Rebel280 Posted March 30, 2009 Share Posted March 30, 2009 Hey everyone, newbie here with a question that can hopefully be answered and maybe it's a common problem (I can hope right) Anyway, I am picking up a 78 280 from a friend. All stock, it will be getting a v8 of some sort or a turbo swap in the near future. First I need to smog the stock engine....From what I am told the guy can set the timing and fire it up and it will run flawlessly. After driving for a bit, turn it off, then the timing will be off... Is this a comon problem that anyone can give me most likely fix for? Or should I wait to see the car in my hands and diagnose it from there? Thanks for the help everyone and I cant wait to get this thing going on here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted March 30, 2009 Share Posted March 30, 2009 The problem you describe is not likely, if even possible. The distributor is driven off the crank via a geared spindle. Unless the distributor hold downs are loose I can't see how this would occur. Maybe something broken in the vacuum advance plate or something. It all seems very unlikely to me... One issue I've seen on a 280Z distributor is the pickup gap to the trigger wheel can be off. You need BRASS feeler gauges to set this gap as I recall, and I don't know what the gap is supposed to be, you can download a factory service manual off of http://www.carfiche.com, or maybe someone here will pipe up and tell you what the spec is. Were it my car to buy in CA I'd try to find a 75, unless it's a track only thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators RTz Posted March 30, 2009 Administrators Share Posted March 30, 2009 There are two slotted adjustments at the base of the distributor. If neither of those are slipping, then the gear on the quill shaft may be slipping (it's only pressed on). The only other item that comes to mind at the moment is the mechanical advance mechanism in the distributor. They can get gummy with age and it may cause inconsistent timing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators RTz Posted March 30, 2009 Administrators Share Posted March 30, 2009 Jon, beat me to it He's right... its not a very likely scenario. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m1noel Posted March 30, 2009 Share Posted March 30, 2009 OK, I had this happen after having my L6 rebuilt many years ago. The key that keeps the gear on the crankshaft that drives the distributor and oil pump had been improperly installed and worked its way out, allowing that gear to turn slightly on the crank. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel280 Posted March 30, 2009 Author Share Posted March 30, 2009 thanks a bunch fellas. The car should be ariving in my driveway tomorrow and I will start checking over the advance and the gear. One thing he told he is that he replaced the oil pump a few years back....any ties there maybe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel280 Posted March 30, 2009 Author Share Posted March 30, 2009 oh and jon. I wish I could get ahold of a 75 but the guy I am getting the z from needs it out of his property, everything on the car is perfect (minus the timing issue) not a ding, not a rip...and only 300 dollars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stravi757 Posted March 30, 2009 Share Posted March 30, 2009 wow 300 for a running car is cheap, where in the bay area do you live? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel280 Posted March 30, 2009 Author Share Posted March 30, 2009 more southbay ish. Good ole Hollister 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.