Electrical Ghost...

[JohnnyP]

I had a problem with a very rapid drain on my battery a few weeks ago on my 280. with the help of everyone here I managed to narrow it down to the voltage regulator. So, I tested it, and ended up having to replace it. Did so. Now for the current problem:

I replaced the voltage regulator 4 days ago, the car ran fine, no problems. I kept the battery hooked up to see if the new regulator would do its job, and it did. So for 3 days my car would start up with the first turn of the key, no problems. Now, on the morning of the 4th day, totally dead. I went to start it up and nothing, not a turn over, not a clicking, nothing...just deadness. I checked and rechecked the connection on the voltage regulator. I also put a meter on the battery and its completely dead. Im at a loss of ideas right now. For now Im just going to see what I can see and try to figure it out, but any help or suggestions are always appreciated. I might need a little help on this one.

Thank you in advance everyone,

John

[motorman7]

Funny, I had a similar thing happen on my '73 and now am a bit afraid to drive it for fear I will get stranded. Aside from the voltage regulator, which I would like to replace, my guess was that the problem on my car was the battery hold down bracket. It seems a little too close to the terminals and I am thinking something may have shifted while going around a curve. I will monitor and keep posted.

[JohnnyP]

Thank you, I'll check that out on my car as well!

[JohnnyP]

Just tested the alternator.....she bad.

[spitz17]

Get the 280ZX 70 Watt Alternator for an internal regulator! If you don't care about originality so much... Much worth it.

[SteveJ]

FYI, common wisdom (for whatever that's worth) usually says to replace the regulator & alternator as a pair. I didn't do that in my 73 when the regulator went south, but apparently a lot of people see the two die as a set.