OFFICIAL 280Z "Fuel Damper" thread!

[Consigli]

The FUEL DAMPER on my 1978 280Z is leaking and dripping gasoline. Aside from the obvious safety issues, it creates a pressure loss in the fuel system. The FUEL DAMPER sits directly above the fuel pump. Its purpose is to provide a smooth flow of fuel to the engine, so it is unwise to bypass it. This is Nissan part 22675-N4205 which is NLA and very hard to find. It was used in the 280Z, 280ZX, 810 & 200SX. The early unit has the adjusting bolt while the later unit does not. But both have the same part numbers and function the same. See the pictures. I have called all the usual vendors and have had no luck in finding one. Motorsport says they can’t even get it out of Japan anymore. The day may come when you may need one of these. If anyone has used a new aftermarket part with success please let us know what it is with the part number. And if you have a NOS one for sale, please let me know. Thank you. 

[Zed Head]

The newer designs attach right to the fuel rail,with an o-ring seal.  But you might try something like this - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/smp-fpd1/overview/  You need 5/16" barbs though, which is small.  Check the OEM applications to see if you can find hose size.  Or go to OReilly and see if they have one you can measure.  You would probably be fine mounting it in the engine bay also, closer to the injectors.

 

Here are some more options - http://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/fuel-system-pulsation-dampers

 

I know someone who actually tuned their damper using the adjustment bolt.  He had someone turn the adjuster while he watched a pressure gauge.  When the needle stopped bouncing he was done.  But the later models probably have better damping materials or design so don't need tuning.

[Consigli]

What do you think of this one? They call it a "pressure regulator" but it looks like a dampner to me. It looks really close to original. My car is all original so I'd like to stay as close to factory as possible.

 

 http://www.summitracing.com/parts/smp-fpd26

[Zed Head]

That's probably as close as you'll get.  It's actually a Nissan design, for the 280ZX, 810 and 200SX.

 

Click on the FPD26 number in the description here - https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?catalog=154&partnum=FPD26&a=www.google.com%2BSearch%2Bfor%2BSTANDARD%2BMOTOR%2BPRODUCTS%2BFPD26&blanktemplate=true

 

Cheaper too.

[Zed Head]

I read a few things.  Always good to have a new reason to learn about an obscure part.

 

It's not really clear what the damper is actually for.  Some say it's actually there to damp the pump pulses from the original Bosch pump.  So if you have an aftermarket pump, maybe it's not necessary.  Some say that aftermarket FPR's have built-in damping ability.  No proof, just statements from nowhere.  Some say you'll have a poor idle if you don't have a damper.  Many say that the engineers wouldn't have put it there if it wasn't needed.

 

Seems like the best reason to damp might be to make parts last longer.  The hydraulic hammering from injectors opening and closing and stiff fuel lines might make parts wear faster.  Either the pump or the injectors.  Maybe it's actually there to protect the Bosch pump.

 

Just adding a few things to think about.  Good luck.

[Zed Head]

Tried to add that damper to the basket in Rockauto and it says NLA.  No luck.  All of the old EFI  cars used an inline damper though.  VW, Toyota, BMW.

 

99% sure you can run without a damper while you're looking.  Cabin noise and, possibly, idle fluctuation, seem to be the major reasons to have one.

 

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12239-012-0014-7

 

http://papers.sae.org/2000-01-1086/

 

http://papers.sae.org/971071/

[EuroDat]

If you can't find one, I have a couple here (bosch and JECS). Shipping is going to be expensive.

You need to stop thinking datsun & JECS. Datsun simply copied Bosch, and I mean really copied.

There are plenty of Bosch units out there for BMW, Volvo, Jag, Renault, Citoren, Alfa etc and they will fit.

Try this link. Its the same as the 76 280Z.

https://www.rexbo.eu/bosch/pulsation-damper-fuel-supply-system-280161006?c=100269

Sucess.

[Consigli]

For about a year, I've been chasing a cold start problem. The first start of the day is always hard and takes a few tries and many seconds to catch. Afterwards it starts fine. I've attributed the problem to a pressure loss somewhere in the system. It now has all new fuel lines, injectors, cold start valve, fuel pressure regulator, thermotime switch & new factory fuel pump. And yet, the cold start problem persists. After doing some reading, I'm starting to think its the Fuel Damper that been causing the problem all along. I think its been leaking for a long time and causing the pressure loss in the system. I could smell the gas fumes in the air but didn't know where it was coming from. Now the leak has gotten worse and its actually dripping. So when I get it replaced, I'll know if it was causing the hard start problem all along. 

[rcb280z]

I have just discovered the same issue with my Z, the leaky damper. And like you I have searched high and low with no luck. I'm running an aftermarket fuel pump so I will be removing my damper and will post results. I'm hopping to find that I don't really need it. According to the guys at MSA a few of their customers are running without one with no complaints.

[zKars]

If you can't find one, I have a couple here (bosch and JECS). Shipping is going to be expensive.

You need to stop thinking datsun & JECS. Datsun simply copied Bosch, and I mean really copied.

There are plenty of Bosch units out there for BMW, Volvo, Jag, Renault, Citoren, Alfa etc and they will fit.

Try this link. Its the same as the 76 280Z.

https://www.rexbo.eu/bosch/pulsation-damper-fuel-supply-system-280161006?c=100269

Sucess.

Chas has the right idea. Part is available through Amazon.com and many others I'm sure.

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-0280161006-Fuel-Pressure-Damper/dp/B000CF5W10

[rcb280z]

Just looked at that one and will consider it after trying to run without one. I don't want to spend the money to find out it wont work, yet. And I don't want to replace it with a used one again. Thanks for the info zKars

[darom]

I've been running my 76 for 2 years without the damper (MSD fuel pump). My old damper leaked. I installed an inline fuel pressure sending unit/gauge and don't see any fuel pressure abnormal fluctuations during idle/driving. The idle is steady.