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Author Topic: 1983 Datsun 280ZX  (Read 145955 times)

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Offline BattleHymn

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #400 on: October 06, 2010, 06:35:52 PM »
Quote from: chris_ on October 06, 2010, 06:05:36 PM
The fuel line going to what I'm guessing is the cold start valve got swapped out at some point for a porous, fabric-type hose that leaked fuel like crazy.  I think it might have something to do with the poor start/run conditions I've been dealing with.  Swapped it out with an appropriate hose and everything seems to be running a bit better at this point. 

Also, a 1/2-inch clamp is not a suitable replacement for a 1/4.  Nothing like getting a gasoline spritz right in the face.

That fabric braided hose may have been the original hose.  I've replaced several such hoses on my Zs, but couldn't tell you if the one to the cold start valve was cloth braided originally. 
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #401 on: October 06, 2010, 06:44:42 PM »
I wasn't sure if it was original or not.  After my experience with the previous owner, I naturally assumed he put the wrong type of hose on the fuel line.  That thing sweat so much fuel, my guess is that it was causing a drop in pressure.  Whenever I drove somewhere and shut the car off, I always had a hard time getting it to start again. 

I'm still looking for the coolant leak but haven't gotten around to removing the skid plate and checking the lines running to the transmission.
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #402 on: October 20, 2010, 07:21:58 PM »
I'm surprised this damn car hasn't exploded yet.  I swapped out the spark plugs with new ones and noticed that two of the plug wires were cut and the core was exposed.  By what, I have no idea, but I swapped them out with the ones on the other car.  Fired right up and ran pretty well even accounting for the exhaust leak.  Sputtered a bit but it didn't stall at the store like it was doing before during short trips.

I really need to fix that exhaust leak.
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #403 on: October 23, 2010, 05:59:27 PM »
I guess we'll try this again.



Broke a couple studs off, so I had to bring the exhaust manifold home with me.  This one looks a little nicer than the last one I picked up.  The camshaft looks usable, which is good.
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Offline true_blood

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #404 on: October 26, 2010, 08:14:23 PM »
The studs holding the exhaust broke? Now, what do you do to get that exhaust off? Have them tapped, maybe?
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #405 on: October 26, 2010, 08:15:53 PM »
Yes.  I picked up a torch and a set of extractor bits.  I made some progress drilling pilot holes for them yesterday.  I'm going to cut the header pipes off the manifold flange with an angle grinder later, because this thing weighs about a hundred pounds with the pipes attached.
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Offline true_blood

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #406 on: October 26, 2010, 08:18:57 PM »
I take it you are using new headers? Going to clean up the heads as well?
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #407 on: October 26, 2010, 08:21:45 PM »
Yes and yes.  I'm just going to clean it up and swap it out with the head on the '82.  The last N47 head I picked up was slightly warped... I managed to get this one off without warping it.

Can't find my pipe wrench. :mad:
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Offline true_blood

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #408 on: October 26, 2010, 08:23:33 PM »
Very nice. Is this for the daily driver or the "spare" car?
Good luck man! :cheersmate:
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #409 on: October 26, 2010, 08:27:18 PM »
I haven't really decided.  I may put it on the daily driver to make it a little more interesting, but I have to fix a few problems first.  It's still difficult to start when it's warm, so I'm going to swap the cold start valve and thermotime switch over from the other car to see if that fixes it.  If not, I get to take the glove compartment out to get to the fuel pump relay.  The fuel pump in the newer car is loud compared to the other car -- I'm wondering if the relay is overheating and causing the pump to work overtime.

Kinda wish I didn't have to be at work tomorrow.  It rained today and I didn't get anything done.
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Offline true_blood

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #410 on: October 26, 2010, 08:30:25 PM »
It's always something with cars Chris, but I still love'em. (The same with women! lol :lmao:)
Good luck! :cheersmate: Let us know you made out.
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Offline true_blood

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #411 on: October 28, 2010, 08:18:15 PM »
Make any progress on the header and manifold/head?
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #412 on: October 28, 2010, 08:19:33 PM »
No, I've been busy with the finicky fuel system on the other car and my new job.  I'm going to swap over a couple sensors Friday after work (if I survive).
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Offline true_blood

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #413 on: October 28, 2010, 08:22:07 PM »
Very cool man. Good luck! :cheersmate:
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #414 on: October 28, 2010, 08:32:52 PM »
The dumb kid I bought it from said something about his dad replacing the distributor.  I really can't figure it out.  Runs like crap when warm, runs fine when cold.
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #415 on: October 29, 2010, 07:35:18 PM »


I have to admit, the turbo wheels do look good on this model.  I think I may have to reconsider not buying a set.
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Offline true_blood

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #416 on: October 29, 2010, 08:27:46 PM »
Did you get a chance to work on it today Chris?
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #417 on: October 29, 2010, 08:28:30 PM »
Naw, it got dark two hours ago.  I'll mess with it tomorrow.
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #418 on: October 30, 2010, 05:10:49 PM »
Well, the throttle valve sensor is not the culprit.  I replaced some cracked vacuum lines (20 feet of hose -- damn California emissions) and it's running a bit smoother, but the start/stall issue is still there.

I'll check the air flow meter and fuel relay tomorrow.
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Offline true_blood

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #419 on: October 30, 2010, 05:24:16 PM »
She's keeping you busy, that's for sure. Sounds like a "heat soak" issue maybe. Maybe take off the starter and check the solenoids. Some of the bolts may be loose? How close is the starter to the header(s)? Maybe try wrapping the header or headers?
Good luck man! :cheersmate:
« Last Edit: October 30, 2010, 05:28:12 PM by true_blood »
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #420 on: October 30, 2010, 05:32:59 PM »
The starter is fine.  It's the stalling immediately afterward that I'm having a problem with.
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Offline BattleHymn

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #421 on: October 31, 2010, 12:57:46 AM »
Quote from: true_blood on October 30, 2010, 05:24:16 PM
How close is the starter to the header(s)? Maybe try wrapping the header or headers?
Good luck man! :cheersmate:

ZX have a gear reduction starter that sits on the opposite side of the motor (not a crossflow engine design). 

I had a problem similar that I traced to a problem with the air flow flap meter.

You might also want to check and make sure your throttle position sensor is set properly. 

Best of luck, man.  I hate working on stuff when it is cold.   :p
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #422 on: October 31, 2010, 04:35:16 PM »
Fugh.  I finally got the cold start and thermotime valves swapped over from the other car.  The cold start valve on the '82 is slightly larger than the one that was installed on the '83 and I had a hell of a time getting the fuel lines back in place.  The termotime valve is only activated when the water temp reads 170 or higher, so I may have to take it for a drive to make sure it's fixed, but it fired right up after I got everything bolted back together. 
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #423 on: October 31, 2010, 07:07:04 PM »
That was disappointing.  Looks like I'm back at square one.

I did get $20 off a new K&N filter, so that's cool.
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Offline Chris_

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Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #424 on: October 31, 2010, 08:43:18 PM »
Quote from: BattleHymn on October 31, 2010, 12:57:46 AM
I had a problem similar that I traced to a problem with the air flow flap meter.

You might also want to check and make sure your throttle position sensor is set properly. 
That's next on my list.  I grabbed an EFI supplement to the factory service manual that Datsun uses.  I'll just have to take my time and run down each test one at a time.  My fuel pump is pretty loud, though, so I may check it first.

I'm planning ahead for the cold weather this year.

« Last Edit: October 31, 2010, 08:47:19 PM by chris_ »
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