83 280ZX Clutch, cable or hydraulic?

[theyankeepedlar]

Looking for basic info on my 1983 280 ZX. It's been down for almost a year, just no time. 58,000 original miles, purchased from dealer in 2000. I'm not the mechanical type but I would appreciate any info. Thanks, Yankee Pedlar.

[2ManyZs]

All years of the Z had a hydraulic clutch. Check your master cylinder level and then if that is full check your system for leaks. You will find the master cylinder under the hood behind the windshield washer reservoir, at least I think the reservoir is in the same place that it is on earlier cars..

If the fluid is low re-fill it and then check to see if it is leaking, if no leaks, hopefully the clutch will now work OK. If not, then you either need a new master cylinder and/or slave cylinder or the clutch is shot itself....

[theyankeepedlar]

2ManyZ's, I appreciate the timely reply. Ther is absolutely no pressure to the clutch pedal. It is presently sitting on the floor, so I'm sure the master or slave has leaked. Another thing I'm trying to figure is where the safety switch is to keep the car from starting when the clutch is not depressed. Is it in the interior or underneath, maybe even in a housing. I haven't been able to start it for a year, kills me to have it down. I got a car cover but no garage and live in the Ct. area, so I would like to at least have it running, normally it's just the summer car, but this year she may have to deal with the elements. This thing is such a cream-puff, gun-metal blue, 47,000 when we got it from a dealer, the original owner had traded it in. I had an identical 83 with a rotted frame, and was actually thinking of restoring it when we heard about the other for 5,000.00 out the door! Couldn't believe my luck and she deserves better than to sit a year. Time to get off my #ss.Thanks for the help, I'll keep you posted, Pete. P.S. Next time I'll tell you about my first 280 rolling off my stone wall, nose in the street, #ss end in the air and pics to prove it. Great site, by the way!

[2ManyZs]

I'm not too good with the ZX's, but I don't think there is a clutch interlock switch on yours, I believe they may not have started that till later, perhaps 84 and later.