Multiple problems, 1st time owner.

[bhermes]

Not sure how to post to this forum.

Just purchased a 1976 280Z 2+2. First week I have already replaced the alternator and installed a drivers side door. I have three projects to complete this weekend.

1) Dash lights not working? Not sure where to start. Thought I would replace all of the fuses. Also concerned about the Panel-Light Switch/Rheostat. The tail lights are working and the brake light is staying on. The little voltage light also works. Any help here would be appreciated?

2) Brakes? The previous owner supposedly just replaced the front pads. I am getting a lot of squealing. I know that this is a common issue. Any thoughts on what I should due to eliminate the squealing noise?

3) Small gas leak just outside the fuel tank. What is the part mounted their? It might just be a loose tube connection but not sure. Again any thoughts or help?

Last thing is that after about 4" of rain the next day the car seemed to have a little trouble starting and did not drive as well as prior to the rain. I am suspecting the distributor cap or somehow water in the gas.

Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

On a more positive note the car runs great and only has 80,000 miles and very little rust. Poor paint job but before I repaint I want to get the car running perfectly.

[26th-Z]

Click on the downloads tab at the top tool bar and in the file "Z documents" you'll find a wiring diagram for your car. Sould be some help chasing down your electrical / lighting issues. Yes, at least take the fuses out and clean the contacts. For that matter, clean the wiring connectors in the circuits you're having problems with.

THe squealing could be that the rotor is not true and smooth. They may need to be turned, but try some anti-squeal ointment from your local auto store.

Gas leak should be chased down and repaired immediately.

After a rain with high humidity in the air, the car's electronics could easily be affected. Especially if the car sat out in the rain. Make sure all your electrical connections and contacts are clean and in good repair. How old are the spark plug wires? I seriously doubt that water gets in the gas during a rainstorm unless you left the gas cap open!

[FastWoman]

First, WELCOME and congratulations! You'll love your "new" car, once you get it straightened out!

Let's see...

Dash lights: NONE of them are working? Probably a bad/dirty rheostat. Clean with contact cleaner. Also clean your fuse block with contact cleaner. You can't find the original panel bulbs, but you can replace them with Eizo A-72 bulbs...

http://bulbster.com/lightbulbs/eiko-a72-48002-p-3002.html

Brake light staying on: There used to be a little rubber plug in a hole in your brake pedal arm, just underneath the brake light switch. It's rotted and fallen out. Substitute a bolt. Smooth the head, and apply a tiny bit of grease to it.

Not familiar with the "voltage light." Can you elaborate?

Squealing brakes: Might need to turn the rotors, but sometimes you can just roughen them up with a very coarse grit of sandpaper. You can also try washing down the rotors and pads with brake cleaner.

Small gas leak: Honestly, I'd recommend you pull your tank and fuel/air separator, clean out the tank, check all the fittings, and replace all the hoses. There are many threads on it. Click on the magnifying glass at the upper right (search) to search for those threads. It's a nice, not too difficult little project. Be sure to use all fuel-rated hoses, including the large 5/8" diameter vent hoses. You can get those from a tractor supply company.

General advice: You should definitely get a factory service manual for your car (the Datsun publication). If you search only a short while, you'll find out where to download a copy for free. However, I prefer the paper copy, which can be found from time to time on Ebay or Amazon. Each year is different, so get the right year.

Eric (Cozye) is a fellow Kentuckian, although I don't know where in KY he lives. You might give him a shout. He knows quite a lot about the EFI 280Z engines and does some very impressive body work.

Again, welcome!