and see how that works. Thanks for the tips and ideas.

Have had it for only a week and a half!

Hi Everyone, I'm still learning the ins and outs of my new '72 240z. Car came with A/C and I would like to know something about it. Does this appear to be the original A/C that was offered from the dealership? I have a problem with it right now. When I turn on the air, it appears that either the clutch or the compressor itself is locking up. It worked fine for about 15 minutes on the first drive home, then started screeching and then I smelled a burnt rubber smell which I assume was the belt slipping. Any way to check which went out? If it's the clutch, is that replaceable without discharging the system?