Engine shut off while driving, intermittent starting issue

ARAZ97

MEMBER
1986 NISSAN 300ZX
V6
2WD
MANUAL
130,000 MILES

My car's engine shut off last weekend while driving and wouldn’t start back up. Since then, it’ll start sometimes, and other times won’t. All electrical systems still work, and the engine will turn with the key in the ignition but won’t start back up. Any tips? Right now, I think it may be a fuel pump.

Thursday, April 7th, 2022 AT 10:44 AM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,055 POSTS

Hi,

What you described can be caused by a couple of different things. First, when it won't start, see if it will using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we will know it if fuel related. If there is no change, then it is likely ignition related. In that case, I need you to check for spark to the plugs. Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

If there is no spark, my first suspect is the crank angle sensor in the distributor. See pic below for location.

Let me know if you are comfortable doing this and the results.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Thursday, April 7th, 2022 AT 6:07 PM

ARAZ97

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Joe,

I tried your suggestion with the starter fluid and had no luck. After checking to see if the plugs were sparking at the distributor. I think you’re right about the issue being with the distributor, as the spark plugs are only 3ish months old. You’re a legend, now I can start to get her road worthy again. Thanks a lot mate!

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Friday, April 8th, 2022 AT 6:51 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,055 POSTS

You are very welcome. Let me know what you find or if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

PS: Great car. I once had a 240Z. I hung 6-weber side draft carbs on it. I had a lot of fun in that car. Glad I'm still alive. LOL

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Friday, April 8th, 2022 AT 6:09 PM