deadflo

I just started noticing this condition in my 79 ZX. It only happens when you try to start the car after is has already run and been sitting for about fifteen minutes or so. Sputtering, missing, backfiring. Seems like a "hot soak" issue. I found this link on Zcar.com. Note two other long time 280 Z owners have had the issue recently, for the first time. I just celebrated 20 years with this car, and it's never happened before. Wonder if it's related to ethanol in gas these days? There is a great discussion of it at this link: http://www.zcar.com/forums/883144/vapor-lock-heat-soak-voodoo-whatever-you-wanna-call-it Note the discussion includes references to the check valve on the fuel pump, and fuel pressure issues, but I still wonder about the alcohol fuel, given that it seems to be cropping up more in cars that have never had problems. I'm not even sure where to get non alcohol gas, since all pumps in Washington state say the gas "may contain up to 10 percent ethanol".

Good strategy Walter. My Temp gauge looks like yours in the pic when it gets over 75 Degrees outside. Did you warm up the car with the cap off?

I've never had the problems you mention, but I am curious about the SM needles. Hopefully Bruce will chime in here. I thought they may only be useful if you had done some other mods like head work or a cam where you needed more enrichment at higher RPM's. Would they give you more performance with a mostly stock setup?

Looking at some pics of an Eclipse online, the second generation car could be what it was. It did have that hump on one side of the hood. Wonder if that is on the turbos only?

I was out cruising my favorite backroad this weekend, when I encountered a red sports coupe that came racing out of nowhere and on my tail. I let the guy blow past me, then tried half heartedly to catch up. I know the road pretty well, and really didnt want to over do it. There are some great twisties, and we got up to 85 plus on some straightaways, but I didnt try to over do it on the corners, and did manage to get closer to th guy on some curves. But I really thought"this is some young daredeveil, and I'm way to old and cautious to take any chances." When we hit a long straightaway, I just slowed down to 60. No big deal, Im not trying to win a race, or get killed. I do wonder what kind of car it was. At first , in the rearview mirror, I thought it was a Ford Probe(!?). It had a big hump on one side of the hood, maybe a turbo? It could have been one of the Mitsubishi coupes, but it did handle very well!

Plus Washington state sales tax is 8.7 %, not 9.5%.

I just ordered a tune up kit for the 240Z from Motorsport too, but they sent me the resistor version on the NGK plugs. I've never had any problems with the NGK's, they always worked great for me. I got plugs for the 280ZX as well. For some reason they came in that smaller socket size.

Do you think this tool would make the job easier? Didn't the Idaho guy in what became the Z therapy tune up video make one of these?

A local guy is selling this. Does MSA or anyone still carry these?

http://www.clickspokane.com/z/ What's your read on the story about the 240 head? Not sure which head, exactly.

Looks like they're all sold, the link has expired.

So true,Bruce, was that Mr Deming? I did miss a section of the show. Why exactly was NUMMI closing? Because of the recession in general?

Ok I have been away for awhile, and I understand that Arne painted his red Z. looking good my friend! Did you get the rear panel painted too? it's looks a bit greyer than stock??

Ok I did hear the show today. Anybody else? Pretty enlightening, and some interesting tidbits. Like a GM worker from way back saying how cars would make it through the production line with the ENGINES IN BACKWARDS. Sound like their could have been some quality control issues there?

Look at you, Gary, listening to that NPR again!! But on the podcast??? I'm waiting till Friday at noon for the on air version...

Very cool! Are you sure though, that it has power steering? I cant see the pump or reservoir in your pic? The "non GL" models sold in USA did not have the power steering, but rather, the good ole' rack and pinion from the previous S30. Might be a handful at parking speeds.

Yeah you guys are probably right regarding the Chrysler minivan changing the entire market a great deal. I do know that US automakers eventually had to respond to the VW van, in releasing their own, much larger Vans in the early 60's. And Zhead, I totally relate to your take on the Citroen as an overrated art form, I much prefer the 240-Z, or even the original VW split window bus!!

Thats a pretty good list! I still have two, my 240-Z and my VW Beetle. The only thing I take exception to is the Chrysler mini van. My reasoning? What about the VW van? Introduced in 1950. like about 30 plus years ahead of the Chrysler.

As a 20 year owner of a 79 280ZX , I find this car interesting. Definitely like to see some more pics. I see it does not have the warning system to tell if you are low on water, headlight out etc,and no power windows, but does have a rear window wiper. So its a mix of the "GL" and non GL ZX . Can we see under the hood? Does it have power steering? I'd like to see the injection and intake manifold. Does it have an EGR system? Very cool car!

Heh Heh!! When am i going to see your Z and that Porsche?