Problems starting 240z

[citizin]

There is a 240z sitting in my garage and I need some advice on how to get it running. It was bought years ago and ran but in poor condition. The guys who sold it had put a 260z's engine into it.

A couple months ago we added gasoline, gave it a new battery and a new ignition coil. I remember at one point after that I got it to roll forward when the key turned. Now it just spins the fan, things on the engine move a bit. I'll probably have to replace the coil again. Distributor and coil were smoking so I left the car alone for a while.

Any advice that could be given from that description would be very helpful. Ask me any questions about the car.

[5thhorsemann]

The distributor & coil were smoking? I'm not sure what ignition you have in there but if you leave the ign switch on with the motor not running, you can smoke your coil and condensor if the points are closed. Also check to see that the resistor is there if your ign sys calls for one. Did they keep round top SU's when they made the motor switch, or does it have the POS flat top intake for the 260? If you have the flatties, you need to trash them along with all the smog gear and get a real intake. Time to get a manual out and see to it that the things that are "moving a bit" should be moving in the first place, and indeed moving as they should. Good luck, sounds like you might need some.

[citizin]

I don't see a resistor but I'm not sure what ignition it has. The carburators are round top. Parts moving on the engine were just from pushing down the pedal.

[5thhorsemann]

There should be a resistor on the drivers side fender, under the coil 1/2" square 2" to 3 " long wired to the coil if you have points. I don't know on a 260Z, but the 240 has one. You are trying to read the mind of the guy that did the swap. You really need a manual to work off of man.

[citizin]

Ok I think I found it behind the radiator. I have both the Chilton manual and the service manuals that I found online. Thing is I just don't know where to began. It is most likely an electric problem I've been told, the spark plugs were checked and are good. One thing that's weird is how the battery will slowly drain if hooked up even when nothings running.

Thanks for the help

Whats actually most confusing right now is how to properly hook up the coil. What happened was we didn't really look at how it was in the first place before we replaced it. The electrical diagram in the book has these color coded wires which I don't have, only black. Also, since the distributor was smoking, does that mean I will have to replace it? I'll have to get another coil for sure but I want to hook it up properly this time.

Edited November 6, 2010 by citizin

[5thhorsemann]

If the coil is leaking tar, replace it. If it shows open or short replace it. You don't have an ignition problem (as a priority) if your batt is getting weak. pull one fuse at a time (key off) and check the voltage drop over each fuse, meaning take a voltage meter and read the voltage across the fuse poles, it should be zero. Make sure everything is off and the doors are closed. you should only be seeing the clock draw at that point. The one that is showing the highest drop, or the highest voltage, is the bigest problem. If you find a blown fuse check that circut and don't forget to work the switches. Take notes of your findings and you will find your trouble quick!

Edited November 7, 2010 by 5thhorsemann
to clearify

[Travel'n Man]

Ray-

The best thing you can do is to take a couple of hours and use the search feature on this site. I'm sure that somebody has battled your same battle and have posted it on this site.......and odds are there are pictures also. So, sit back, do a little studying, a little learning on how these cars work, and life will be much easier after you learn what you have and how you can fix it.

[5thhorsemann]

If your batt is getting weak. pull one fuse at a time (key off) and check the voltage drop over each fuse, meaning take a voltage meter and read the voltage across the fuse poles (without the fuse), it should be zero. Make sure everything is off and the doors are closed. you should only be seeing the clock draw at that point. The one that is showing the highest drop, or the highest voltage, is the bigest problem. Don't forget to take notes of your findings.