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My Car Won't start


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I recently bought an 91' Datsun 280zx 2+2 for $200, its my FIRST CAR......, i dont even have my license yet so i dont mind the work im gonna b puttin into it. But there is a small problem i need to get passed-the thing just doesn't wanna start. The last owners told me that one day they were on the highway, and they just felt a huge loss of power they got it home and it never started again. The guy replaced the coil, spark plugs, spark plug wires, and he put sum injectors he had lyin around-wich he doesn't no if they were good or not. I can tell u that its not the starter, cuz it cranks the engine over-and the guy replaced that too, its not the distributer or the spark plugs-cuz they fire perfectly. Any Help Appreciated.

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To take off the rail, disconnect the fuel lines that are in front of the valve cover (btw you might want to cover up the lines with a rag since fuel will come out of the rail and lines). The rail also has two brackets that hold it onto the intake manifold and one in front under the valve cover, unscrew them and loosen the clamps on the injectors. There might be some vacuum lines attached too, but after that it should come off.

 

Good luck working on your first Z, Im still working on mine too :-D , and welcome to HybridZ!

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HAVE YOU CHECKED TO SEE IF THE ENGINE IS STATICLY TIMED RIGHT. SOUNDS LIKE THE TIMING BELT/CHAIN HAS JUMPED A TOOTH OR TWO.

 

How would i check if my timing is rite, do u think i should check the compression to see if a valve is opening during compression?

The Z sounds like it wants to start, it turns over and everything-its just it doesn't feel like doin it.

What would b involved in doing the timing chain. I no of a few things that i have to do, and im really not big on bringing it to a mechanic-but if its what i hafta do then its wht i have to do........btw-the mechanic i chose is kind of an ass, but he worked at the datsun factory and speciallizes in the nissan and datsuns.........would it b worth it to do it myself, or bring it to a mechanic-plus i gotta tow it to his place neway.....

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Hi SSK

 

Go for the simple things first.

 

Previous owner said car suddenly lost power, check that something hasn't been sucked into air intake or that a baffle has let go in a muffler.

 

If you have spark at the plug, check fuel filter and that you can hear the fuel pump running and fuel in tank.

 

Check that the flap in the air flow meter moves freely.

 

Check all vacuum connections, PCV circuit and EGR valve.

 

Check all electrical connections.

 

Check that the advance systems in the distributer are both working.

 

If all else fails try the mechanic. Good luck! Neil.

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I cant seem to narrow down the problem, so imma bring it to the datsun mechanic-like i said-hes an ass, mayb if im payin hes not so bad

Its gonna b a 50 dollar towin charge, and then i only got like $400 on me, so i dunno if that will b enough...........wht do u guys thing i should do?

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Take a look at the timing chain again, your car sounds like it has the same problem as mine. Bring the engine to top dead center (look at the big pulley on the front of the block, and make the timing mark line up with the 0 on the marker) then take off the valve cover, if you take a look at the sprocket in the front there are 3 holes in it. If you look inside the hole at the top there is a V shaped indentation, and a small rectangular indentation behind it. You want the rectangle to be on the left side of the V shape, if you have a shop manual it will show a drawing

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Haynes should work, and if the timing is off I would get the tool for it http://www.zcarparts.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=60-9921&Category_Code=TE Without it the tensioner will pop out and be a huge PITA, and then you will have to take out the radiator, fan, water pump, harmonic balancer, and front cover. I have had to do this twice, its not fun :evil: . If you dont have any problems with the tensioner then it is pretty easy to fix, and should only take about 30-45 mins at the most. BTW you want the rectangle indentation to be as close the the left side of the V as possible

http://hybridz.org/nuke/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/14952/normal_timing%20stuff.jpg <-- I still need to adjust mine a little (sorry for the blurry pic)

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Just to let u guys no-the 280 is goin into the shop, i talked to the mechanic's son(who is also a datsun specialist). he is alot cooler than his dad-he told me the worst thing it could b would b bent valves due to horrible timing. I talked to him for awhile, and he said he'd b able to look at it and quote me hopefully on wednsday! not bad at all. well im out...

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  • 1 month later...

After 2 months, its finnally out the shop..........It runs, but it needs a new pressure regulator-i just clamped the return and got it to start.

 

The front brakes completely locked-up, so they had to remore the brake pads.....o well, i'll get sum junk yard calipers to last me till i get the bigger brake kit sumday..............

 

Nebody selling stock calipers in working condition?

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Dude, it's your lucky day. :lol: I think I can help you out. I have an 81 280zx Im trying to part out.. don't know where you are located, but if you pay for shipping, I'll sell them to ya DIRT cheep.. Heck I'd be happy to just get rid of the whole car for $100 to someone who could use it. Looks like I have to move it soon, and aside from the rear diff/drive shafts, none of it is any good for me (got a 75 280z Im gona V8 this winter) but I'd HATE to scrap it out.. it's still pretty good aside from the rotten floors. :cry: sad sad sad... PM me to let me know if you wana work something out.

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