280z fuel consumption problem...

[Milenko2121]

#1 piston is closest to the radiator.

...

That could explain why the timing mark was off >_>

I got a couple questions then.

What happens when your timing is too advanced or retarded, and how would I know?

Because when I set it to 7deg(using my 6th cylinder which I'm going to check tomorrow morning as to what it is with #1 now that I know)

my engine has ran beautifully no hesitation at all up to redline.

Edited December 31, 2011 by Milenko2121

[cozye]

...

That could explain why the timing mark was off >_>

I got a couple questions then.

What happens when your timing is too advanced or retarded, and how would I know?

Because when I set it to 7deg(using my 6th cylinder which I'm going to check tomorrow morning as to what it is with #1 now that I know)

my engine has ran beautifully no hesitation at all up to redline.

Put the timing light on#1. There is no telling where your timing is since you where timing it off #6. My guess is you are probably around 15

[Zed Head]

There is some weirdness here. Shouldn't #6 be on the exhaust stroke, but in the same relative position as #1, when #1 is on the compression (spark) stroke? That wouldn't be 7 1/2 degrees off from where he is now. Seems like someone might have the plug wires in the wrong holes. That might be why he has limited adjustment at the distributor.

You'll probably find that with the timing light on #1 you can't find the timing mark. The other possibility is that you've been looking at the wrong mark on the damper pulley.

Might be best to start from scratch, put the pulley mark at 0 on the pulley, confirm that #1 is on the compression stroke, take the cap off of the distributor, find where the rotor is pointing to establish #1, and get all of the plug wires in the right holes. Then set timing off of #1 plug wire.

p.s. Or, since it is running well, referring back to one of my original comments about making things wrong work right, just drive it and see where things are at before getting back in to it. Someone probably installed the oil pump a tooth off in the past and "made it work".

Edited December 31, 2011 by Zed Head

[cozye]

^ true. I guessed 15 based on his statement that it's running well and there isn't much adjustment left on the distributor. If someone had the firing order wrong, there is no way it would be running well. My guess is that he was looking at a different mark on timing then, or its just wrong.

#1 on the distributor is easy to find, most distributor caps have a line molded in on the side just under the plug wire. Should be towards the radiator side of it right by the latch

[Milenko2121]

didnt have much time to work on my car today, but i checked the timing, and the mark was exactly the same as it was using the 6th cylinder.

also, what are the correct torque settings for the valve cover? and whats the correct way to bolt it on?

[cozye]

Have you downloaded the service manual?

[Milenko2121]

Have you downloaded the service manual?

I have the EFI Bible and the Haynes manual, neither of them say what the correct torque is.

[cozye]

You should use the fsm, it's free and readily available.

http://www.xenons30.com/reference.html

[Milenko2121]

Well, just got my MPG reading today.

14.8mpg

I did however find out that cylinder 1 injector wasn't firing. I apparently didn't get all the corrosion off, but it's fixed now.

Haven't fixed the timing thing yet, been too busy, but I plan on adjusting my valves later this week, and doing the timing correctly.

Also, my front tires were heavily offset which I got fixed today, and wow does it handle/steer better so that had to fix my MPG for sure.

My rear tires apparently are off though, and I can't figure out how to adjust them. They'd toe'd in way too far.

I also did a power test across all cylinders, and it wasn't equal with all of them. I'm not sure if it's my valves, but certain injectors dropped the RPM's more than others, and a few didn't even change a thing. I checked my spark plugs, and they are sparking.

Just seems so odd considering it drives so smooth...

[FastWoman]

Have you read your spark plugs? That's the best way to look for differences between cylinders.

[Zed Head]

You'll find that all of the little things add up. But the EFI 280Zs don't seem to get a whole lot better than low 20s mpg, mixed city and highway driving. Highway driving with a 5 speed would probably get you to mid-20s.

[Milenko2121]

You'll find that all of the little things add up. But the EFI 280Zs don't seem to get a whole lot better than low 20s mpg, mixed city and highway driving. Highway driving with a 5 speed would probably get you to mid-20s.

id love 20

mpg vs

my 14