runs rough, need help

[MEZZZ]

I have a '77 280Z that is running very rough and I need some advice from you guys.

When I bought it last Sept it seemed to run fine. I changed the oil and filter and cleaned up the engine compartment a bit and noticed that it started running a little off after that. At that time I also put on a "cold air intake" in place of the stock air box and when I did that I pulled off the AFM and cleaned it up inside and out. At that time is when I noticed it seemed to be missing a bit. I also used some degreaser on the engine and cleaned it up and I thought maybe I got some on the fuel injection wires (they have some cracks in them). One day, it seemed to run ok, the next day it was missing, a few days later, it seemed ok again, etc.

I just bought new plugs (NGK B6ES-11, Taylor Hi Pro wires, new dist. cap and rotor and a fuel filter. I took out each plug (they were black and dry, not oily), checked the gap .042 and installed the new ones, replaced the wires one by one in order and then did the same thig with the dist.cap and rotor. Changed the fuel filter, charged her up and after a bit of cranking she fired. It sounded good for a few seconds, letting it idle, then I gave it a little gas and its still missing, spitting out quite a bit of smoke(black) as well.

Do you think I might have screwed up the AFM wiping it out? I read that the car will run like crap if its unplugged and I wonder what else it might be?

Any ideas are very much appreciated.

[zbane]

Just a couple little thoughts of what to look for/check-

When you removed the AFM for cleaning, did you notice any cracks in the rubber boot? Also, did you clean the electrical connectors from the AFM? Perhaps it didn't get reconnected completely, perhaps some corrosion has gotten in there over the winter?

Then again, it could me some muck in the fuel lines (starting at the tank, of course)... Just start by checking everything you did earlier, then proceed to electrical connections in general, then check the overall health of the fuel system (switch the order as you wish, but those would be the areas I would check).

[MEZZZ]

I will check that out today, thanks. I was thinking of unplugging the AFM and see if it makes any difference. I will clean the contacts and see if that helps. The boots are in good shape, fairly soft and crack free.

Would it make sense that if I unplug the AFM and notice no difference then I have narrowed it down? I remember cleaning the outside with Simple Green and a scotchbrite pad and then wiping out the yuck from inside.

The car ran well after I did this and within about 10 miles I noticed a difference.