260Z Will fire with starter, quits when key is released.

[Jeff Z]

I was hoping the ballast resistor was available, but not surprised it's not. I did find a 3 post resistor on ebay that was advertised as for a 240Z and is 1.6 ohms,

so I  ordered that. If that doesn't work out, and I cannot rig the old one up to work, I will be asking for your kludge fix. I am more about function than elegance. Thanks!

[SteveJ]

Before installing it, I suggest testing it with an ohmmeter.

[Jeff Z]

As it turned out...when I took the Ballast Resistor out, I could see that a stud/post had been sheered off the bottom end (by vibration?) and the nut with it that held on the connecting wire. I simply ran another nut up and down the end of the stud/post to restore the threads, added another nut, secured that wire, reinstalled it and presto - it started and ran fine. Problem solved and after examining the part I received, it looks to be something that should work as a replacement if I ever need it. Thanks to all for the suggestions, especially Steve J.

I now have Seafoam fuel additive stabilizer run through the system to keep it from varnishing up through the winter (though I do start it up every few weeks and let it run for a bit).

[SteveJ]

Thanks for providing an update. It always helps to hear the resolution for us to calibrate our suggestions.

[Jeff Z]

After you spending the time to try to help me out, it was the least I could do! With the number of these cars on the road slowly dwindling, its great to have a forum like this where owners of old Z cars can help each other out. If/when I run into any other challenges and/or fixes, I'll be sure to discuss them here, so that somebody else may benefit. I have had this car for 24 years and plan to keep it until I am too feeble to climb in and out of it, so I am bound to be posting something again someday.