240Z won't run

[sahunt66]

Howdy,

My 240Z was in storage for about 6-7 years. I changed out the coolant and oil. I removed the carbs and cleaned them. I also drained the gas and put in about 8 gallons of 91 octane. I put gas into the float bowls and it started up and ran wonderful.

I drove it for about three miles and then it died suddenly. It started up once more and died about 15 seconds later; this time for good.

I pulled the hoses that go to the carbs and cranked the motor. Gas is getting to the carbs. What should I check next?

Thanks,

Steve

[2-4-T-Z-MAN]

Even though you drained the gas tank and put more gas in, you could still have some trash floating around.

While the car is running and the pump is sending gas to the carbs it could be picking up residue and blocking the pick-up.

Once the car dies, the vaccum created by the pump dies and the trash falls away.

Restart it and the process can start over.

Now the bad news! You might be able to flush the tank while it is in the car, but gas leaves a varnish like residue that new gas will work on and the problem could be ongoing.

Drop the tank and take it to a radiator shop to be boiled out.

Or if you want to try, still drop it and clean as well as you can. Purchase a coating kit to coat the insides.

Since it has been sitting up so long this would be a good idea any way. I bet once you have done this you will have taken care of your problem.

Good luck !!!

[Chino 240Z]

I would also change out the fuel filter even if it was a new one that you started with. If you are running SU carbs, there is also a "last chance" filter screen in the fittings that feed the fuel float bowls that may need to be cleaned out, some people just run without them, but like I call em -last chance, I use em. Might check down in the fuel bowl to see that they are clean once you get ready to start it up again after cleaning the tank.

Good luck.

[sahunt66]

What does it take to drop the tank? I checked a couple of manuals I have but they didn't give anything on the subject.

Thanks,

Steve

[LanceM]

No big deal dropping the tank. I just dropped mine "again" for the same problems you are having, only mine sat for 15 years with gas that turned to varnish. To drop the tank take the clamp off of the fuel inlet hose and remove the hoses going to the fuel pump and return line along with the vent line that is almost straight above them. Remove the 2 nuts holding the straps at the front of the tank and the tank will drop down. With it in this position you can get to the other vent lines and remove them and remove the tank completely. It is easiest if the car is up on jack stands and the right rear tire is removed. After you do it a couple of times it only takes 5 minutes BTW, empty the tank before you start, it is enough of a job without 50# of gas inside spilling out through the "holes".

Lance

[240Zdragon72]

Have you tried checking the distrubuter? You might be getting fuel and no spark or too weak of a spark depending on if the car it trying to turnover. My 240 would start but die in run. I fixed my problem with a "jumper" wire from the + side of the battery to the + side of the coil and it runs like a champ. Chech your wires. You might have gotten some corrosion on your connectors. Clean them out and try to start it again.

Try to rule out some things. Start by pulling the #1 plug wire and placing it next to the right front strut nut to ground the spark. Have someone crank the car to see if you have spark form your disstrubuter to your spark plug. If not, go in reverse to the coil, then to the connectors on the coil. Good luck with it.