I just bought a '76 280z with the stock L28E engine. After a few minutes of driving (either city or highway), the temp goes up and past the redline as the engine overheats. When I stop there is vapor escaping from one of the hoses (heater core I think). I tested my thermostat and it opens/closes fine. I flushed the radiator and unplugged its top hose. When I run the engine, no coolant comes out from that hose. Could it be my water pump, or something else?

YEs, probably water pump.

btw I was in just Montreal.

I can't figure out how to get to it. I can't seem to take off the fan shroud without taking off the radiator and vice-versa.

How'd you like the town?

Studied at Concordia in 88. Love the city.F1 was great in the rain on the 12th.

For your problem I am not sure how to proceed as my Z and others I worked on did not have shrouds.

Check the details in the Factory Service Manual. You can get one here: http://hammondsplains.com/fsm/

If the fan shroud in your 76 is like how it was in my 78, it's actually TWO pieces, a top, and a bottom. There are bolts/screws that hold the upper and lower halfs together. I was having trouble with it too till I realized it's made of two pieces and i separated them.

If your going to replace the pump do your self a big favor and get the studs also. They have a nasty tendency to break either when you're unscrewing them or when you're tightening them down. Also, take your time when you do it. Make sure everything is nice and flat when you reinstall it, don't want any leaking.

This could be something as simple as an air lock in the cooling system.

Had this in my 240. Had to loosen the engine side hose and burp out the air.

when I changed my water pump i disconnected the fan shroud and draped it over the fan out of the way, removed the radiator, then I was able to take the shroud off, then I was able to remove the fan and clutch to get to the water pump. While the radiator is out, try to rinse off the bugs and dirt from the fins. Dont scrub, just use soap and water.

Thanks everyone for your input. I'll be pulling the unit over the weekend and give you an update.

An overly lean fuel mixture can make an engine run hot. Look at the plugs white is too lean.

Do you have a pop out the intake?

Also ck fan clutch too.

Well thanks everyone. Was able to pull and replace the unit. Also replaced 2 hoses that seemed pretty worn. All runs at normal temps now.

Great! Enjoy the summer!