240z virgin... Q's to get car running...

[sac02]

Howdy folks, my name is Mac and I just inherited a '73 240z. I need some help to get this car running. Here's the deal:

This car ran well and was well taken care of up untill the P.O. parked it (still running fine) about four years ago. It was started and ran poorly about a year ago, then had the fuel tank drained and the (SU) carbs partially disassembled on a hunch by the PO that it might be the carb's fault for the poor running, I'm thinking just bad gas after three years in storage?.

What should I do first to get this thing running? Do I need to address the fuel system or just fill the tank?

OK, about the carbs: Right now just the floats are off the carbs, otherwise they are assembled. Should I just get a gasket set and put them on the car and see what happens or should I take the carbs off the car and tear them down and start from scratch. I am very mechanically inclined, having built my e30 BMW into a near race car, but don't have any experience with carburation, FWIW.

Sorry if I'm not giving you much to work with, I didn't want a super-long post.

TIA,

Mac "still loyal to the Bimmers" Hooke

[hmsports]

Congrats on your new Z!

Check the following for the carbs:

1 - Pistons move freely and smooth - and the damper oil is filled

2 - Choke mechanism works (it lowers the needle housing/tube at the bottom)

3 - Linkage isn't binding or gummed up

4 - Open the floats and check the jet to make sure it isn't clogged (or blow thru the inlet)

5 - Check the condition of the fuel delivery tube from the float bowl to the carb

6 - Check/clean the cylindrical filters in the banjo fittings on the float lid

If these items are fine, I think you can skip the rebuild for now.

Make sure you replace any fuel filters.

Sounds like bad gas to me.