At my wits end. (Starting problems, 78 280Z)

[The_Wondrous]

Well I managed to get my old fuel problem fixed, but more and more problems pop up. This one could be easy or complex...

My Z runs, or ran... just fine for about 6 weeks after we got it out of the shop (I know... But I didn't have the tools to do the job...) Then I go to have my stereo beefed up.. Park the car, turn it off, walk inside, back outside, and try to start my car. Not 5 minutes after it ran perfectly it doesn't start.... It'll try and try and try until gas fumes are everywhere. Battery is at full charge, it's getting fuel, even spraying starter fluid into the intake did nothing.

My guess is that it's flooded. My 2nd guess is the distributer that the mechanics said was "loose". And my 3rd guess is that God hates me for having a cooler car than him... but we can pretty much rule that out.

Later today I'm getting it towed back home... If anyone can confirm my suspisions or enlighten me on my errors I'd be grateful. :knockedou

[EScanlon]

Hard to guess at, but if you put your wallet on the console just before going into the stereo shop, the car sensed the $ within and decided you would be spending the money differently than you had intended. (The car has an in-the-console $ detector! )

Aside from the stereo, what other repairs, upgrades, or refurbs were you planning to do before you decided on the stereo? The car may have decided you would be doing those first. :paranoid:

SBLAKE one of the members here is most familiar with the 280's and I'm sure he'll see your post and give you suggestions.

Meanwhile, check for the obvious, spark at the coil and plugs, fuel, make sure the distributor is working (remove cap and observe rotor), check the distributor cap, etc.

FWIW

E

[SteveJ]

To add to what E had to say, be sure to inspect the wires and the cap. I recently picked up a 260Z for a good price because the previous owner couldn't get it started. It turns out that the distributor cap was bad where the coil wire connected to it.

Also, check the plugs. If they are fouled, that could prevent starting, especially coupled with a weak spark. Have you noticed any signs of burning oil (blue smoke out the tailpipe, low oil, etc.)?

Considering that the car smelled like gas, fuel is probably not the problem.

By the way, what exactly did the mechanic mean by the distributor being "loose"? Can you turn it to the left and right? Does the shaft wobble?

[EdMo]

I had a similar problem "posted a thread back on 1-13-08" you might want to check through it. It is still listed at the bottom of the Help Me first page list called Another EFI problem. My problem ended up being the Fuel Pressure Regulator, sounded like your problem, but I was able to restart my car after it would sit for a while. Good Luck.