AndysPlit

Wow.....I've been running a 160 thermostat for years!!! . An old Z garage that closed out here years ago talked me into it. Hmmm....I will definitely take the advice on this thread. My gauge still reads really low. I'm wondering if it has gone bad...The gauge that is, or the sending unit.

very inspirational thread. LA? I'm in Altadena.

I'm not sure if my gauge is reading right at 130-140 degrees. I have a 160 degree thermostat along with the new 3 row. I'm curious what others are running at that have the same radiator?

Offer $2500

Thank you so much! Yes, I ordered a new fusible link today and another cover. Over the years I have replaced all of the fuses down there. Yup, best to keep on top of them I agree. Thanks again, and I look forward to that FSM.

But, I only tried it when things were desperate

Got her running It was not a fuel issue after all. There was gas in the hose connected to the fuel filter. So.....I started looking elsewhere. It was a faulty wire on the positive battery terminal. Yeah, kinda embarrassing to admit, but glad it was an easy fix. She put out white smoke from the exhaust, but I didn't hear any backfiring, etc. I'm going to assume (for now) that it's really old fuel that needs to be blown out. I had the head gasket changed, so I doubt it's that. Anyway, thanks everyone for the tips! Much appreciated.

Thank you I'm no mechanic, but I try to do my own work as much as possible. I appreciate the support. One fusible link wire did burn out, but I fixed that. I found some spare copper wire and crimped it tightly to the connectors. That gave the car life for a second after starting, but before when I blew the wire the car wouldn't start at all. I will order a new one soon as my "McGayver" job is for the short term. I hate those links by the way. The battery is brand new. I believe I am hearing a humming after turning the key. The pump was replaced a couple years ago, with very little mileage since then. So, I do think that might be the pump making the hum. I will check the line from the filter. Been thinking about that as well. If I am getting fuel, I suppose it's time to check those other things you mentioned. I will report back this evening!

Tried that....

I have an old water pump for a 280Z, and a stock radiator that needs to be rodded out. Also upper and lower hoses for the radiator as well. Mike, I see you have a 240Z. I think the pumps are the same for 70-83.

Hehe....You're right. I am still a beginner when it comes to working on the car. This started as a simple radiator / water pump job, now a "starting" issue. I did state that the engine does crank once in a while, but dies after a second. Thank you for your tips. I'm really in this alone, so I am having to learn by trial and error. I'll get her started for sure. Diagnosing the problem over the internet can be tricky, I agree

I recently installed this upgrade that is currently on sale at Motorsport Auto. It's a beautiful aluminum radiator that is suppose to improve cooling. The only issue I have experienced upon installation was getting the stock fan shroud to line up correctly for mounting. The radiator has two clips that slightly stick out by the top mounting holes that interfere with the shroud, hence leaves a gap between the shroud and radiator. I had to saw the clips off for the shroud to fit as flush as possible. However, the holes did not line up accurately. The best solution I found was to start with the bottom screws (yes, at the very bottom of the shroud), as those are practically the only useful ports to screw anything. The side mounting is useless unfortunately, as the holes just don't line up as they should. Also, even after sawing the clips there is still a slight gap between the shroud and radiator, but I'm hoping this will not compromise cooling too much. The small gap is due to the top of the shroud sticking out a little and not lining up correctly with the top edge of the radiator. It's a few millimeters of a gap. I'm still trying to figure out the best solution to secure the top of the shroud as there is a little play in it. Of course I could drill new holes which I am reluctant to do. Even if the side mounting was perfect, I found that the top of the fan blade would come into contact with the shroud....hence why I opted to screw the bottom first to give the blade the needed clearance. Also to note, I had to use bolts on the other side of the radiator to secure into into the frame of the car. The aftermarket radiator has a couple quirks that I think can be worked with, but it's not as easy as a stock radiator. Has anyone else experienced these issues? Any suggestions?

Yes, I remember seeing him around a lot. My condolences to all of you that knew him personally, or simply had a connection through this wonderful site. We lost Mike of Sunrise Z (Glendale, CA) in 2010 and that was hard for me, the shop, and all his customers. I have another Z "guru" that is battling cancer, and it's not looking too great right now. We can only carry the torch when our fellow Z friends have to go. I owe a lot to all the folks that helped me with my cars, and make me feel part of an actual community.

Hmmm.....I think I will start with the starting fluid in the intake. Forgive me, but which hose or part would be appropriate for this?

Hmmm....I can dump the fuel for sure. The plugs, rotor, and filter were installed less than a year ago. Can those really go bad after 6 months of sitting? I wonder if there's moisture built up in the gas tank or even distributor cap. Yeah, the pressure needed to start again makes sense.

The battery was changed yesterday. The other parts were changed before she sat.....If there is corrosion where can I check?

This car has been sitting for about six months. The alternator, battery, fuel pump, filter, and plugs had all been changed previously. She'll fire up, crank over and then die within a second or so. I'll try starting her again, and she won't even turn over. If I wait for a couple minutes, she'll crank, but die again after a second. I don't think it's the starter, rather a fuel issue. Any thoughts?

The t-tops are nice. The hub caps are bad. Other than that the rest of the mods are not unheard of. I believe the overall response in this thread is impacted by the title having "280ZX" in it.

Thanks for confirming my suspicions on the 260. I'll try to have more of a sense of humor at the next show.

Thanks man. We did that a few months ago for ****s and giggles. Fun show!

Rad! It's an experiment showing it to people outside of the band's usual scene. Glad the feedback is alright, after all.

Yikes....

Thanks, and much appreciated! Yes, I'm the singer. I'm use to being among the younger guys in the Z community. But, I've had my 78 for 15 years now I may feature it in the next vid

......Yes, you don't see that everyday BUT, if these are the new standards for judging then I'm not sure what a nice "original and unrestored" Z is worth anymore. Not that the upkeep on my Z is for the show, but what about all the hard work and dedication on those that preserve their beloved vehicles? Those are the guys giving the Z a good name these days. I'm all about random and silly, but when it comes to a car show, c'mon fellas.

Oh wow Cool! Glad you approve!