'83 won't fire

[spotfitz]

Been working on step-sons '83 280zx. We replaced the intake/exhaust gasket due to a leak and thermostat housing gasket while we were there. We did find out the head gasket is blown again, but not leaking antifreeze into #6 cylinder like it was before. We replaced the head gasket about a month ago. I fear the head is warped due to the previous owner not knowing how to bypass the heater, but the new gasket lasted a month with no problems. Once we got it back together it wouldn't start.

Fuel pressure at 40psi. Everything is hooked up correctly. I've spent all day trouble shooting this thing and can't find anything wrong. AFM is not stuck. Injectors are firing. Spark plugs are firing. Firing order is correct. Distributor timing didn't move. TPS is disconnected, which is the way it was running before. Tried using a jumper for pin 29-30 and nothing. I can not think of anything that would cause it not to start. I have not checked the thermo time or the head temp switch. I need another brain to shoot me more ideas. What am I missing?

[spotfitz]

The trouble still continues. Took the car to All Z's and replaced the ECU with no change. I had already run through the steps to check the thermo time switch and the head temp sensor before taking it to them. Both checked out ok with the head temp being in the 2.9 ohm range at 72*. I am at a loss. They can't figure it out either.

We have proper fuel pressure(40) and looking at the plugs and the smell we have fuel. Check each plug we have fire. Coil wire to body ground can be pulled to about an inch before it stops jumping the gap to the body, so good spark. AFM isn't stuck shut or open and moves freely. All grounds are good. All connections are good.

Is there something I'm missing?

Anyone have a clue?

[Forrest]

If the car was running before it went down, this is pretty unlikely - but have you checked your fusible links? After everything you've mentioned I can't think of anything else. You can also do the FSM voltmeter tests on the AFM, I suppose.

[spotfitz]

I have checked the fusable links and even replaced them with the ones from my '77 along with the coil to eliminate those items. I plan to switch the afm out this weekend to see if that fixes the problem. Thanks for the ideas.

Keep them coming guys.

I waiting for the "just put a V8 in it!" statement, but I'm sure the kid would kill himself in it then.

[Guest Daiser Z]

Might be a little redundant, But after Severe Frustration and some gas and matches ... every time my 79' gives me any no start problems i have learned to check the ignition switch. The Switches Go bad almost instantly. Check and see if you can disconnect the ignition wire from the starter and see if she will bust off by remote starting. If she will, then take apart the ignition column and check the internals of the lock/ignition cylinder. You can also jumper wire the ignition internals and "MAKE" the ignition internals work. It's like a 15$ part for just the ignition internals. Just a thought? By the By. throwing parts at a Z is like donating to charities. Costs a ton of money and you very rarely see results.

[datsunlover]

I'll second that.. Seams to be a common problem with Nissans. Had an 85 200sx that would do that sometimes, and my 93 king cab started doing it to me this past winter (in the DEAD of winter one day, -35C iirc.. grrr...) Evrything would work, pump came on, had spark, heck evrything electrical worked EXCEPT the starter?!?! I jumped the starter with a screwdriver and it kicked over, so I figured it was a wiring problem. After a day or so, I got around to looking at the igniton in the colum. All I have to do is turn the key and wiggle it around a bit in the 'start' position and it'll fire. Not really a fix, but something to try..