My Z won't start

[Mikey Likes It]

Let me preface this by saying I have searched the forums a bit and have consulted my Clymer and Haynes manuals. I'm sure this has been discussed here at one point but I can't find anything that matches my situation. I just need a little help getting pointed in the right direction.

I've had the Z for about 2 1/2 months now. I've been driving it leisurely around the neighborhood about once a week. It has always been a little difficult to start but once it starts up it ran great. A few weeks ago, I noticed that it would sputter when starting from a stoplight but, after almost dying, would eventually "wake up" and be fine. A few days ago, I started it and it had a VERY slow idle, I tried giving it gas but it wouldn't respond and then it just died. Now it will crank but will not turn over.

According to Clymer, it could be the ignition, carburetors, etc. What are some of your expert opinions?

Many thanks.

[Phacade]

I'll assume you checked the plugs and the wires, yes? Ran a compression test? Checked the coil for power? Checked the fuel pump? Those cam-powered fuel pumps can be touchy and if its not putting out enough fuel; no boom boom. How about the fuel filter?

[chickenwafer]

I agree with Tiberwolf on this. Always suspect the little things first, even as little as do you have fresh gas in the tank? Then check the fuel delivery system, like the fuel pump, filter, line, etc. The check spark via spark plugs, spark plug wires, distrubitor, etc. If all those pan out, then start to suspect something more serious.

Dave

[gogriz91]

I had similar problems and it turned out to be the fuel filter was cloogged full of crap. It idled ok but when the flow picked up at higher throttle setting the crap in the filter wouldn't let the fuel through.

Just another item to check on your checklist.

[Mikey Likes It]

Thanks for the replies. This gives me a good starting point. I'm hoping it's something as simple as a fuel filter but we will see. Based on the service records that I have from the previous owner, the fuel pump was replaced in July 2000 and the car has been driven about 5,000 miles since. How often do these go bad?

Also looking at the service records that I have (since 1998), it looks like there has been a long history of "adjusting air fuel mixture" about 2-3 times a year. The car was driven on average 2,000 miles a year. Is that normal?

Forgive the questions if they sound silly, I'm still a Z novice.

Mike

[beandip]

Fuel pumps last for years. I don't suspect that . The filter could be clogged , a good possability the way you described the engine was acting. I would just replace it , there cheep and you will need one eventually any way. There may still be filter screens in the inlet to the carbs , most of us remove these . When you check for spark at the plugs , if there isn't any , remove the dist cap . If you are still running points check to see if they are burned or pitted. If eather , replace them as well as the condenser . At this point DO NOT START TRYING ANY ADJUSTING OR MESSING WITH THE CARBS. Solve the starting issue . Gary

[1 Bravo 6]

I had a problem with the distributor cap.

The car just would not start.

Checked all connections, leads, etc, replaced fuel filter but still no go.

The problem turned out to be the contacts inside the distributor. After a touch up with screw driver, the old girl started first kick.

Rick.

[Mikey Likes It]

OK I think I may have isolated the problem. I replaced the fuel filter and noticed a couple of things:

1) There was no fuel in the old filter and no fuel spilled out of the lines.

2) There is definitely gas in the tank.

3) After putting the new filter on and trying to start it again, still nothing happened and there is no fuel in the new filter.

Does the fuel pump push the fuel only past the pump or does is suck the fuel all the way from the tank through the filter and to the carbs?

[chickenwafer]

no fuel in the filter- bad fuel pump or line.

[beandip]

OK I think I may have isolated the problem. I replaced the fuel filter and noticed a couple of things:

1) There was no fuel in the old filter and no fuel spilled out of the lines.

2) There is definitely gas in the tank.

3) After putting the new filter on and trying to start it again, still nothing happened and there is no fuel in the new filter.

Does the fuel pump push the fuel only past the pump or does is suck the fuel all the way from the tank through the filter and to the carbs?

If your car has a electric pump it will be right next to the fuel tank on the passenger side. If it has a manual only then chances are it is shot. Again if there is a electric pump there should be filter between the pump and tank. It is a inline filter about 3'' long and about 1'' in dia. This could be plugged. If there is a electric check to see if it runs when you turn the key to the start position. If there is no electric pump or inline filter , if you have access to compressed air try blowing some air back through the fuel line to the tank. Just incase there is a blockage. If this proves neg. then the mechanical pump needs to be replaced . I don't think that Nissan has new pumps , they are over a hundred bucks if they do. Just go to a parts store and buy a rebuilt. But do the checking I posted first . Good luck Gary

[Mikey Likes It]

OK here's the update...

I changed out the mechanical fuel pump today and still nothing. Not starting. A couple of things that I noticed:

1) When I took the old pump off, I noticed a little bit of oil dripping out but no fuel. It stopped dripping after a little bit.

2) After switching out the pumps and trying to start it, there is still no fuel whatsoever in the filter. It's bone dry. Shouldn't there be at least some fuel in there?

I'm concerned this may be a bigger deal than I once thought.

[helopilot]

try removing the fuel cap and cranking the engine. some times the breather or vent can be clogged. if there is no air able to get in the tank the gas can't leave. other than that it sounds like a blocked line.