1977 280 Z starting and fuel problems

[Bill Hare]

I have a 1977 280 Z that is run only about 100 miles a year. I let the battery go dead and did not start the engine for about 2-3 months. In the past it usually started quickly. After replacing the battery, and attempting to start, the car will not start and does seem to be getting enought fuel or any fuel. Since this has not happended for a while, I was not sure where to start.

I did remove the fuel filter outlet hose and when cranking gasoline did surg about a foot out of the filter, but NOT as strong as I though it should. I plan on replacing the fuel filter as a precaution. Duiring the cranking process, the engine does not even indicate it will start, just the sound of the starter motor cranking.

Thanks for any advice

Bill Hare

[DatsunZsRule]

Do you notice a strong fuel smell when cranking the starter? How old is the fuel in your tank? when was your fuel filter last replaced? Have you checked for possible vacuum leaks?

Just trying to start with the simple things first

[76Datsun280z]

I'd start out by giving it a good tune up. Oil change, spark plugs and drain the fuel ect. Old fuel gets stail and turns to varnish when it sits like that for long periods of time. Old oil is never a good thing either. If it doesn't seem to be getting any fuel, check to see if your fuel pump to see is pumping fuel. The tank will most likely need to be pulled sometime because of the old fuel and varnish building up inside of there, and you don't want that stuff in your fuel lines and system for obvious reasons. Before just trying to start the car after it's been sitting for a long time, I'd go through it first and like I said, give it a tune up and pulling your tank and having it cleaned would be good for starters. 100 miles just isn't enough for a car to be driven yearly. After you get it her going again have some fun and get her' out on occasion on some nice long drives throughout the year!