I just bought a 78 280z that I have been having troubles with. Periodically while I am driving it it doesn't run while I am giving it gas. Idles fine, but as soon as I put it under load it dies. Release the gas and it runs fine again.

Just recently I went through the factory service manual and started checking all the sensors. I cleaned off a bunch of grounds, unplugged and plugged in the control box, and fixed what I thought was a bad ground on the air regulator.

Now it runs REALLY rich. White smoke out the exhaust and smell of gas. But I don't think I did anything. I'm really confused.

what carbs do you have? White smoke is usually an indication of running to lean, or your valve seals are leaking oil, burning inside the combustion chamber.

Tyrone, he wouldn't have carbs being a US market 78. Obviously, the second problem (running really rich) would most likely come from something that was done during your cleaning/replacing of grounds. What you initially described could be anything from a bad temperature sensor, a bad fuel filter, a clog somewhere in the fuel system, etc. Did you test the fuel pressrue at any point?

No, on my list of things to do is check the fuel pressure. Money is tight right now and I am waiting till I can afford the tool.

But now, things are worse. I turn the key and it sound like the starter motor hits a brick wall. It just goes *THUNK*. I don't get it.

..it was a bad connection at the computer. A couple of pins had bent over when I plugged it back in...whoops. I wanted to thank everyone who helped, especially since all of my problems are not solved yet and I believe I will be back.

-Brad