Need some help with 280ZX distributor

[jonx4x4]

I dont actually have a Z-car, but am a big fan.

What I do have is a 69 Patrol with the stock motor and a distributor out of a 79(I think?) 280ZX.

I put this distributor in my Patrol, and it went from barely starting on points to starting by barely bumping the key!

Well, I drove it around for awhile like this enjoying the increase in power and everything. But slowly, over time it started getting harder and harder to start!

Well, the other day, I started it up to pull it out of my shop. It started with a little coaxing, but it did start and run. I parked it, and tended to my shop.

When it came time to pull it back in, it took everything I had just to get it to start. It ran rough, and would only run at about half throttle. Too much more, and it would start afterfiring(I did a search and learned the term on here). So, I killed it and looked around under the hood. I didnt see anything, so I put my other carb on it.

It wouldnt even start. I tried putting the original carb back on. No dice. Not even a sputter. I knew the carb needed a rebuild, so I went ahead and rebuilt it. Still no dice with either carb.

I tried ether. It was like I was pouring water in there. It just didnt do anything for it.

I checked for fuel. I put the end of the fuel hose in a jar and cranked it over. It was producing plenty of fuel. The full carb bowl should have been a good indicator. That, and the fact that the ether wasnt doing any good.

I got to looking and found a big split in the vacuum hose running from my intake to carb(dont think it does anything). I plugged it off and tried ether in the carb. Nothing. Replaced the hose. Still nothing.

So I decided to check ignition. It is sparking, but I dont know if it is doing it very well. I took off the cap, and found that the little terminal that touches the center of the rotor was gone. So, I put another cap and rotor on. Nothing.

So, I wonder if the ignition control module is alright. Since the spark didnt look too terribly strong.

I have not ran a compression test, but I figure if its valve timing, Ive got other bigger problems. Especially since its gear-on-gear. Besides, I would think I would hear a difference in the way it runs.

I dont think it can jump ignition timing either, but since the distributor is a retro-fit, I dont know.

Any suggestions? Any way I can test the ignition control module?

[Zs-ondabrain]

The usual thing about the ZX dizzy is it works, or it don't. You did'nt mention whether you changed the plugs or not. What kind of plugs are you running?

It most likely (being a Datsun) should have NGK BP6es or similar plugs. Might be time for a new coil as well.

Dave.

[zbane]

Well, here are some photos (yes, I still need to get a scanner) of my '79 FSM. Perhaps it will be of some use to you.

[Zup]

Try and find a replacement module. At the very least, clean the case and terminals.

Mine worked I thought, but never had the real pep that everyone talked about when I did the upgrade. The car would start and run but somehow I never was that impressed.

It got cold here and the car got harder and harder to start, then wouldn't fire at all. It would turn over just great, but wouldn't fire up even with a little starter fuild. :mad:

Talked with my trusted mechanic and he asked if I had a different module to use. As it turned out I did. I cleaned up the case really good and shiny, and used De-oxit on all the terminals before re-installing.

Bam! Barely turned the key and it fired right up! :classic:

These modules can get to the point that they become marginal and then quit working altogether in short order.

Try and find/borrow another-----the difference is amazing (over points) when they work properly. Much hotter spark.

Hope my experience that was very similar to yours helps.

Be sure and repost how it turns out-- for others in the future.

Jim D.

"Zup'

[jonx4x4]

Zs-ondabrain- I got it a new Accel Super Stock coil about 3,000mi ago. BUT just for the sake of trying, I did try a new Echlin coil. No dice. It does have BP6ES plugs. They too were replaced 3,000mi ago. I took each one out and cleaned the unburnt fuel off of them. They looked like new after cleaning them up with my wire wheel.

Zbane- Thanks for the scans!! Im sure they will help.

Zup- Ill bet thats it. My 'trol sees LOTS of mud. It is really just everywhere, and Ive already had hell with connections elsewhere. Not to mention I used parts store crimp-on ends without dielectric grease. I will give cleaning the terminals a try, and if that doesnt work, I will look for a new module.

THANKS! I will be sure to let yall know if it works or not.

Oh, and heres a pic of the ZX distributor in my Patrol. Back when it ran... so-so. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v177/Jonx4x4/Patrol/im003853.jpg