Hi Guys,
I just joined the forum. I bought a 77 280Z 3-speed auto.The car has been sitting for about 4-5 years. We had to load it on the trailer. It is clean inside and no serious rust issues.
I checked the transmission oil and it seems to be in a decent color. Engine oil was dark.
I am planning to take the engine and trans pans off and clean them as much as possible before putting the new oil and try to start it up. Brake system also needs clean/flush.

There seems to be a thermal/vacuum switch on the top of the engine - just left to the valve cover. It has two ports but one is broke. Anyone know what this switch is for? and replacement part#?

Would appreciate some advice before I start to do anything.

Thanks.

Mine was broken too.  It's part of the EGR system which I deleted, we don't have emission tests in Alabama.

@Av8ferg might have found a new replacement from  rockauto.com, I can't remember though but he'll see this and hopefully can help you.

Welcome to our forum.  You'll get all the help you can stand from these guys here.

Post up some pictures when you can, we really like that "Z porn". 

Yep, that’s the Thermal Vacuum Vlave.  The 1977 is unique and I learned that the hard way.  A 1978 will not fit.  Here’s a link to a new 1977 one.  

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/15-6173

Its a minor pain to install because you will have to remove the housing to install it because the plastic hose connections will keep you from being able to screw it in.  

Let me know if you have more questions 

 

Thanks guys you are awesome!!! I will order this switch.

Also any recommendation on doing anything other than the above before we try to crank it?

Also, i need to urgently guy some used tires as the current ones are flat and damaged. They seems to be stock size 195/70/R14. Any recommendation? should i use the same size on all 4?

@siteunseen porn coming soon.

 

 

I’d take a peek under the valve cover and look at the cam and make sure you lube it up with some engine assembly lube. I’d also crank the engine by hand first to make sure it’s free before cranking.  I’d put some, new oil in first also.  Something temporary to help collect all the gunk in the engine from sitting.  You can replace it again later.  I did this and after the first change and about 30mins of idle time the oil came out really black.  Changed it again and now it’s clean.  Dont ruisk running contaminated oil through your head.  

 

5 hours ago, MH77280Z said:

Hi Guys,
I just joined the forum. I bought a 77 280Z 3-speed auto.The car has been sitting for about 4-5 years. We had to load it on the trailer. It is clean inside and no serious rust issues.
I checked the transmission oil and it seems to be in a decent color. Engine oil was dark.
I am planning to take the engine and trans pans off and clean them as much as possible before putting the new oil and try to start it up. Brake system also needs clean/flush.

There seems to be a thermal/vacuum switch on the top of the engine - just left to the valve cover. It has two ports but one is broke. Anyone know what this switch is for? and replacement part#?

Would appreciate some advice before I start to do anything.

Thanks.

Just did this. Rock auto, Z car depot and MSA have the switch. It’s about 35$. Biggest issue I had was replacing the small 5/16” formed  hose that carried the coolant to the valve. 

If the rest of your EGR system is there and working then I’d say fix this. A lot of connected parts to the EGR system, so delete one part , you might as well delete all- but that’s a lot more work

I agree on "fix it". If your location of 95050 is Santa Clara, CA I believe your car's year still needs to pass emissions.

Eveyone loves pics on the forum....why are you holding out on us?  Its like the plastic sleves over dirty magazines in 7/11, everyone wants to peek.  

Hey Buddy - coming over weekend. I actually unloaded the car at my mechanic and the tires were so gone it is right now on 4 crutches. I am getting the wheels today powder coated, will share some pics once

she is on 4 wheels :)

This is one I have at the moment...

17 hours ago, Patcon said:

 

Thanks...this is very helpful.