Just purchased 240z - more than one issue

[Voodoo13]

I recently purchased a 72 240z, knowing there were more than a few bugs. I have a few that I am hoping some of you have input on or experience with.

Behold, the list:

1. Electical: The stereo (and usually headlights) go off (briefly) when hitting a large bump (especially when going slow). This appears to happen when braking at times, also. A simple short in the system or part of a larger electical problem? The stereo always turns off when the hazzards are on.

2. Engine (oil): the pressure guage can, at times, go all the way to zero, when idling. Seems to be okay (relatively) when driving at various speeds. There is also an oil leak that is more significant after longer drives ... appears to be coming from area where transmission meets up.

3. Engine (temperature): Though there is plenty of liquid in radiator, longer drives on freeway result it temperature guage going and staying over 250 on guage. Obviously a problem, but not sure to what extent, considering possible innacuracies of older guages. Despite the level, the engine does not overheat in a traditional sense.

Thanks in advance for any advice on these items.

[Sailor Bob]

I have a 280 but some issues are common:

#2 oil pressue - frequently discussed issue, usually associated with the sender unit failing with age. A new unit can be purchased for about $60 or less if you buy non-oem grade.

#3 overheating is also common - but I think it is better for a 240 owner to speak to this or you can check the search function - I sure there are lots of related threads.

Good luck

[240ZX]

Chris,

Welcome to the site and congrats on getting a Z! The questions you posted are certainly nothing new to folks buying these old beauties. Your same questions have been asked many many times. Remember how old these cars are! Your in luck, the archive files on this site (accessed via the search function) will address just about any issue you may encounter with your Z. Your not alone with these issues. Many other Z owners have also had to deal with them! So, prepare yourself for a bit of research reading. However, as a start......buy a factory service manual and do all the basic tune-up stuff first.

Tom

[ta240]

3. Engine (temperature): Though there is plenty of liquid in radiator, longer drives on freeway result it temperature guage going and staying over 250 on guage. Obviously a problem, but not sure to what extent, considering possible innacuracies of older guages. Despite the level, the engine does not overheat in a traditional sense.

In my experience when they heat up on freeway trips it has tended to be a small leak in the system bleeding off pressure. Not enough of a leak to make a noticable puddle anywhere or a quick drop in fluid level, just enough to drop the pressure in the system. I'm not sure if it is a common cause but I've run into it 2-3 times in the past on various cars.