Shuts off when you let go of the gas, cant idle

[Loganco]

Hey I just bought a 1974 260z for $1200. Its in amazing condition for the price, no rust, good interior (original), original red paint with little oxidization, and new tires. I couldn't drive it when i bought it due to the fact that it was broken into and the aftermarket MSD ignition was stolen (why the price was low). But i figured if the 4 speed manual transmission was shot or the engine busted i could part it out for a decent profit. Well i bought the MSD ($189 at kragens) hooked it up and turned her on. The sound was amazing but before i could drive it she shut off.

It wouldn't idle i could gas it and she would stay running but as soon as I let go of the accelerator it turned off. So my question is why wont it idle? carburetor? (dual webers) Fuel pump? i did replace the fuel filter though it wasn't bad at all.

Thanks for your time, Josh

[5150 will]

Hey, congrats on what sounds like a good find. Sounds to me like a fuel related issue for sure. First off are you sure there's plenty of fresh fuel, especially if the car had been sitting awhile? Second, make sure to check the fuel filters. I'm pretty sure that car has an electric pump near the tank and that pump will have a small strainer type filter which could be clogged. Just a guess and a place to start.

[Loganco]

Thanks for the quick reply! great help i did have a suspicion that it was the fuel pump but i did replace the fuel filter. tomorrow ill fill her up and check the fuel pump, thanks again for the help

[5150 will]

No problem. If you do have a stock type electric fuel pump near the tank, make sure you check that little strainer filter too.

[FastWoman]

I would bet it's either bad gas or clogged carburetor passages.

[Loganco]

by carberator passages what do you mean? thanks again

[FastWoman]

all of the tiny holes that the fuel flows through.

You probably need to order rebuild kits. Disassemble the carbs, soak the parts in carb cleaner, blow out all the tiny holes with compressed air, and reassemble with the new gaskets, O-rings, etc. Be very careful to put them back together the same way they came apart. Take pictures! Do one at a time, so you have the other for reference.