Ok I have just purchased a 1977 280z 4 speed The car was sitting for 4 years but fired right up with a new battery. I have spent the last two weekends putting in new plugs, wires, battery, drained fuel tank, breaks, drained and refilled transmission and oil change. I took the car on a quick trip around the neighborhood to see how it ran with these fixes and it ran surprising well. I parked the car in the garage and let it idle for about 5 mins. I popped the hood and as soon as I opened the hood (engine still idling) it stalled. Ok I figured need to adjust something so I attempted to fire it back up and now it wont turn over ????????? :disappoin

I am very confused as it was running well and had started on numerous occasions over the last two weeks. I let it cool down for a bit and figured I would try to crank. As soon as I hit the ignition it tries to turn over like 1/2 and then nothing. Do I need a new starter? I am not very mechanically inclined but I can usually takes something apart and then put it back together if I know whats wrong. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Confused 280z owner in Hickory, NC

Just a thought - it's possible the alternator has failed and you have run the battery dead. Try charging the battery first. If it starts then, take it down to a shop or parts house and have the charging system checked.

I second what Arne stated, if that is the case, the battery was supporting the spark and once it ran outa juice, the spark was gone and no amps left to crank 'er over.

Remember, even if you try to jump it with another vehicle, it may take a bit to charge.

I would use a jump box with some high cranking amps to see if it will turn over.

Keep us posted.

~Brian

By the way, it is fairly common for alterntors to fail after sitting for long periods of time...

And I mean like usually over a year or better.

~B

Thanks for the quick reply everyone. I have verified that the battery is dead and as it is brand new I am fairly confident the alternator is DOA. I will pull it first thing in the morning and get it checked out. Thanks again.

I believe that a 77 would have an external voltage regulator unless the car has been converted. You should check that also. You can get by with changing whichever one is bad, but most people say that you should change both the alternator and the regulator if either is bad.

Where would I locate the voltage regulator. Is it near the alternator? Thanks so much for all your help.

Clueless in NC

it's usually on the pass. side, on the fender wall. Just a metal square-ish box.

I agree with Arne, charge the Battery and drive down and have the charging system checked. This will tell you if it is the alternator or the regulator. As for changing both if one is faulty . This is totally up to you . I would just cure what is causing the problem. Incidentally don't leave a battery discharged long. It effects the ability for it to recharge completely. Gary

Ok,

I have just finished installing a new alternator and voltage regulator. Recharged my battery and she fired up just fine :squareeye

Now I just need to figure out why none of my interior gauges work????

Thanks for all the help everyone

280z Maniac

Start with the fuse box and make sure your fuses are good. I would replace all of them considering she sat for 4 yrs. I would also replace the hoses under the hood like the vacuum, fuel, and any others you see. Glad you fixed the Alt problem and hope you enjoy her.

Ok,

I have just finished installing a new alternator and voltage regulator. Recharged my battery and she fired up just fine :squareeye

Now I just need to figure out why none of my interior gauges work????

Thanks for all the help everyone

280z Maniac

Sounds like you could use a FSM. If you don't already have one, go to this link, scroll down and download the 77 Datsun 280Z FSM. If it says 'TnA' try again later. http://carfiche.com/manuals021/cars/