Problem 72 240Z

[Alex 240Z]

I have been looking at this 72 Presimene red 240Z it looks like it has aapx 38,000 miles body is excellent floor pans and frame rails excellent he did go nuts with the undercoating in engine bay he is the original owner. White interior plastic trim discolored. We took of the damper and checked carbs and one was stuck but with a little coaxing we got the piston to move freely and added a some oil to both carbs and the move fine. Problem there must be some type of vapor lock because we can not get gas to the carbs we added 5 gallons to the tank and I would say the car probably has not run in a while. I am pretty excited about this find !!!!! I got the Z fever

[Bambikiller240]

Most likely not a vapor lock problem if the car "has not run in a while". Vapor lock is generally caused by fuel in the lines or float bowls being over heated and vaporizing before reaching the carbs.

Much more likely that old fuel in the tank (plus moisture in the tank causing RUST) has turned to jello and is plugging the lines, filter, and / or carbs.

[MikeW]

I agree with Carl. You might try getting some fresh fuel in a can and run a fuel hose from the suction side of the fuel pump straight into the can. Keep in mind that this fuel will be returned to the car's gas tank unless you also run the return side to the can. If the car starts you can then work your way backwards.

[kinfish]

If that red Z is located in West Palm Beach at a corner house bordering a lake it is same one I looked at back in Oct. The owner claims it has only 38,000 miles but its condition indicates otherwise. It apparently was stored outside for many years and is victim of rain and humidity. Too much rust and other problems for the $3500 he was asking. It obviously hasn't been run for years. Engine may need major surgery before you get it running again. I was turned off when seller said it was supposed to be advertised at $4500 but got printed as $3500. He also said he had a buyer who was going to pay $4000 but had yet the delivered the cash. Don't mean to deflate your spirit but if you are serious give him a lo-ball offer and plan to spend some bucks to make it safe and somewhat reliable to drive.

[Alex 240Z]

Kinfish you definitely have the right car and you definitely set me straight, thanks for the advice !!! Please tell me what exactly you feel it needs the body looked fine, dash like new, interior I felt I could do! bumpers would have to be redone !! Let me put the word out I am definitely looking for another Z !!!! What do you think it would cost to get this one into shape !!!!!

[kinfish]

Check out the '72 240Z just posted by "SOCAZ". This car has been restored and pictures look like he did outstanding job. The $7,900 price is reasonable, if not a bargain. Much better investment than the $3,500 Z that you looked at which could cost you another $5,000 to make it safe and reliable and that assumes you do the work yourself.

[Alex 240Z]

You were correct when we put gas in a jar on the suction side of fuel pump the car ran ! The metal fuel lines are definitely gunked up what is our next step how do we clear these lines back to the gas tank !!!!! It was good to hear the car run !!!! Thanks for the help !!!!

[Bambikiller240]

You were correct when we put gas in a jar on the suction side of fuel pump the car ran ! The metal fuel lines are definitely gunked up what is our next step how do we clear these lines back to the gas tank !!!!! It was good to hear the car run !!!! Thanks for the help !!!!

Air pressure would be my first suggestion to try to clear the lines, but that won't get the crud out of the tank (where it came from)or keep it from plugging things up again. Only way i know to remedy the situation is to remove the tank and have it cleaned, repaired and sealed. While it's out you can flush the lines with solvent, or gas, and more air. Change filters too.

If you can't get air through the lines, it becomes more difficult. May have to try to run a wire through the lines to break up clogs, or replace the lines. Hopefully it wouldn't come to this.

Good Luck

[Alex 240Z]

Some kids with nothing better to do put something down the tank and it seems like some type of tary substance !!!!! We will try to do what you suggested and I will keep you posted on the progress !!!! Just think I almost bought this car, thanks kinfish for the heads up !!!!!!!

[Bambikiller240]

So you didn't buy it, but are going to work on it?

[Alex 240Z]

I looked at the car three weeks ago and have been helping the owner with it since and up to maybe one week ago I was not aware of the fuel problem. If kinfish did not set me straight I would have inherited some problems. The site has been very helpful and I just love being around Z cars and the more you are under the hood the more you learn !!!!

[Alex 240Z]

Today we dropped the gas tank !!!! Vent hoses need to be replaced and fuel line hoses too !!!! Gas tank sending unit is shot and full of crud and the tank is full of crud besides rust !!! Where can we order these hoses and vent lines and what type of way should we clean out the tank !!! Finally we have to replace the metlal fuel supply line to the fuel pump (clogged too !!!) Has anyone ever done that while the car is complete together !!!! Help !!!!!!