i have a 78 280z with a 280zx engine/drivetrain with triple carbs. i cant seem to get my z to simply turn over. all the fuses check out. my question is do i need any of the fi harness and related fi component for the z to turn over? the over all goal is to try and start the car but first i need her to atleast turn over.

Does the starter click or anything?

Start with the wire on the starter, also check the ign. switch. It the 78' has a starter relay, check it for power with the key on and with the key turned to the start position.

Edited July 1, 200915 yr by Zs-ondabrain

Sounds to me like a "no crank" condition, and not a "crank-no start" right?

I agree with Zs-Ondabrain, check your starter wiring (battery cables), and for good ground contact. Is the signal wire to the starter connected? Ignition switch and starter relay should also be checked for function. The battery is good right?

when i turn the key i get nothing. not even flicker of light in the gauges. im not getting any power to the dash harness at all. thats why i was started to wonder if i needed some of the FI harness.i guess i need to bust out the volt meter instead of using a ground tester.

Start with the wire on the starter, also check the ign. switch. It the 78' has a starter relay, check it for power with the key on and with the key turned to the start position.

where is the starter relay located? is it set of relays near the passenger kick panel?

here's the wiring for the engine bay

im guessing the two plugs are for a/c stuff atleast thats what it looked like in the fsm

the fusible links are all new.a

Call me crazy but it looks like your starter wire isn't even plugged into the solenoid. (Black/white stripe wire above the white power wire at the starter)

It looks like it's touching but not quite plugged in.

Edited July 1, 200915 yr by Zs-ondabrain

You are saying not a flicker of a light in the gages ? How about the horn or headlights ? I am not that up on a '78 , but does it have a fusible link at the positive post at the starter?

Dave I. Jump in here.

Gary

i super busy today so i didnt get to mess with the Z

Call me crazy but it looks like your starter wire isn't even plugged into the solenoid. (Black/white stripe wire above the white power wire at the starter)

It looks like it's touching but not quite plugged in.

the wire is not a plug type its screwed into the solenoid

You are saying not a flicker of a light in the gages ? How about the horn or headlights ? I am not that up on a '78 , but does it have a fusible link at the positive post at the starter?

Dave I. Jump in here.

Gary

im not aware of any fusible links on the starter it self. i have a picture of the starter wiring in my first post. i dont have a steering wheel on the car so no horn and i have yet to install the headlight harness.