1976 280Z Engine won't start

[Cybidium]

So, I just got a 1976 datsun 280z, This is a project car for and I plan on taking pictures every step of the way to the full restoration!

First and foremost, the engine won’t start, when I turn the key I can hear the starter go, but the thing just won’t turn over. On Monday when I turned the key the engine did turn over, run for about 2 seconds and stall. The guy I got it from said that the gas he put in the engine might have been contaminated with water and recommended putting rubbing alcohol in the tank to separate the water(don't know if he actually did this).

Anyways, as of today the thing just won’t turn over at all so I decided to drain the tank. Ugh… I get everything ready, turn the screw and brown gas comes out, as I fill the container I notice that there is some clear liquid that’s separated from the rest.

I’m going to flush the lines and tank just to make sure it has good gas going into the engine. If any has any ideas or a place to start let me know, any help is greatly appreciated.

[DatsunZsRule]

"so I decided to drain the tank. Ugh… I get everything ready, turn the screw and brown gas comes out, as I fill the container I notice that there is some clear liquid that’s separated from the rest."

Well, you just answered your question right there as to why she doesn't want to run.

Obviously lots of water/moisture entered your tank and you got major rust and junk inside your gas tank. When fuel tanks get that bad, a simple Flush job usually doesn't cut it. That gas tank is going to have to be completely removed from the car and professionally cleaned and coated internally then work your way up to the engine bay cleaning out lines ect. As bad as yours sounds, it may be easier on you to just get a new refurbished tank for it all ready to install. I'm sure all that rust and crud has clogged all the filters too (The small one at the inlet side of fuel pump, and the one under the hood) and when the filters clog, it not only restricts fuel flow, but more crud will come through and bypass the clogged filter and will clog up the injectors.

Put it this way, it's no simple project

Best of luck with it all.

[beandip]

So, I just got a 1976 datsun 280z, This is a project car for and I plan on taking pictures every step of the way to the full restoration!

Ugh… I get everything ready, turn the screw and brown gas comes out, as I fill the container I notice that there is some clear liquid that’s separated from the rest.

When you look at the contents . Was there ANY particles in the brown fuel or was it just gunky. If you find ANY particles , then I am afraid the tank must be pulled . If you just try and flush it . You will be having problems from now on. As Datsrule said . Gary

[Cybidium]

Here is what the gas looks like

Now, in theory, if I cleaned the lines up into the engine, changed the fuel filter and put some clean gas in the tank the car should turn over. I’d have problems later down the line but I can at least see if it was just a gas thing right ?

Anyways, I guess it looks like I’ll have to get a new tank installed.

[Cybidium]

I also did an oil change and the oil had the consistency of black water, I didn’t smell any antifreeze but do you think this might indicate a breach in the engine block?

[webdawg1]

You'll be money ahead if you send it out and have it done right. If your tank is in pretty sound shape with the exception of the rust on the inside then check out the following url:

http://www.gas-tank.com/

Quite a few people here have sent their tanks to them including myself to have them redone correctly...might as well nip it in the bud now and be done with it...so you can move on to something else...

webdawg1

[turbo 260]

I would also pull all the plugs and let the motor turn over. You probably have a ton of crap in there that needs to be blown out. Just disable the distributer before you turn the motor over.

Jim

[Cybidium]

I would also pull all the plugs and let the motor turn over. You probably have a ton of crap in there that needs to be blown out. Just disable the distributer before you turn the motor over.

Jim

So, if I do this that should get the crap out of the engine right ? I just take the spark plugs out, disable the distributer (by disconnecting it ?) and turn the key for a couple of seconds, right ?

[zbane]

I wonder-Is there is any crud built up in your injectors?

[Cybidium]

I wouldn't doubt it. After I blow the engine i'll check the injectors and let you know.

[sblake01]

Now, in theory, if I cleaned the lines up into the engine, changed the fuel filter and put some clean gas in the tank the car should turn over. I’d have problems later down the line but I can at least see if it was just a gas thing right ?

Well, 'down the line' will come sooner than you expect. I tried that when I bought my 78 with the same problem. The 'crud' as I guess most of us call it, will play games with your fuel pressure as it is pulled into the smaller passages on they way to your engine eventually putting you right back to square one. The best way to test would be to let your fuel pump draw clean gas from a can but based on my experience and what you've described, your tank has to be repaired/replaced.

[Cybidium]

I'm in the process of getting my tank repaired. I found a great article on this site about Por-15. So, I think i'll go that way with my tank.

I also had one hell of a time finding my fuel filter in the engine comartment. After following the fuel line to the bracket mounted on the right hand side I notice something strange, a tube, and it's not connected to anything!!! it just goes straight into the fuel pipes.

Is there any testing you guys might recommend while i'm refurbishing my tank or should I just wait 'till I have that done ?