Getting my 72 Z To Run

[NCdatsunZ]

Hi

I'm going to try and crank my Z and get it running again.

I have all new fuel hoses, a new fuel pump, fuel filter. I did the Z Therapy carburetor rebuild. I had the gas tank boiled out and sealed.

The car is definitely getting spark. Is there a way I can check to see that fuel is getting through the carbs and into the engine without cranking the car? And is there any other advice or things I should do before I try and get the car started?

Thanks

Will

[tamo3]

Why are you trying to avoid cranking engine? Plug clear tube in the fuel line and crank the engine is easy way to find out whether gas is coming or not.

[Oiluj]

If you don't have an electric fuel pump, it can take a lot of revs to get the fuel pumped from the tank to the carbs.

I squirt a bit a fuel in each carb to get the engine to run in short bursts. Usually takes two to three squirts/runs. Then you are good to go without draining your battery.

[Captain Obvious]

Is there a way I can check to see that fuel is getting through the carbs and into the engine without cranking the car? And is there any other advice or things I should do before I try and get the car started?

Unless you have an electric pump, then no. With a mechanical pump only, there is really no good way to see that fuel is getting through the carbs and into the engine without cranking the car.

I would suggest two options... Either 1) crank the car until the pump primes and starts supplying fuel, or 2) prefill the carb bowls with fuel using a funnel and short piece of tubing. The engine should run for way long enough for the fuel pump to start supplying fuel by the time the bowls are sucked dry.

If as part of the carb rebuild process you didn't already verify the float bowl levels by filling up the carb bowls with fuel and looking at the level using a clear tube on the outlet nipple, then now is your chance and in this case, I would recommend option 2.

If you already verified the level with the carbs off the car, then either option will work, however, if you choose option 1, then I recommend you pull the plugs and disconnect the primary side of the coil until you know the fuel system is working properly. That will ease the strain on the associated parts and allow you to crank longer and faster without damaging anything.

[Bonzi Lon]

On mine, with a mechanical pump only, I removed the valve cover and worked the pump arm by hand until fuel expelled out the return line into the temporary fuel can.

Bonzi Lon