Engine keeps cutting out

Classic Z

Club Member
Hi

I have recently bought a 280z 1977 year. I have been through the car sorting it out.

I have been having 2 problems which I was hoping someone here could help me with.
Firstly the car would turn off all of a sudden whilst driving. I found an issue with the wires that go to the coil and so replaced some of the wires and connectors. However the car is still turning off from time to time but restarts again immediately when this occurs. I wonder if I need a new coil or is it worth changing every wire and connector.

The second problem seems to be a fuelling problem if I am not mistaken. The car is driving along fine then all of a sudden its starts juddering or the accelerator does not do anything at all as if there is no fuel going to the engine. Then all of a sudden the car picks up again and drives well and then after a short while it stats juddering again. Does this sound like a fuelling issue? Would I need a new fuel pump of does it sound electrical? I have given the car a full service and changed the plugs and fuel filter etc.

Grateful for any advice.
 

Classic Z

Club Member
Thanks. Would that cause an intermittent problem? It runs fine with periods of juddering in between.
 

jonbills

Membership Secretary
Site Administrator
Hi and welcome.
The first problem I'd get the FSM from http://www.xenonzcar.com/s30/fsm.html
And work through the troubleshooting guides. I think it could be lots of things.

For the 2nd problem, it does sound like fuel. It's not uncommon for the cars to have rust in the fuel tank that surges and clogs the fuel filters. So have a look at your fuel filter and see if you've got rust particles in it.
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
I've had fuel filters almost blocked by fine rust particles. The car will only run when on a light throttle however it would start afterwards.
 

Classic Z

Club Member
Ok. I see. So I suppose I would need to clean out the fuel tank and replace the filter or buy a new fuel tank.
 

STEVE BURNS

Club Member
First 280ZX I got used drive along fine and all of sudden would cut out and then after a while it would start again and then 5 minutes later cut out again
I got a new pump and it was fine remember striping the old pump apart to see if could work out what caused it and it appeared one of the internal parts was slightly diffent to the others and is thought to be altering the continued fuel pressure
if that makes sense not doubt got the wording slightly wrong
But new pump no more calling out AA two times in the same day
(take it your 280Z still has fuel injection on it)
 

Neil

Club Member
Hi,

I'm in the process of getting a new fuel tank made due to the amount of rust. I had exactly the same issue.

Cheers,
Neil
 

Neil

Club Member
Hi Neil
Could you tell me who is making it for you and how much it costs to have a tank made.

Thanks
Hi,

The company is called alloy radiators in melksham and it will be approx £300.

My tank fell apart when they tested it for a clean.

I can get you sone pictures when its done, I took it in this week, it should be built next weekend.

Cheers,
Neil.
 

Classic Z

Club Member
That would be great Neil. Appreciated.
I had a look online and could only find Arrow radiators not Alloy radiators in Melksham.

Is it Arrow radiators?

Thanks
Paul
 

Neil

Club Member
That would be great Neil. Appreciated.
I had a look online and could only find Arrow radiators not Alloy radiators in Melksham.

Is it Arrow radiators?

Thanks
Paul
Hi Paul,

Yes sorry I had to look them up as well. That is them, I was only given a postcode to drive there as someone I knew recommend them.

Cheers,
Neil.
 

Classic Z

Club Member
Thanks Neil.
So are they making you an alloy fuel tank from scratch for the £300 or so? That's a great price. Would e good to see the photos when it's done. A company quoted me well over £1000 to make one.
 

Neil

Club Member
Thanks Neil.
So are they making you an alloy fuel tank from scratch for the £300 or so? That's a great price. Would e good to see the photos when it's done. A company quoted me well over £1000 to make one.

Not sure if they ate making out of alloy, either way for the money I couldn't find anyone close. I'll let you know the results.
 

Classic Z

Club Member
Hi.

Thought I would update the post in case it helps anyone else in the future. I have discovered that my electronic ignition control module is faulty and this apparently is causing the issue. The car runs fine for 15 minutes or so and only has problems when it's hot.

I'll change that part and see if it solves the problem. I am finding it hard to find a module. Does anyone here know where to get one from?

Thanks
 

Classic Z

Club Member
That's a great help. Hopefully now can get the 280z running well.

Thanks to everyone on here for all the help.
 
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