Z-8 Posted August 19, 2005 Share Posted August 19, 2005 Alright, this is my first post. I have a 1979 280ZX that I'm planning on dropping a LT-1/T-56 into. But right now I've got some problems with the original engine. It's been pretty much babied, and I take real good care of it(i'm the 4th owner). I was tring to move the battery to the back, and somehow created a major electrical problem. I used a 2 gauge wire, not sure if that was smart, to connect the battery to the original + side. And ran the ground to the body(not the chassis, and not to the original - side). I try to start the car, and it kills the car. I've checked the ignition relay, and it's good. I've replaced the starter(the solinoid was bad), but that didn't fix it. I hear the injectors going(I think) and the relay might be causing the problem. The fusible links seem to be in good condition, checked them with a multi-meter(lets hear it for fluke's). Also all the fuses were checked to be good, but I replaced most of them anyway(some moron but all 20/25 amp fuses in). I'm going to check the battery at kragens later. Also it might be the EFI relays. Sorry this is so long, been working on it pretty hard the past couple of days. Also some tips on moving the battery would be great. Thank you for your time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike kZ Posted August 19, 2005 Share Posted August 19, 2005 Welcome to the site! 2 gauge sounds small. I used a 00 cable. Make sure where the ground is tied there is no paint, and also make sure you ground the engine to the body, no paint at that connection too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z-8 Posted August 20, 2005 Author Share Posted August 20, 2005 Cool, thanks. I switched batteries and it ran!! Started up like normal. And in my jubilation, remembered that I had disconnected the alt. And in my jubilation, forgot why. I reconnected that and the same symptoms reappeared, so I'm pretty sure it's my alt. 2 gauge wire is still thicker then the + side wire going to the starter, or the stock ground wire. I'll make sure that the new connections are really good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z-8 Posted August 21, 2005 Author Share Posted August 21, 2005 I've taken the batteries, and alt. down to kragen and they're all good. The fuses are fine, and the relays. So right now, I'm pretty much out of ideas. Any help would be great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrandonsZ Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Make absolutely sure the alt is hooked up correctly, there could be a short to the alt, just jumper a new wire form the alt tot he battery and see if that fixes it, if so, then your alt wire has a short probably. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z-8 Posted August 27, 2005 Author Share Posted August 27, 2005 Well, I fixed the problem. As it turned out, the main wire coming off the +side of the battery needed to be replaced. My roommate and I figured this one out by unhooking the +side wire from the starter, and leaving the orginal battery to power the car like normal. But the battery was a little low on juice, so we hooked up a battery charger/jumper to it. Then we hooked another battery just to the positive side of the starter and grounded on the car. And while we were doing this, my roommates daughter wanted to hit the second battery with an open-end wrench. To many things to keep my mind on. It's some crazy a$$ engineering, but it worked. Hope this was entertaining for some of you guys. Well thats all for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.