~KnuckleDuster~ Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 The story goes I bought a 73 240z with 280zx turbo pieces and a wiring harness & ecu from a 79 280z. While the car was in my mechanics possession the car suddenly died while he was testing it out. Instead of finding out why it died he decided to proceed to install an 83 turbo wiring harness & ecu. He couldn't get it running and says the car now has no spark and is causing it not to start. I had the car towed back to my house where I have been doing other things to it. I'm a dummy when it comes to wiring and would gladly pay someone who knows what he's doing to get this car back on the road. PM me if your interested and have the know how. Thanks alot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pharaohabq Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Have you downloaded the FSM for the 83ZX? There's really not that many things that can be wrong, assuming the guy wired it up properly. one of the biggest things to check is that the ground straps are connected. Really it's not too hard once you start identifying the parts. Get some tape and start labelling connections. You'll need to know that things like the AFM and temp sensor are hooked up. that the harness has proper power. Does the engine turn over? in SoCal there's a couple Z clubs. I'm certain you could get a reputable recommendation from MSA if you give them a call. There's a lot of Z only shops in SoCal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akira Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 (edited) Where are you located in socal? Does your car have the stock 280zx turbo coil and bracket with ignitor? Does it have the 82-83 turbo distributor? Edited August 14, 2013 by Akira Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~KnuckleDuster~ Posted August 15, 2013 Author Share Posted August 15, 2013 Have you downloaded the FSM for the 83ZX? There's really not that many things that can be wrong, assuming the guy wired it up properly. one of the biggest things to check is that the ground straps are connected. Really it's not too hard once you start identifying the parts. Get some tape and start labelling connections. You'll need to know that things like the AFM and temp sensor are hooked up. that the harness has proper power. Does the engine turn over? in SoCal there's a couple Z clubs. I'm certain you could get a reputable recommendation from MSA if you give them a call. There's a lot of Z only shops in SoCal. Most connections are labeled, the wiring harness I bought was pre cut for a swap into a 240. The engine does turn over just no spark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~KnuckleDuster~ Posted August 15, 2013 Author Share Posted August 15, 2013 Where are you located in socal? Does your car have the stock 280zx turbo coil and bracket with ignitor? Does it have the 82-83 turbo distributor? I'm in Murrieta 92562. I bought an 83 turbo coil w/ ignitor & 83 dizzy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pharaohabq Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 Well good, no spark is a clue, turning over means the start circuit is intact. At least power to the solenoid, and the battery. So next we need to verify power to the coil. with the Key on, test the thin wire to the coil and see if you have battery power on it. Then test the other wire and see if you have a path to ground. I don't know the colors for the ZX harness, but it should show them in the FSM. If you have power to the coil, but no spark, replace the coil, that could be the original issue too. I don't know if the 83 coil has a polarity, so best check that. In anycase you need to have power for that to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~KnuckleDuster~ Posted August 16, 2013 Author Share Posted August 16, 2013 Well good, no spark is a clue, turning over means the start circuit is intact. At least power to the solenoid, and the battery. So next we need to verify power to the coil. with the Key on, test the thin wire to the coil and see if you have battery power on it. Then test the other wire and see if you have a path to ground. I don't know the colors for the ZX harness, but it should show them in the FSM. If you have power to the coil, but no spark, replace the coil, that could be the original issue too. I don't know if the 83 coil has a polarity, so best check that. In anycase you need to have power for that to work. Coil is getting power. It had a standard 240 coil at first, then I got a used 280zx turbo coil when all the new harness and ecu went in. The used 83 coil was leaking fluid so I bought a new one but haven't had a chance to try starting it with the new one wired up. I guess that would be worth doing ehh? My mechanic said he checked everything multiple times and his final prognosis was that it must be the ecu. I personally don't think this is the case since the car died with the old ecu in and hasn't started since. I'm sure it's something dumb..just a matter of tracking it down.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZed Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 My mechanic said he checked everything multiple times and his final prognosis was that it must be the ecu. I personally don't think this is the case since the car died with the old ecu in and hasn't started since. I'm sure it's something dumb..just a matter of tracking it down.. CAS? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~KnuckleDuster~ Posted August 16, 2013 Author Share Posted August 16, 2013 CAS? I've opened up the dizzy and didn't see anything out of place. Not sure if there's a way to check it since the 82-83's are internal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winstonusmc Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 I am in San Diego and have some experience. Make it worth the hour drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winstonusmc Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 I am in San Diego and have some experience. Make it worth the hour drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~KnuckleDuster~ Posted August 16, 2013 Author Share Posted August 16, 2013 (edited) I take some detailed pictures today and post here that way anyone who wants to come give it a shot knows what to expect. I will pay for gas + beer. If someone could get it running I would give them some good money depending on how long it takes Edited August 16, 2013 by ~KnuckleDuster~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~KnuckleDuster~ Posted August 17, 2013 Author Share Posted August 17, 2013 Welcome to my nightmare.. This little guy has me confused.. its got audi & vw logos on it..not sure whats actually plugged into it but the thing looks like hell.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgsheen Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Ya, you're boned... That's gonna take even an experienced L28ET swap guy some time and effort to straighten out. There are multiple modifications to stock so you're going to need a good knowledge of the stock system(s) to figure out what's been altered and - A. how to make it work OR B. how to get it back to stock. Unless you find someone stupidly helpful, it's probably going to take a lot more than beer and gas money - no way I'd touch it for that (but then, I don't drink)... Unless you knew a LOT about the stock harness (and how to repair and rebuild it), I'd say ditch that hacked harness - rip it out, get an unmolested stock harness and start from scratch. Your life will be easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vale2489 Posted August 18, 2013 Share Posted August 18, 2013 (edited) Im too lazy to post the link to my thread on wiring help, search for my threads under my username... Seems like my harness was way worse and i still got it to go with help from cgsheens posts... I had issues other than wiring in the end and ended up bagging it but was very helpful info. Edited August 18, 2013 by vale2489 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~KnuckleDuster~ Posted August 18, 2013 Author Share Posted August 18, 2013 Ya, you're boned... That's gonna take even an experienced L28ET swap guy some time and effort to straighten out. There are multiple modifications to stock so you're going to need a good knowledge of the stock system(s) to figure out what's been altered and - A. how to make it work OR B. how to get it back to stock. Unless you find someone stupidly helpful, it's probably going to take a lot more than beer and gas money - no way I'd touch it for that (but then, I don't drink)... Unless you knew a LOT about the stock harness (and how to repair and rebuild it), I'd say ditch that hacked harness - rip it out, get an unmolested stock harness and start from scratch. Your life will be easier. If I offer $100 to anyone who can help I'll get a bunch of guys who have basic knowledge trying to get some easy money and leave me with a car that sits in the garage. I would much rather get an experienced guy to come and spend some time and get the car running and I give him $500 bucks for finally getting my car back on the road. Basically If I'm offering someone beer and gas it's because I don't think they can handle it. Hopefully that clears things up for you. Yes a unmolested harness is probably a good idea.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~KnuckleDuster~ Posted August 18, 2013 Author Share Posted August 18, 2013 Im too lazy to post the link to my thread on wiring help, search for my threads under my username... Seems like my harness was way worse and i still got it to go with help from cgsheens posts... I had issues other than wiring in the end and ended up bagging it but was very helpful info. Thanks, Ill take a gander at those Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~KnuckleDuster~ Posted August 19, 2013 Author Share Posted August 19, 2013 Would it matter if my ecu is for an auto trans? a18-604 046 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stravi757 Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 Would it matter if my ecu is for an auto trans? a18-604 046 No auto ecu is fine. I also recommend just buying a stock turbo harness if the harness in you car has a bunch of modifications and isnt working. You should be able to pick up a stock harness for $100 or less If I were you I would also just read the turbo wiring swap guide on the forums. It could be a very simple fix. They may have just install one wire incorrectly from the ecu to the coil preventing it from getting spark while cranking(which would be like a 5minute fix) I would come by and help if I wasnt so far away. But be patient and take your time looking for the problem. When I was younger and completely inexperienced I almost gave up too swapping a turbo harness into an S30. I now laugh at myself. it really isnt tuff with no experience if you just have PATIENCE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgsheen Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 Several years ago I got that in a fortune cookie: "Patience is the key to joy" Unfortunately, it's true... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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