Trouble keeping it running

[Koss]

I have tried searching the forum, but the post I find are all on 280Z. I may be incompetent, but here we go again

Basically I have some trouble keeping the engine running. I have no trouble starting it. It starts first try, runs pretty good, and idles at around 750-800rpm.

Trouble usually starts after 10-15 minutes of driving when it starts to get warm and hits operating temperature.

When the engine is warm, and I stop, idle is around 1200rpm (sometimes a bit higher). After some driving I start losing power. Suddenly it won't go past 2-2500rpm. And when pushing the throttle, almost nothing happens.

Sometimes it gets better again after a couple of seconds, if not I have to pull over. I turn the engine off, wait half a minute, and fire her up again. (It comes back, but I was able do get back home) Also, when I pull over after losing power, idle is usually really unstable. I let the car run on idle for a minute and idle was around 1500 and 600RPM, and then stopped when getting too low.

I was wondering if any of you have had the same problem, or any advice on where I should start. Ignition timing, carburetor adjustments, Air-fuel ratio?

Also, I have some knocking going on in the back whenever I leave the throttle. I'll have a closer look at it this weekend.

[SteveJ]

Does it have the original ignition (points)? If so, I would suspect the coil. If you replace the coil, replace the ballast resistor at the same time.

If the ignition has been changed to an electronic ignition, that's where you should start your search.

[Koss]

It has been changed to an electronic ignition. The coil is somewhat smaler, and the distributor says Nissan Ignmodul E12-92. Took a couple of photos.

[SteveJ]

That's a distributor from an 82 or 83 280ZX. When the car is warm and exhibiting problems, try spraying some freeze spray (or upside down can of air) on the ignition module. If that improves the situation, the module is probably on its way out. You can buy a replacement through RockAuto.com. If it doesn't help, try doing the same to the coil. Again, if it improves, replace the coil.

If there is no change, I suggest that you download an 82 or 83 FSM to see what diagnostics Nissan suggested for the ignition system, unless someone else has a better suggestion.

[Koss]

I've been waiting to trying the freeze spray, but the last weeks have been rain, rain and more rain. But today the weather finally got better.

I tried taking it for a test drive, trouble was, today it was even worse. I was able to drive more than a hundred yards before I lost all power and the car stopped.

I tried firing her up a gain, she started, but was rough on the idle, but staid around 900rpm. But as soon as there's a load, it drops in the rpm, and dies. Had to tow it back to the garage.

I was able to try the freeze spray, didn't make a difference. The engine didn't have time to get warm before it stopped the first time