not sure what is wrong? maybe fuel prob

[WandererS30]

1971 240z.

Summary = problem: car died, wont start... gets spark, maybe no gas.

I got my car running the other day and i drove it around the block a few times. The engine ran smoothly aside from a few exhaust leaks. in fact, when i got it started it was no trouble, it just started right up. Then i was told the following from somone else who worked on the car:

1. I plugged the vacuum leak on the top pipe (that goes no where) with a piece of tube and a screw. That brought the idle down a bit so I adjusted the idle arm slightly to make it sound a little smoother. It was starting and running real good.

2. I decided to plug the exhaust leak, so I bought some stuff. While that was drying I washed the car. I noticed the paint has faded again so I started buffing and waxing. I got the front end looking pretty good. I started it up... the exhaust leak was gone and it sounded pretty good.

3. I decided to drive it around the block to watch the speedometer and check the braking action. Everything was working fine until I got half way down the street towards our house...The engine just stopped running...no sputtering or warning...just died. I thought the distributor went bad. So I got out and started pushing. A neighbor saw me and helped push it into the driveway. Ever since it has died, the motor turns over, but there are no signs of starting.

4. I opened the distributor and took some measurements. I had mom turn the key while I checked for spark...Plenty of spark from the # 2 plug. (I assumed the rest are good)

5. No smells of gas while attempting to start so I suspected the lack of fuel to the carbs. The book guided me to the carburetor where I took off the fuel line entering the front carb. I put the fuel line end in a coffee can and turned the key. Fuel is supposed to squirt in the can...NO FUEL. I took off the fuel filter and was able to blow through it (seems good).

6. I put in a couple gallons of gas and the engine turn over a few times. I checked for fuel out of the pump again and still can not confirm the pump is working.

Next chance I get, I'm going to take off the fuel line "to" the mechanical pump and check for sucking when the engine turns. (Tip from web site) I believe there won't be any. If there is, then we got a fuel line problem.

Note: The mechanical pump looks near impossible to remove in its current position

Note: There does not appear to be a electrical pump

[WandererS30]

Anyone have any input as to what my problem might be? why did the car die? how can i fix this?

[Virto]

I'd think you'd have gotten some lumpy running for a few seconds before cutoff if it was a fuel starvation issue, but I've got a 280, so I'm only used to FI.

A lot of the most "in the know" guys on the board pop on around quitting time, as most work during the day. Someone will be around to give you a hand, it might just take a little while.

[BuDavid]

I'm also a FI user, but have u tried to add some fuel into the carb's opening to let it flow to the combustion chamber to let the engine burn some fuel and to see weather it takes over for a while or not?

that way u can ensure that it is a fuel supply problem.

[wfl_colorado]

First off, does the fuel filter have gas in it? If not, take off the input line that feeds the bottom of the filter. Put that end in a container of fuel an crank the car. Does the fuel get sucked into the filter? If so, you might have a leak in one of your lines or connections. If not, then you might have a fuel pump issue. I just had a similar problem on my car.

[240ZX]

My quess is, based on what you've indicated and the age of your Z, you probably have crap and or rust in your tank. The pick-up line in the tank has no screen, just an open end of the tubing. Its very typical for these old Zs to have debris is the gas tank. You might want to check it out.

[wfl_colorado]

So is the only solution to debris in the tank, to take it off and have it cleaned?

[beandip]

Is it possible that you have a electric fuel pump ? After 35 years it is possible some one has installed one. Have a look . If you find a pump back by the tank , there should be a in line filter in between the pump and the tank. If it is blocked , there is the problem. Worth a look. If no pump back there , then blow some compressed air in to the line from the inlet hose to the filter . If the pick-up is blocked this will clear it. It should not be a big deal to pull the old mechanical pump . I am not sure if Nissan still stocks new pumps ,but there should not be any trouble to find a rebuilt one . If that is the problem. What type of ignition is on the car ? You didn't say and how did you test for spark ? By grounding one of the plug wires ? Have you been doing anything with the timing prior to this ?

[WandererS30]

The ignition is stock i am assuming. points distributor, timing is set at 0 i believe.

hopfully it is just debris in the tank. i will have a look at see what is up

[wfl_colorado]

Let us know what you find as I am curious.

[beandip]

The ignition is stock i am assuming. points distributor, timing is set at 0 i believe.

The timing should be set at 10 degrees BTDC . Check the points and see if they are pitted or burned . If the engine was running reasonably well then just quit totally. could be the condenser if it failed this is how it would act. Check the wire that is attached to it to see if it is broken or the insulation is missing any where along is length. Gary

[Zedrally]

snip..

could be the condenser if it failed this is how it would act. Check the wire that is attached to it to see if it is broken or the insulation is missing any where along is length. Gary

But he said he still had spark, it should at least idle if that is the case.

Condenser bad = no spark period...

I think you may have a fuel problem, interested how you go...